- Virginia DOT Seeks Public Input On Proposed 11-Mile Extension Of 495 Express Lanes
- Florida Officials Show No Inclination To Extend Toll Relief Program
- These are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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Virginia DOT Seeks Public Input On Proposed 11-Mile Extension Of 495 Express Lanes
Virginia DOT has started a public information and comment process on its proposal to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by 11 miles, WJLA reports. The plan would add tolled managed lanes east from Springfield, where I-95, I-395,and I-495 converge, across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, and into Maryland’s Prince George’s County at the SR 210 interchange. The department’s I-495 Southside Corridor Study, which began in early 2022, has cleared some administrative hurdles despite pushback by some smart growth advocates. An environmental assessment is pending.
A series of VDOT in-person public meetings is focusing on three alternatives — no-build, one lane, and two lanes — now under consideration. The first session took place last night. Three more are scheduled for this evening, April 7, and April 9. The department has also opened a virtual public information room. More project documents and directions for submitting comment, which is due by April 21, are accessible at the project website.
95/395/495 Express Lanes (Metro Washington DC) Express Lanes Maryland Transurban Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)Florida Officials Show No Inclination To Extend Toll Relief Program
WTSP reports, Florida’s 2024 Toll Relief Program, which expired on Monday, seems unlikely to be revived. Although the state legislature is in session, members “have not renewed the program for 2025, citing concerns over its $500 million annual cost and its impact on funds allocated for highway construction and maintenance.” The program’s chief proponent, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) reportedly stated, “I think it’s been helpful . . . I’d support continuing it,” but he didn’t include the necessary funding in his annual budget proposal.
Florida DOT’s comment on the status quo was: “The Toll Relief Program was authorized to run between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. While final numbers will be calculated in the coming weeks, $450 million in toll relief credits are expected to be issued for the 2024-2025 program. While the program comes to a close on March 31, SunPass customers continue to save an average of 25% on tolls every day just by having a SunPass transponder, making it the most affordable option for traveling Florida’s toll roads. We encourage all drivers to take advantage of the savings. . . .”
Florida Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) Florida's Turnpike Enterprise (FTE) Toll Exemption, Discount And Equity ProgramsThese are just some of the toll industry developments TRN is following.
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