Issue Position: I-66

Issue Position

I-66 Spot Improvements

The first phase of this project, which extended the auxiliary lane between Fairfax Drive and Sycamore Street in Arlington County opened in December 2011. This is the first of three spot improvements designed to reduce congestion in the corridor. Improving I-66 is a security issue, a safety issue, a mobility and quality of life issue and an environmental issue. The second phase of the project is expected to be completed in early 2015.

For several years, I worked with former Rep. Tom Davis to obtain almost $30 million in federal funds to widen I-66 westbound, inside the Capital Beltway. I believe this project is critical to reducing congestion and providing an evacuation route from Washington, D.C., in the event of an emergency.

Travel Time Displays

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) have continued their efforts to improve the traffic flow on I-66 by expanding the number of travel time displays. Drivers now see travel times displayed on overhead message signs for the 35 miles from Washington to Haymarket. Travel times are displayed weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. I am pleased that more drivers now have access to these resources to effectively plan their trips on our roadways.

I-66 Outside the Beltway

The opening of the HOV ramps on I-66 at Monument Drive and Stringfellow Road has been a huge success. I worked closely with local, state and federal officials to make this happen. At my request, the head of the Federal Highways Administration personally viewed the slip ramps and helped get them open as quickly as possible.

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