The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will enter into negotiations with the private sector to improve 56 mi. of I-95/395 from Northern Virginia to the Fredericksburg region. Acting VDOT Commissioner Gregory A. Whirley directed VDOT to enter into negotiations with Fluor-Transurban under the Public-Private Transportation Act (PPTA).

Whirley reached his decision to move forward with the Fluor-Transurban proposal after an objective review of the PPTA advisory panel’s recommendation and the proposals presented. The panel made its recommendation in November following a series of meetings and a public comment period.

“Entering into negotiations sets the stage for a possible partnership between VDOT and the private sector to improve transportation in one of the most congested areas of the country,” said Whirley. “Critical to the success of this project is that the private sector is willing to share in the risk of funding the improvement, which otherwise would be practically impossible if VDOT had to rely on traditional funding sources.”

Fluor-Transurban proposed a $913-million project to improve 56 mi. of I-95 from the 14th Street Bridge in the Washington, D.C. area to Massaponax. The key feature includes adding a third lane to the existing high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes on I-95 in Northern Virginia. These lanes would be HOV and high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes. The project would extend the HOV/HOT lanes to Massaponax and provide a seamless connection to the Capital Beltway by way of Phase 8 of the Springfield Interchange.

The project would be financed primarily through tolls. According to the proposal, a variable toll rate would apply to vehicles carrying fewer than three people each on HOV/HOT lanes. Carpoolers, buses and other transit operators would use the lanes for free.

VDOT will first negotiate an interim agreement to require Fluor-Transurban to complete an in-depth traffic and revenue study. The study will determine if HOT lanes are economically viable and help to set a fair and equitable toll structure. The interim agreement also will require the development of a toll operation and enforcement plan.

Should negotiations be successful and an interim agreement reached, a comprehensive agreement would follow. The agreement would set the framework for future project decisions such as design and construction.

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