I-66 Inside the Beltway to Become a Toll Road

Heather Curtis
WMAL.com

WASHINGTON — (WMAL) Earlier this year, Thrillist named I-66 the most congested freeway in America. To relieve that congestion, the Commonwealth Transportation Board voted unanimously Wednesday on a controversial plan to make I-66 a toll road.

Starting in 2017, solo drives will pay a toll averaging around $5 to take the road during rush hours. Cars with two or more people won’t have to pay.

“We are giving single occupancy drivers, the opportunity to opt in to use that road, an opportunity they do not have right now,” said board member Gary Garczynski. Now solo drivers are only allowed to take I-66 during non-peak times.

There have been many arguments against instituting a toll. Some have said it will make I-66 a road for the rich, while other were concerned it could make side roads more congested.

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne pointed out that financial constraints limit what can be done on the interstate, and this project is self-financing.

Money from toll revenues may be used in the future to widen I-66.