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Phase 1 South Toll Rate Range Setting Process

American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370

Comments Accepted until 5 p.m.
October 28, 2021

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) today announced the opening of the second public comment period as part of the toll rate range setting process for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The announcement follows the MDTA Board vote that establishes a four-week public comment period for the recommended toll rate ranges presented by MDTA staff during today’s livestreamed MDTA Board meeting.

Starting today, September 30, public comment is being accepted on the recommended action, which is available for review at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting. As part of the second comment period, written and voicemail comments will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. October 28. Those wishing to provide comments may:

  • submit an electronic comment form at maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting;
  • download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
  • print and mail a completed comment form to Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224; or
  • provide a single voicemail message 24/7, limited to three minutes, by calling 855-701-1977.

As a result of comments received during the first public comment period, which ran May 20 to August 14 and included in-person and virtual call-in public hearings, the recommended toll rate ranges reflect a new  base minimum per-mile toll rate of 17 cents per mile, which is lower than the 20 cents per mile proposed in May. The 17 cents per mile recommendation is consistent with the base off-peak minimum per-mile toll rate for the MDTA’s Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200.

Elements of the recommended toll rate ranges for public comment include:

  • Minimum and Maximum Toll Rate Ranges: This is the lowest and highest per-mile toll rates that may be charged within any tolling segment. The minimum toll rate also refers to the lowest total toll (not per mile) that may be charged, regardless of how far a vehicle travels, to ensure short HOT lanes trips are charged a flat minimum toll to cover toll collection costs. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the maximum per-mile toll rates nor to the minimum toll rate (not per mile).
  • Soft Rate Cap: A per-mile toll rate within each toll rate range that can only be exceeded if and when vehicle speed is reduced, or traffic volumes increase, to predetermined speed and throughput thresholds. The caps protect our customers by ensuring the Section Developer may only exceed a specific per-mile toll rate (within the approved ranges) for the impacted tolling segment as specified by predetermined thresholds. This will provide drivers choosing to use the HOT lanes a faster and more reliable trip. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the soft rate cap.
  • Discounts: To provide opportunities for faster, more reliable carpooling, vanpooling and transit options, free passage will be granted in the HOT lanes for High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) 3+ (all vehicles carrying three or more passengers) and buses, as well as for motorcycles. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the discounts.
  • Escalation Factors: The approved toll rate ranges are intended for the duration of the Phase 1 South agreement. For the toll rates to effectively manage demand and ensure reliability for users of the HOT lanes into the future, the maximum toll rate range, soft rate cap and unregistered video surcharge will escalate over time to account for inflation, population employment and income growth. The minimum per-mile toll rate and minimum toll are subject to escalation for inflation only. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the escalation factors.

All comments received during the comment period will be given equal consideration. The MDTA encourages the public to review the toll rate range recommendation for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting prior to commenting.

More details on the new RPA can be found at https://oplanesmd.com/environmental/alternatives/rpa/.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

SEPT. 29 FOR I-495 EXPRESS LANES

NORTHERN EXTENSION PROJECT 

Get latest updates and information about efforts to

improve travel, bring relief and multimodal solutions

to I-495 and Capital Beltway area

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a Virtual Public Information Meeting on September 29, 2021, to present the latest updates and information related to the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project. The 495 NEXT project involves extending Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. This important project is advancing to the design and construction phase following more than three years of environmental study and traffic analysis. In June 2021, VDOT received a “Finding of No Significant Impact,” from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on its environmental assessment, and an approval from FHWA on its interchange justification report, setting the stage for the project to move to the implementation phase.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will participate in this meeting to provide an update on their New American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-70 Traffic Relief Plan, with a focus on proposed project improvements in Virginia near the George Washington Memorial Parkway and across the American Legion Bridge into Maryland. Information on this project can be found at 495-270-p3.com.

Meeting details include: Virtual Public Information Meeting

Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Presentations at 6:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session)

Visit 495NorthernExtension.org for the meeting link and details on how to participate. Call 703-691-6715 with questions about joining the meeting.

Plan to join this virtual public information meeting for updates on these important projects and ongoing collaboration and coordination between Virginia and Maryland project teams to improve travel and bring relief and multimodal solutions to I-495 and the Capital Beltway area. Information about transit plans and commitments also will be provided.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.

Walk Maryland Day

7th Annual Walk Maryland Day

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Walk Maryland Day is a celebration of our state’s official exercise and a call to action to promote walking for physical activity and improved health. Walk Leaders are the change agents from different sectors of the community who see the health benefits of walking and encourage fellow Marylanders to take time out of their day to enjoy a walk within their community. “Sole Mates” are participants who sign up to join registered walks throughout the State. https://mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=79

Take the Car Free Day 2021 pledge to reduce traffic congestion and enhance the air quality in the Washington, DC metropolitan region.  It’s free!  All who take the pledge will be sent a $30 promo code from Nift (Neighborhood Gift) to spend at local neighborhood businesses. Plus, you will be automatically eligible to win great prizes such as a Samsung tablet, gift cards to popular restaurants and stores, annual memberships, transit passes, and more!  www.carfreemetrodc.org

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

SEPT. 29 FOR I-495 EXPRESS LANES

NORTHERN EXTENSION PROJECT 

Get the latest updates and information about efforts to

improve travel, bring relief and multimodal solutions

to I-495 and Capital Beltway area

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a Virtual Public Information Meeting on September 29, 2021, to present the latest updates and information related to the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project. The 495 NEXT project involves extending Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. This important project is advancing to the design and construction phase following more than three years of environmental study and traffic analysis. In June 2021, VDOT received a “Finding of No Significant Impact,” from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on its environmental assessment, and approval from FHWA on its interchange justification report, setting the stage for the project to move to the implementation phase.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will participate in this meeting to provide an update on their New American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-70 Traffic Relief Plan, with a focus on proposed project improvements in Virginia near the George Washington Memorial Parkway and across the American Legion Bridge into Maryland. Information on this project can be found at 495-270-p3.com.

Meeting details include:

Virtual Public Information Meeting

Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Presentations at 6:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session)

Visit 495NorthernExtension.org for the meeting link and details on how to participate. Call 703-691-6715 with questions about joining the meeting.

Plan to join this virtual public information meeting for updates on these important projects and ongoing collaboration and coordination between Virginia and Maryland project teams to improve travel and bring relief and multimodal solutions to I-495 and the Capital Beltway area. Information about transit plans and commitments also will be provided.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.

ONE WEEK LEFT TO COMMENT ON PROPOSED HOT LANE TOLL RATE RANGES FOR PHASE 1 SOUTH: AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE I-270 TO I-370

Public Comments Accepted Through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is reminding the public that one week remains in the comment period for the proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane toll rate ranges for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The public comment period opened May 20 and continues through 5 p.m. August 12. Staff will present the public comment period summary to the MDTA Board Members and post online at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting during the August 26 MDTA Board meeting.

Written comments and call-in testimony through voicemail will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12. Those interested may:

  • submit an electronic comment form at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting;
  • download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
  • print and mail a completed comment form to Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224; or
  • provide call-in testimony at 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail that is limited to three minutes.

ALL COMMENTS received will be given EQUAL CONSIDERATION. The MDTA encourages the public to review all public hearing materials available in the Virtual Information Room at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting prior to commenting. MDTA’s toll rate range proposal is limited in focus to solely Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The elements of the MDTA staff tolling proposal for public comment are Minimum and Maximum Toll Rate Ranges, Soft Rate Caps, Escalation Factors and Discounts that are detailed in the public hearing materials.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is holding public hearings on July 12 and July 14 as part of the toll rate range setting process public comment period for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes within Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. 

Two in-person testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, at the Hilton Washington D.C./Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, and two call-in testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14. There will be no formal presentation during the public hearings and no responses to questions can be given. The public can listen live to the hearings via telephone (855-701-1977) or live stream at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting.

Phase 1 South Toll Rate Range Setting Process Public Hearings

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has scheduled public hearings on July 12 and July 14 as part of the toll rate range setting process public comment period for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes within Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370.

Two in-person testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, at the Hilton Washington D.C./Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, and two call-in testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14. There will be no formal presentation during the public hearings, and no responses to questions will be given. The public can listen live to the hearings via telephone (855-701-1977) or livestream at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting.

In addition to the hearings, written comments and call-in testimony through voicemail will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12. Those interested may:

  • submit an electronic comment form;
  • download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
  • print and mail a completed comment form to
    Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge
    I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment
    Maryland Transportation Authority
    2310 Broening Highway
    Baltimore, MD 21224; or
  • provide call-in testimony at 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail that is limited to three minutes.

Click here to register or call 888-725-0174.

GIVE FEEDBACK ON STUDY OF ROUTE 1/123 INTERSECTION

View the presentation online and take the survey through May 24; learn more at virginiadot.org/WoodbridgeStars 

WOODBRIDGE – The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking travelers in Woodbridge to give feedback on a study of potential improvements for the intersection of Route 1 and Route 123. While the recently completed widening, shared-use path, and sidewalk have improved conditions along Route 1, the intersection at Route 123 is expected to experience higher traffic volumes in the future.

The study alternatives are assessing connecting Route 123 and Belmont Bay Drive to reduce traffic at the Route 1 and Occoquan Road intersection, constructing a partial or full grade-separated interchange, and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit enhancements to improve traffic flow and safety. At the intersection, Route 123 currently averages 19,000 vehicles a day, and Route 1 averages 39,000.

In lieu of an in-person presentation, VDOT invites residents and travelers to learn more and share feedback from home. View the presentation online to learn about draft alternatives developed for the Route 1 and Route 123 intersection, and give input and comments by taking the online survey through May 24.

The presentation and survey (also available in Spanish) and more study details are available at virginiadot.org/WoodbridgeStars. Comments can also be sent to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov or to Ms. Angel Tao, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Please note that these studies do not set construction dates for any improvements, but develop proposed improvements that localities can pursue for funding.

Other Area Studies

Potential safety and operational improvements are also being studied for the nearby intersection at Route 123 and Old Bridge Road, as well as the adjacent I-95 and Route 123 interchange. Opportunities to learn more and comment on the Route 123 and Old Bridge Road study will be announced later this month. For the study of the I-95 and Route 123 interchange, comments were invited earlier this spring, with the final study expected to be complete later this summer.

These studies are being completed through VDOT’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) program that aim to identify cost-effective measures to improve safety and reduce congestion. The final studies are expected to be complete and posted online this summer.

View this release online.

GIVE FEEDBACK ON I-95/ROUTE 123 INTERCHANGE STUDY

Online presentation and survey open through April 19; learn more at virginiadot.org/WoodbridgeStars 

WOODBRIDGE – The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking users of I-95 and Route 123 in Woodbridge to give feedback on potential improvements being evaluated for the I-95 and Route 123 interchange as identified in the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan.

The study is assessing reconfiguring ramps, extending lanes, modifying and relocating traffic signals, access management, and pedestrian, bicycle and transit enhancements to improve traffic flow and safety. At the interchange, I-95 averages up to 232,000 vehicles a day and Route 123 (Gordon Boulevard) averages up to 71,000.

In lieu of an in-person presentation, VDOT invites residents and travelers to learn more and share feedback from home. View the presentation online to learn about draft alternatives that have been developed for the I-95 and Route 123 interchange, and give input and comments by taking the online survey through April 19.

The presentation and survey (also available in Spanish) and more study details are available at virginiadot.org/WoodbridgeStars. Comments can also be sent to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov or to Ms. Angel Tao, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Please note that these studies do not set construction dates for any improvements, but develop proposed improvements that localities can pursue for funding.

Potential safety and operational improvements are also being studied for the adjacent intersections at Route 123 and Old Bridge Road, as well as Route 1 and Route 123. Opportunities to learn more and comment on these studies will be coming later this spring.

All of these studies are being completed through VDOT’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) program that aims to identify cost-effective measures to improve safety and reduce congestion. The final studies are expected to be complete and posted online this summer.

View this release online.

 

Bike to Work Day

Registration is now open for the region’s 20th Anniversary Bike to Work Day. Join us at pit stops in DC, MD, and VA for this FREE event for a healthy and safe way to start your day. Even if you’ll still be working from home in May, get exercise by biking to a T-shirt Pickup Point (pit stop)  and then back home to work for the day. The first 15,000 who register and arrive at a pit stop by bike will receive a FREE T-shirt. Staggered hours and a strict COVID policy will be in place.

 

 

 

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