COMMONWEALTH TRANSPORTATION BOARD APPROVES $39.5 MILLION IN TRAFFIC RELIEF PROJECTS FOR NORTHERN VIRGINIA
15 projects designed to improve commuting in the I-395/95 corridor
Arlington, Va. - Today, Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board approved the I-395/95 Commuter Choice Program of Projects totaling $39.5 million and consisting of 15 projects designed to reduce traffic congestion in Northern Virginia.
This Program of Projects includes 12 bus service enhancements for ART, DASH, Fairfax Connector, Metrobus and OmniRide; one new Metrobus route; the improvement of Virginia Railway Express' Leeland Road Station; and future implementation of bus rapid transit on Route 1 in Fairfax County.
The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) manages Commuter Choice, in partnership with the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission.
Taken together, these projects are anticipated to support an estimated 3,800 additional daily transit trips in the I-395/95 corridor. They are estimated to result in over 53,000 hours of travel time savings and a reduction of nearly 22 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT) annually.
"Everyone who lives or works in or visits Northern Virginia knows that traffic congestion can be daunting. Commuter Choice succeeds because it provides drivers with alternative ways to travel, taking cars off the road and improving commutes for everyone," said NVTC Chair David F. Snyder. "Commuter Choice in the I-395/95 corridor has funded multiple high-performing public transit services and we expect these newly approved projects will continue those achievements."
NVTC conducted a one month public comment period and held a virtual public hearing to solicit feedback on the proposed projects. More than 450 people responded in English and Spanish and most comments were in favor of the proposals.
About Commuter Choice
Commuter Choice, established in 2017, is a partnership of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) and the Commonwealth of Virginia. The program invests toll revenues from the I-66 and I-395/95 expressway corridors in Northern Virginia into transit and multimodal projects that benefit their respective corridor’s toll road users. Commuter Choice aims to improve the lives of Northern Virginians by supporting the regional economy, increasing mobility options, and reducing congestion and emissions.
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