Governor McAuliffe Launches Plan to Help Fix I-66

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

25-mile project would include new express lanes, rapid bus service, park and-ride network

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe  announced a plan to transform traffic-choked Interstate 66 into a multi-modal facility with express lanes, rapid bus service and a park-and-ride network from the Capital Beltway to Haymarket.

“Interstate 66 is broken. Commuters are stuck in traffic, limited in the travel choices they can make and unable to predict how long their trip will take on any given day,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Giving Virginians more choices and a better, safer travel experience on I-66 is one of my top priorities, and today I am proud to announce the beginning of that effort.”

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne continued, “Over the last couple of months the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has worked closely with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships (OTP3) and Fairfax and Prince William counties to devise a plan that will reduce congestion on I-66 by increasing capacity and giving travelers more choices. Today we kick off 17 months of rigorous environmental study and robust community involvement. By the end of 2016 our plan is to complete environmental work, identify funding sources, receive federal approval, and move forward on a plan to turn I-66 into the efficient, multi-modal corridor that Virginia’s economy needs.”

Under the proposed plan I-66 would be improved to provide:

·       Three regular lanes in each direction;

·       Two express lanes in each direction (the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane would be converted to an express lane and one new express lane would be constructed);

·       High-frequency bus service with predictable travel times; and,

·       Direct access between the express lanes and new or expanded commuter lots.

As on the 495 Express Lanes and soon-to-open 95 Express Lanes, tolls would be congestion-based and motorists would have the choice of driving free in the regular lanes or paying a toll to use the express lanes. Carpools of three or more persons and buses would ride free. The current HOV-2 requirement would be raised to HOV-3 to be consistent with the region’s Constrained Long Range Plan which calls for HOV-3 by 2020. HOV-3 on I-66 would also match the occupancy requirement on 495 and 95.

The full scope of improvements, which will be refined over the coming months, is estimated to cost between $2 and $3 billion.

The Tier 2 Environmental Assessment will evaluate site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements would have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams. The proposed improvements will not preclude the addition of Metro, light rail or bus rapid transit within the right of way on I-66 in the future.

In November 2013, the Federal Highway Administration approved the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement with a Record of Decision. Also last year, 19 private-sector firms offered recommendations for solutions to improve Interstate 66 in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by OTP3. The RFI sought innovative and creative solutions to ease the congested I-66 corridor from the Capital Beltway to Route 15 in Haymarket, with an emphasis on providing a multi-modal solution and minimizing right of way impacts.

More information on the I-66 Corridor Improvement Project is available here.

Localities Across Commonwealth to get Approximately $180 Million

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Localities Across Commonwealth to get Approximately $180 Million in State Matching Funds for Transportation Projects

RICHMOND – Localities throughout Virginia will receive approximately $180 million in state matching funds, which advances nearly $880 million in transportation projects to improve roads, bridges, sidewalks, trails and traffic lights in their area. The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved the funding through the state’s Revenue Sharing Program during its meeting in June. 

“Localities across the state, from rural counties to large urban cities, are able to make critical transportation improvements in their communities with state dollars,” said Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne. “The Revenue Sharing Program provides a unique opportunity for the state and local governments to work in partnership to responsibly invest transportation dollars and support projects that enhance economic development opportunities in their locality.”

“The Revenue Sharing Program is an essential funding source for localities to proceed with their transportation priorities,” said Charlie Kilpatrick, commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). “The state’s contribution of $180 million advances projects valued almost five times that investment. Many projects will move forward to improve transportation throughout the commonwealth.”

Below is a partial list of projects that will advance under the Revenue Sharing Program

·       widen Lee Highway from two to four lanes from just east of Blevins Boulevard to just west of Alexis Drive in the City of Bristol 

·       repave several sections of unpaved roads in Culpeper County and new sidewalk construction in Albemarle County 

·       widen Morris Road/Mudd Tavern Road to four lanes and construct two double lane roundabouts from the bridge over Interstate 95 to just east of the bridge over I-95 in Spotsylvania County 

·       widen Courthouse Road from two to four lanes from Winding Creek Road to Cedar Lane in Stafford County

·       widen Rosemont Road to four lanes from Lynnhaven Parkway to Dam Neck Road in Virginia Beach

·       bridge replacement on Main Street over the Expressway in the City of Lynchburg

·       widen Lee Highway from Legato Road to Shirley Gate Road in Fairfax County

·       extend Riverside Parkway in Loudoun County from Lexington Drive to Loudoun County Parkway

·       citywide repaving in the City of Richmond and construction of additional bikeways and trails as part of 2015 World Cycling Championship event

·       Franklin Road bridge replacement and citywide repaving in the City of Roanoke

·       construct four lane extension of Snowden Bridge Blvd in Frederick County just east of Route 11

A full listing of projects is located at http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2014/june/Resolution_Agenda_Item_5_Allocations.pdf.

Localities apply for funding under the Revenue Sharing Program each year.  VDOT recommends projects for funding and the CTB approves the final list of projects and allocation amounts for each.

For more information on the Revenue Sharing Program go tohttp://www.virginiadot.org/business/local-assistance-access-programs.asp#Revenue_Sharing.

Related articles

• Governor Mcauliffe Announces $13.1 Billion in Transportation Improvements
• Governor McAuliffe Announces 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia More Than 70 Percent Complete
• Governor Mcauliffe Signs Into Law the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission
• Governor McAuliffe continues to push for a better transportation system and a stronger Virginia economy

Governor McAuliffe Announces Reforms to P3 Process

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor McAuliffe announced that the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) passed a resolution to increase transparency and competition and to better evaluate the public’s risk for projects delivered under the Public Private Transportation Act (PPTA).

“Protecting every dollar that Virginia taxpayers send to Richmond is job one for my administration,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Accordingly, I have asked Secretary Layne to work with the CTB to evaluate the state’s approach to public-private partnerships to ensure that we are giving Virginians the maximum return on their investment in those projects. P3’s are a great tool for accomplishing projects that would not otherwise get done, but only when they are negotiated to put Virginians’ best interests first.”

Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne added, “While PPTA contracts have made some critical highway projects possible by bringing in private sector equity and innovation, the process needs to be improved to ensure it is used for the right projects and risks are appropriately evaluated and minimized for the public.”

PPTA projects are procured under the Office of Transportation Public Private Partnerships (OTP3).  The CTB’s resolution calls for the following:

·       The OTP3 will strengthen the transparency of the entire public private transportation project development and delivery, including increasing opportunities for public participation and direct involvement by the CTB in project development.

·       The VDOT Commissioner will improve ways to better assess risk with PPTA and design-build projects.  The objective is to identify, minimize and limit the risks to VDOT and the public by highlighting “high risk” projects.

Recommendations to implement the reforms will be presented during the CTB by October 2014.  CTB members William Fralin and Marty Williams will coordinate the review process. 

Link to the resolution:

http://www.ctb.virginia.gov/resources/2014/may/reso/Resolution_Agenda_Item_NB_1_.pdf

Governor McAuliffe Announces Initial Toll Rates Will Be Cut in Half for the Downtown/Midtown Tunnels Project in Hampton Roads

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Reduced rates take effect when tolling begins Feb. 1

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that initial tolls on the Midtown/Downtown tunnels in Hampton Roads will be lowered by half the level expected, with tolling beginning February 1. Toll rates, overall, will remain lower than what was originally planned for the construction of the $2.1 billion Elizabeth River Tunnels project. Construction includes building a new Midtown Tunnel tube, rehabilitating the existing Midtown and Downtown tunnels and extending the Martin Luther King Boulevard. 

“Lowering tolls on the Midtown/Downtown tunnels project is a significant priority of my administration and I pledged to act on it right away,” said Gov. McAuliffe. “I immediately directed Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne to take the lead on reducing the tolls so they would lessen the financial burden on commuters and businesses who use the tunnels every day. Today, we have a plan in place to bring relief once tolling begins next month. This is a critical project that must be built to reduce congestion, improve safety and propel economic opportunities for the region. But we must execute it in a way that does not threaten business growth in the region or lessen the quality of life for Hampton Roads’ residents and our workforce.”

The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) adopted a resolution that reduces the tolls through construction. The revised schedule is below:

·         From Feb. 1 through the end of this year, the off-peak rate for passenger vehicles will be 75-cents, down from $1.59; and the peak-hour toll rate will be $1, down from $1.84. 

·         In 2015, the off-peak toll rate will go up to $1, and the peak-hour rate will be $1.25.

·         In 2016, the off-peak toll rate will be $1.25, and the peak-hour rate will be $1.50.

·         In 2017 or upon substantial completion of the new Midtown Tunnel, the rates will be in accordance with the comprehensive agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Elizabeth River Crossings (ERC).

·         Tolls for tractor-trailer trucks will be reduced in a similar manner. The off-peak rate will be $2.25 beginning Feb. 1, and the peak-hour rate will be $4.

Transportation Secretary and Chairman of the CTB Aubrey Layne said, “Reducing tolls is a critically important issue for the residents of Hampton Roads and has been my key priority. We’ve taken a hard look at all options and I am pleased that we have come up with a toll revision plan that the Commonwealth can afford, and that makes sense for Hampton Roads during the construction of this project.”

Implementing the toll revision plan will cost the Commonwealth $82.5 million.  This will come from a combination of bonds and other funds that have not been assigned to specific transportation projects.

“VDOT is working closely with ERC to develop this project so it will bring short- and long-term benefits to the region, including faster travel times, reduced congestion and improved safety,” said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “The Norfolk and Portsmouth area will have a better transportation system as a result, supporting jobs and economic opportunities.”

For more information on the project, go to www.driveert.com.

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Carnival Cruise Lines' Return to Virginia
• Governor McDonnell Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News
• Governor McAuliffe Announces Telos Corporation to Create 160 New Virginia Jobs
• Governor McDonnell Announces Work to Begin on Interstate 64 Upgrades in the Shenandoah Valley
• State of the Commonwealth Address Governor Robert F. McDonnell
• Governor Terence R. McAuliffe Inaugural Address

Governor McDonnell Announces Results of Regulatory Reform Initiative

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Repealed 848 Sections of the Virginia Administrative Code; Streamlined an Additional 678 Sections Resulting in Freer, Fairer System and Savings for Tax Payers

Full Report Available Online Here

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell today announced the results of his Regulatory Reform Initiative (“RRI”).  The RRI consisted of a comprehensive review of regulations currently in place, and has resulted in the repeal of regulations that are unnecessary or no longer in use, the reduction of unnecessary regulatory burdens on individuals, businesses, and other regulated groups, and the identification of statutes that require unnecessary or overly burdensome regulations.

            As a result of the RRI, 167 regulatory actions have been filed, 848 sections of the Virginia Administrative Code have been repealed, and 678 sections have been reformed or streamlined. Included in the reforms are substantial cost savings to taxpayers in the form of reductions of fees, removal of excessive licensing procedures, and arduous permitting processes. Citizens, stakeholders, and twenty nine different agencies submitted reform recommendations. The RRI efforts were coordinated through the Virginia Regulatory Town Hall website (townhall.virginia.gov) by the Economic and Regulatory Analysis Division of the Department of Planning and Budget.   

he RRI is an extension of Governor McDonnell’s efforts as Attorney General to eliminate unnecessary and onerous regulations through his Task Force on Regulatory and Government Reform.

            Speaking about the RRI, Governor McDonnell said, “Good governance means in fostering an environment where citizens and business can thrive. By streamlining confusing code and eliminating unnecessary regulations we are making smart reforms that ensure that government works for the citizens.  I applaud the work accomplished by the agencies who participated in the RRI for their efforts to make Virginia freer and fairer.  Not only did agencies work diligently on identifying reforms, but we took an innovative approach and allowed the citizens and stakeholders to submit recommendations through our website.  Working together we helped taxpayers keep more of their hard earned money by reducing fees, we’ve streamlined regulations, and permitting processes; all of which contributed to Forbes.com naming Virginia the ‘Top State for Business’ in the nation”. 

            The initiative resulted in hundreds of reforms, some examples of these reforms include:

• The Virginia Waste Management Board took action to provide relief from a burdensome permit amendment fee for solid waste landfills that are undergoing corrective action. It was charging landfill sites a fee of $22,860, but streamlining efforts within the corrective action program have reduced costs. These efforts allowed the board to decrease the fee to $3,000, a reduction of 87 percent.

• The Board of Medicine provided a one-time reduction in renewal fees for family physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, respiratory care practitioners, physician assistants, occupational therapists, radiologic technologists, acupuncturists, athletic trainers, and midwives.

• A change in permitting procedures will reduce costs ($7,000 per facility) for entities such as some electricity generators, paper manufacturers, and landfills, without affecting the environment. 

• Manufacturers outside of Virginia have been taking advantage of costs subsidized by Virginia taxpayers for “street drug preparations” (bath salts for example) during forensic testing. The proposed changes would allow the Department of Forensic Science to charge the actual costs of the “street drug preparations” used in the forensic evaluation process, saving Virginia taxpayers thousands of dollars.

 The full report can be viewed and downloaded here.

            Regulatory changes that are not exempt from the Administrative Process Act involved executive branch review by the Office of the Attorney General, the Department of Planning and Budget DPB, the appropriate Cabinet Secretary, and the Governor in accordance with the requirements of the APA and EO 14.  Recommendations that have not completed this regulatory process will continue until finalized.

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Applauds Efforts to Aid Syrian Refugees
• Governor Bob McDonnell Unveils 2015-2016 Budget
• Governor McDonnell Announces 25 New Jobs in Henry County
• Governor McDonnell Announces Additional $4.1 Million in Community Development Block Grant Funding
• Governor McDonnell Unveils New "Virginia is for Lovers" License Plate
• Governor McDonnell Announces $45 Million Investment in Amherst County

Governor McDonnell Announces Banner Year for Transportation in the Commonwealth

English: Governor of Virginia at CPAC in . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

More than $2.5 billion worth of projects advertised in 2013

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has advertised an historic amount of transportation projects, more than $2.5 billion worth, in 2013. This includes the estimated cost for engineering, construction and pavement projects, including pavement rehabilitation, across the state. 

“Earlier this year, VDOT made the commitment to advertise more than $2 billion worth of projects this year,” said Governor McDonnell. “I am happy to report they will make good on this promise. More than $2.5 billion of projects have been advertised in calendar year 2013. Our investment in building and maintaining our infrastructure network is of utmost importance to the citizens of Virginia and we are keeping our commitments to them.  The Commonwealth is able to move aggressively ahead on projects because of the bipartisan effort to approve historic transportation funding earlier this year.  Our 2013 transportation bill represents the largest infusion of transportation funding in Virginia more than 25 years and will help create a safe, efficient and reliable transportation system throughout Virginia, while creating thousands of good jobs at the same time, and growing our economy.”

Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “Our citizens will see more crews on the highways working to build and enhance the transportation network they deserve; one that is safe, reliable, and contemporary and that will efficiently move them through the Commonwealth. This historic amount of advertised work is proof that this new and sustainable funding from the transportation bill has enhanced VDOT’s ability to move projects forward and improve the condition of our roads.”

“The funding is being put to work now to improve and rehabilitate aging roads and bridges and to increase capacity, which will enhance safety and ease congestion,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “VDOT worked diligently to get an incredible amount of projects advertised this year so Virginia’s transportation network can move traffic more efficiently, improving the quality of life for all of us.”

Of the more than $2.5 billion, about $545 million will go toward repaving roads and pavement rehabilitation, making the existing infrastructure safer and better to drive on.  The remainder will go toward increasing capacity and other construction.  The amount also covers engineering, which gets projects ready for construction.  

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News
• Governor McDonnell to Host Statewide Transportation Conference "Road to the Future"
• Governor McDonnell Opens the New Four-Lane Gilmerton Bridge in Chesapeake
• Governor McDonnell Announces Private Sector Interest to Develop Innovative Solutions for I-66 Corridor in Northern Virginia
• Governor McDonnell Unveils New "Virginia is for Lovers" License Plate
• Governor McDonnell Announces Important Milestone to Advance Interstate 66 Improvements

Governor McDonnell Announces Private Sector Interest to Develop Innovative Solutions for I-66 Corridor in Northern Virginia

English: The state seal of Virginia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Nineteen Firms Worldwide Offer Solutions

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that 19 private-sector firms offered recommendations for solutions to improve Interstate 66 in response to the Request for Information (RFI) issued by the commonwealth in late June. The RFI sought innovative and creative solutions to ease the congested I-66 corridor from Capital Beltway to Route 15 in Haymarket. 

“The RFI is part of the Commonwealth’s plan to transform I-66 from a highly congested corridor to a multi-modal transportation facility that moves traffic and people more efficiently,” said Governor McDonnell.

The RFI was released by the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnership, the Virginia (OTP3) Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).

Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton added, “The Commonwealth has asked for the best and brightest ideas from both the public and private sectors and that resulting synergy will provide the most effective solutions to ease congestion and improve travel on I-66.”

The RFI sought private sector input on a range of best practices and innovative approaches to develop and finance transportation improvements on a 25-mile section of I-66 from U.S. Route 15 in Prince William County to I-495 in Fairfax County. Improvements under consideration could add additional capacity to the road, provide multi-modal options and possibly finance the project through tolled express lanes, similar to the 495 Express Lanes.

Responses to the RFI follow a recent project milestone by the Federal Highway Administration, in which it issued a Record of Decision on the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement study of I-66, clearing the way for the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) to select one or more of the final 10 concepts for detailed analysis.  These concepts would increase capacity within the corridor, as well as options to increase travel mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs, and enhance travel efficiency.

Early next year, the CTB will consider the RFI responses when advancing the I-66 study to next phase in the environmental review process.

“Collaborative efforts between VDOT’s Environmental Division and the OTP3 to gather and concurrently process information such as traffic projections, geotechnical data, as well as identify other key risk factors will ensure recommendations are provided to decision makers in an expedited timeframe,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. 

The following private sector firms provided responses to the RFI, which are available on line:

1.      1 Abertis USA Corp

2.      Acciona Concessions Canada Inc.

3.      ACS Infrastructure Development and Dragados USA

4.      AECOM

5.      Bechtel Infrastructure Corporation

6.      Cintra and Ferrovial Agroman

7.      Edgemoor Infrastructure & Real Estate, Shirley Contracting Company, Clark Construction Group, and Dewberry Consultants

8.      Fluor Enterprises, Inc.

9.      HOCHTIEF and Flatiron

10.  Kiewit Infrastructure South Co. and Kiewit Development Company

11.  Lane Construction Corporation

12.  Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc.

13.  Meridiam Infrastructure North America Corporation

14.  OHL Infrastructure, Inc.

15.  Shikun & Binui Ltd. (a member of the Arison Group)

16.  Skanska AB

17.  SNC-Lavalin Inc.

18.  Transurban

19.  Vinci Concessions USA

For more information:  

I-66 RFI responses

http://www.virginiadot.org/ppta_projects/i-66/request_for_information.asp

I-66 Tier 1 Environmental Impact Study

http://www.vdot.virginia.gov/projects/northernvirginia/i66_eis.asp

I-66 Project Page

http://www.i66ppta.org/

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Announces Important Milestone to Advance Interstate 66 Improvements
• Governor McDonnell Announces Major Step Forward in Widening I-64 from Richmond to Newport News
• Governor McDonnell to Host Statewide Transportation Conference "Road to the Future"
• Governor McDonnell Announces Federal Action Contingency Trust (FACT) Fund Grants
• Governor McDonnell's Biennial Budget to Continue Commitment to Improving Virginia's Prisoner Re-Entry and Restoration of Rights Processes
• Governor McDonnell Unveils New "Virginia is for Lovers" License Plate