Key Development Milestones
LATE 1980s
Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) begins internal studies to explore short- and long-term solutions to growing congestion and changing traffic patterns on the Capital Beltway between Springfield and the American Legion Bridge.1994
VDOT completes a Major Investment Study and concludes highway improvements promoting the use of High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) and bus travel would be the most effective strategy to serve current and future demand on the Capital Beltway.1998
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and VDOT initiate an environmental assessment of a variety of plans to improve the Capital Beltway.After preliminary engineering, environmental review and extensive public comment, it becomes clear that the proposed Capital Beltway improvements would require a large footprint and result in significant environmental and community impacts. The FHWA escalates its review from an environmental assessment to an Environmental Impact Statement.
2002
FHWA approves the issuing of the draft Environmental Impact Statement, including three mainline HOV alternatives and 15 concepts to improve the Capital Beltway. VDOT seeks community input on the plans during three public hearings. Local government officials and members of the public raise concerns over the extensive cost and environmental impacts of the project, including costs estimated as high as $3 billion (in 2002 dollars) and significant displacements of homes and businesses.VDOT substantially scales back the project in response to public concerns. Revised plans include strategies to maximize the existing roadway, reduce right-of-way needs, and limit the scope of interchange improvements. Right-of-way needs drop from 170 acres to only 10 acres, reducing anticipated displacements from 300 homes to a handful.
Fluor Enterprises submits a proposal to the commonwealth, under the Public-Private Transportation Act to build and operate High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes on the Capital Beltway.
2004
Transurban (USA) Development Inc. joins the Fluor team to serve as concessionaire and long-term operator of the HOT lanes.VDOT hosts public meetings in June to present and solicit public input on both a traditional HOV and a HOT lanes plan.
2005
On January 19, the Commonwealth Transportation Board selects the HOT lanes plan as the locally preferred alternative.On April 28, VDOT enters into a Comprehensive Agreement with Fluor-Transurban to develop, design, finance, build and operate the HOT lanes. VDOT will continue to have ownership and oversight of the road.
2006
On April 18, FHWA signs the final Environmental Impact Statement and releases it for public comment.On June 29, FHWA releases its Record of Decision that selected the HOT lanes plan for the Capital Beltway.