I‐395/I‐66 Traffic Management System

Abstract

On December 22, 1982, the Virginia Department of Highways and Transportation (VDH&T) officially opened 10 miles (16 km) of I‐66 in the Northern Virginia suburbs of Washington after 20 yr of planning, environmental studies, court battles, and a final ruling by the U.S. Secretary of Transportation as to design and operational characteristics. These characteristics are unique, including only two lanes in each direction, prohibition of trucks at all times, parkway‐like esthetic treatment and exclusive High‐Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) operation of the peak direction roadways during commuting periods. In response to the Secretary's decision, studies were conducted by the Department to determine the feasibility of implementing a modern traffic surveillance, control, and motorist information system to achieve the operational objectives set forth for I‐66. At the same time, it was decided to include the 12‐mile section of I‐395 (Shirley Highway) as part of this system due to its unique center twolane reversible roadway HOV operation and serious congestion problems being experienced on the flanking three‐lane directional roadways during peak commuter periods. In 1978, the Department engaged Howard Needles Tammen & Bergendoff, with Sperry Systems Management as its subconsultant, to conduct preliminary engineering studies; prepare final plans and specifications for roadway bottleneck improvements and the surveillance and control system; and monitor implementation of the combined I‐66/I‐395 Traffic Management System. Final plans were completed and advertised in the fall of 1981 and construction began in early 1982. Installation of the system is expected to be completed this fall followed by a six‐month operational test period. Full scale systems operation by the Department is anticipated to begin in early 1985.