Speak Out: Tolled Express Lanes on I-66?

Ever taken an hour to travel five miles on I-66? Well, how about whipping your car around the unmoving, never-ending line of cars and high-tailing it home?  

Among other ideas, VDOT is currently considering adding tolled express lanes on I-66, similar to the ones recently constructed on I-495.

The agency sent out a request Thursday that private businesses come up with ideas to "transform I-66 from a highly congested corridor to a multi-modal transportation facility," according to a press release.

What do you think? Do you want to see express lanes, more rail options, both or something else? Share your ideas in the comments. 

Springfield Supervisor Pat Herrity is also pushing for the idea, arguing that the lanes would provide "quick relief" to the interstate's seemingly 24/7 congestion.  

"An 'Express Lanes' like solution would also open this corridor up to reliable time advantaged mass transit and carpooling, extend a growing network of lanes dedicated to mass transit and carpools and ease congestion on I-66 and surrounding roads," Herrity said in a press release. 

While the express lanes on I-495 have gotten a positive reception from many commuters, the expense involved has raised tensions with others. 

VDOT is also considering ideas such as Metrorail expansion, lightrail transit and converting HOV lanes into an area solely for carpoolers, buses and emergency vehicles.