WASHINGTON – Interstate 66 toll lane construction outside the Capital Beltway is now set to ramp up next weekend instead of this weekend due to the potentially snowy forecast Saturday.
Work is now scheduled to begin around April 14 to set up the first of a number of long-term lane shifts.
The two HOV or toll lanes, are due to open in 2022 in each direction next to three regular lanes and a permanent shoulder, after more than four years of major construction.
While precise details of the initial work are expected in a few days, previous plans have indicated the work zones will first be set up along I-66 near the Dunn Loring Metro, near Route 123/Chain Bridge Road and in Gainesville near U.S. 29 as well as along Route 28 north of I-66.
Later this spring, the work zones are expected to expand.
While lanes are required to remain open at rush hour, the lane shifts and concrete barriers could still create traffic slowdowns.
Within a few months at most, the signs allowing the “red X” lanes to be activated will all be torn down to make way for the roadway widening.
