The HRTPO Express Lanes Working Committee released
recommendations for the proposed network in Hampton Roads -
1. The Committee recommends that the region endorse a consistent Express Lanes Network that begins on I-64 at Jefferson Avenue in Newport News, proceeds along I-64 through Bowers Hill in Chesapeake, and continues along I-664 to I-64 in the vicinity of the Hampton Coliseum. The Committee believes it is important to pursue the concept of a fully connected and consistent network to ensure the future needs of the region will be addressed.
2. The Committee recommends that the Express Lanes Network be a consistent HOT-2 network, with one HOT lane and one part-time HOT shoulder lane where practical and necessary.
3. To minimize impacts to the Region’s motorists, the Committee recommends that, wherever practicable, the roadways that make up the Express Lanes Network be restricted to HOT operation during peak traffic times and be open to all traffic outside of the restricted periods.
4. The Committee recommends that funding and operation of the Express Lanes Network be managed by HRTAC.
5. In consideration of policy recommendations to HRTPO, the Committee recommends that HRTAC consider the following items when developing the master tolling agreement with VDOT:
- Prioritize traffic throughput over revenue generation.
- Develop tolling approaches that mitigate impacts on Hampton Roads residents, including options that maximize revenue collection on weekends.
- Funding and operation of the Express Lanes Network be managed by HRTAC.
A few interesting things regarding these recommendations.
First, there is now consideration for implementation of HO/T lanes along I-664, presumably in a future expansion project like the HRBT or High Rise projects.
Secondly, they are recommending that only one HO/T lane in each direction be striped, along with a HO/T shoulder "where necessary". This goes against the ultimate High Rise Bridge build which features 2 GP lanes and 2 HO/T lanes each way. With the committee's recommendations, this would mean the ultimate build would be 3 + 1 each way, consistent with the current setup with the HOV lane east of I-464, the same way I think the HRBT should be done honestly, 3 + 1 with minimal left shoulder
(this has been done in other metros with 1 left HO/T lane having minimal shoulder for sake of space). There is also other discussion (not in these recommendations) about immediately implementing a HO/T shoulder on the High Rise Bridge during peak hours, so immediately upon the Phase #1 completion, there would be 8-lanes (2 + 2 each way) during peak hours. The only issue I see with this is the existing High Rise Bridge can only handle 4-lanes, and they are already planning on making the right lane a -general purpose- shoulder lane during peak hours between I-464 and US-17 / US-17 Business, meaning 1 HO/T + 2 GP + 1 Shoulder during peak hours. The only thing they could realistically do is eliminate that GP shoulder lane and make it HO/T to the left side, but I'm sure that would only get more opposition to the project.
Third, unlike previous proposals, they are recommending that the HO/T lanes only be tolled during peak hours, and free to all traffic outside of peak hours, very similar to the existing HOV setup. I think it's reasonable, seeing as the HOV lanes are free off-peak, and putting some barriers up and some toll gantries should not make that 24/7
(as being done in Northern Virginia).
There was also another presentation given to the HRTPO which
evaluates each proposed scenario and cost estimates for implementation.
Currently, the proposed scenario includes the following -
Jefferson Ave to Mercury Blvd -
- Existing: 3 GP + 1 HOV each way
- Proposed: 3 GP + 1 HO/T each way
Mercury Blvd to LaSalle Ave -
- Existing: 3 GP each way
- Proposed: 2 GP + 1 HO/T each way
(this proposal would eliminate an existing free lane in favor of the HO/T network)LaSalle Ave to HRBT -
- Existing: 3 GP each way
- Proposed: 2 GP + 1 HO/T + 1 HO/T shoulder each way
(this proposal would eliminate an existing free lane in favor of the HO/T network)I-564 to I-264 -
- Existing: 3 GP each way + 2 HO/T reversible lanes
- Proposed: 3 GP + 1 HO/T shoulder each way + 2 HO/T reversible lanes
The stretch between Jefferson Ave and HRBT is projected to cost between $600,000,000 - $650,000,000. Involved with the proposed project would be realigning on the LaSalle Ave south to I-64 East loop ramp & replacing the wetlands bridge, realigning the ramps at Settlers Landing Rd & Rip Rap Rd, replacing the I-64 mainline bridges over King St and the eastbound mainline bridge over the Hampton River, rehabilitating & widening the bridges over Settlers Landing Rd, New Market Creek and westbound mainline bridge over the Hampton River, right of way acquisition, and noise walls.
The stretch between I-564 and I-264 is projected to cost between $170,000,000 - $185,000,000. Involved with the proposed project would be replacing the mainline bridges over Tidewater Dr and Chesapeake Blvd, reconstructing the shoulders, and noise walls. One thing they're missing from this preliminary list is the ramp from Tidewater Dr north to I-64 West which is currently a left entrance. If they are making the left shoulder HO/T, this would necessitate relocating that flyover ramp to the right, which could be quite costly.
Thoughts?