I-66 Tolls Soar To New High Of $40: Reports

VIENNA, VA—It's day two of tolls being collected on Interstate 66 and tolls were even higher for morning commuters. At 8:09 a.m. Tuesday, tolls reached $40, WTOP reports. These rates dropped minutes later until they were at $24.75 around 9 a.m. and $5 when tolls ended around 9:30 a.m. VDOT confirmed the highest rate on Monday morning was $34.50.

Drivers have to pay tolls to use the road during certain times unless they have at least one other person in the car and have an E-Z Pass Flex set to HOV-2. Tolls are in effect Monday-Friday 5:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. for all eastbound lanes and 3 p.m.-7 p.m. for westbound lanes.

Previously, 66 inside the Beltway was only open during rush hour to cars with two or more passengers. Drivers are able to see VDOT's estimated tolls in real time here.

Solo drivers are charged through E-Z Pass accounts by passing under the new toll scanners. Drivers without E-Z pass are not permitted to use the road. If they do, a camera will capture their license plate number and they will be billed in the mail with an extra charge. The Virginia Department of Transporation says 14 percent of Monday morning drivers did not have an E-Z Pass.

VDOT said that "Drivers who missed a toll or traveled without a transponder can visit 66expresslanes.org and select 'Missed a Toll,' and enter their license plate. The transaction will show within three days of travel, and can be paid within six days of travel to avoid receiving a violation notice."

WTOP's traffic center reported alternate routes such as George Washington Memorial Parkway, Route 124 and Route 29 becoming crowded Tuesday morning.

The issue has sparked debate on Patch and other media pages alike. Patch user David Hobbs compares it to the Express Lanes on the other highways: "Absolutely ridiculous to have to pay these outrageous tolls to ride on a highway paid for with our tax dollars. Unlike 395/95 and the Beltway toll lanes, there are no other non-toll 66 options inside the beltway other than gumming up other roads. Adds Patch user Dan, "The tolls are so high that i66 will be underutilized."

However, Patch user Kristen Valade Day isn't surprised that the tolls are steep. "Adding more people with a commitment to keep the speed limit around 45 wasn't ever going to work unless the price was high enough to deter more cars," she wrote.

Prices during the evening commute did not appear to soar as high. During both the morning and evening, drivers appeared to be seeking alternate routes.

What do you think of the new tolls? Have you used 66 since the tolls went into effect? Let us know in the comments.

Image via VDOT