New I-66 Tolls Are Surpassing $30: Reports

VIENNA, VA—Tolls for solo drivers on Interstate 66 inside the Beltway began Monday and drivers have already reported steep fees similar to those found during rush hour on Capital Beltway Express Lanes. The Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed tolls on eastbound 66 were at a maximum of $34.50 at 8:36 a.m. on the stretch from 495 to Washington.

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.

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. 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 a drop in usual 66 traffic on a Monday morning. More drivers are turning to George Washington Memorial Parkway, Route 123 and Route 50.

The issue has sparked debate on news media Facebook pages. On Fox5DC's page, Amy Rogers Hunter says, "Tax dollars paid for this road already and continue to pay for their maintenance. This is nothing more than a shakedown. And, as usual, short-sighted leaders didn’t bother to think about the effect of high tolls pushing commuters onto other already overcrowded routes."

Gina Mccall-Freeman echoes the point saying, "Personally I think charging to drive on a road that we taxpayers have already paid for is pathetic! Only the rich can afford to drive on a road that everyone has paid for!"

Jason Edwards reports on WTOP's Facebook page, "I was taking 495 north and drove by the 66 toll signs right as they turned on at 5:27am....$0.50 to go to 7, $1.00 to Washington Blvd, and $11.50 to go to DC. What a ripoff!"

Afternoon prices did not soar the the level of the $34.50 morning toll, but it appeared more drivers were using roads like Route 50 as an alternative.

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.

What are your thoughts on the new tolls? Let us know in the comments.

Image via VDOT