Traffic-weary motorists traveling to and from work on Interstate 66 would be able to avail themselves of an additional lane for increased periods of time under a proposal from Del. Charles Caputo, D-Chantilly.
Caputo has introduced a resolution asking the Virginia Department of Transportation to keep the right-hand shoulder lanes on I-66 open to traffic longer during rush hour.
Currently, the shoulder lane between I-66’s intersection with the Beltway and Route 50 is open eastbound from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m. and westbound from 3 to 8 p.m. during the week. Caputo’s legislation, which is pending in the House Transportation Committee, would keep the eastbound lane open to 11 a.m. and let the westbound lane open at 2 p.m.
“There’s nothing more frustrating than being stuck in traffic and seeing that red ‘X’ over the shoulder lane and you can’t drive in it,” Caputo said of the signal that indicates the lane is closed.
