Tolls on Interstate 64 part of study set for public hearing

By Andre Jones | November 15, 2012 1:20 pm

Interstate 95 isn’t the only major highway being considered for tolls.

In a press release by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), a proposed study on Interstate 64 of a 75-mile corridor between Richmond and the Hampton Roads area is being evaluated for imposing tolls. According to the 108-page document, the goal is to reduce heavy traffic and congestion along the thoroughfare. The primary focus is to reduce traffic in the Hampton Roads and Peninsula areas, something that may affect local New Kent citizens.

While no specifics were mentioned in the document, New Kent County is among one of the localities that may be considered for the tolls. Interstate 64 runs two-lanes in each direction, making it one of the areas of consideration. While the plan is still in the beginning phases, the goal of reducing traffic either by the implementation of tolls or widening the highway is one of VDOT’s major proposed projects.

Acting New Kent county administrator Rodney Hathaway acknowledged that he’s heard about the plan but says it’s still in the early phases.

“Right now, VDOT is looking at the feasibility of the tolls,” he said. “I thought this project would be something higher on their list.”

Hathaway referenced VDOT’s approval of a tolled highway from Petersburg to Suffolk that runs adjacent to U.S. 460.

“I thought the emphasis would have been placed more on Interstate 64 when the issue of traffic in the Peninsula area was mentioned,” said Hathaway.

The project began preliminary evaluations in January 2011. Of the 75-mile corridor that’s being studied by VDOT, 56 of those miles are two-lane highways in each direction.

“I’m very interested to see what VDOT’s going to do,” continued Hathaway. “I want to see how they go about this situation.”

Three public hearings are scheduled for the proposal for the tolls. The first is set for Dec. 11 at Bruton High School, 185 E. Rochambeau Drive in Williamsburg.

Next is Dec. 12 at the City Center Conference Room in Fountain Plaza II, 700 Town Center Drive in Newport News, and finally Dec. 13 at VDOT Central Auditorium, 1221 E. Broad Street in Richmond. Hathaway plans to attend the one in Williamsburg.

“It’s a wait and see type of thing,” said Hathaway. “The Board [of Supervisors] already has an idea that a study is going on and they are aware of the situation.”