Virginia postpones I-395/95 HOT lane project

ARLINGTON — A project to build high-occupancy/toll lanes on interstates 395 and 95 in northern Virginia is being put off because of funding obstacles and community concerns.

The delay doesn’t affect the HOT lanes under construction on the Capital Beltway in Virginia.

Officials are blaming the weak credit market for forcing them to postpone the public-private venture. Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer says concerns about traffic in the Shirlington area of Arlington County and on Seminary Road in Alexandria also played a role in the decision.

HOT lanes would be free to buses and cars with at least three people. Other vehicles are required to pay a toll that varies depending on traffic. Drivers who don’t want to pay can use free lanes, which typically would be more congested.