Why is I-66 so congested? It's a matter of supply and demand

WASHINGTON -- The brake lights on Interstate 66 during a recent morning commute stretched from Manassas to the Capital Beltway -- almost 20 miles. Unfortunately, it is becoming a normal backup eastbound on I-66 in the morning.

Westbound at night is no better.

So why is I-66 so congested right now?

Construction projects, including the Capital Beltway High Occupancy Toll lanes, contribute to the backups onto I-66.

But what it all boils down to say experts, is supply and demand.

"We have way more demand for that road than we have supply on it," says Michal Harris, project manager for the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Harris is part of a group studying the stagnant conditions on I-66 and how to improve the ride.

"It really comes down to choices," says Harris.

The choices are transportation choices: an express bus that picks up passengers in Centreville and heads straight to Tysons Corner, the Silver Line Metrorail extension to Dulles Airport and car and vanpools.

All are are good options when it comes to getting people out of their cars and cutting down on congestion along the I-66 corridor.

And aside from the first phase of the Dulles extension, which is scheduled to open in 2012, the other choices are possible almost immediately.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation will have a final report on mobility along the I-66 corridor finished next month. It's being looked at as a guide to get the roadway back to something more than a crawl. But it won't be easy.

"It is important for the public to know that people do think this is important. We all need to find solutions and proven mechanisms to really help people get choices. But clearly we are not keeping pace with transit or highway needs along I-66. The road itself, is frankly over capacity."

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