RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Joan Morris 703-383-2465 joan.morris@virginiadot.org Ryan Hall 703-383-2055

NOVA-NR04-33 July 15, 2004

I-66 Widening in Prince William County Begins Next Month Two lanes will be added in each direction

The Commonwealth Transportation Board today awarded a $37.1 million contract to widen I-66 to eight lanes for 3.8 miles from Route 234 Business in Manassas to Route 234/Prince William Parkway. Construction begins next month and will be completed in October 2006, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Two lanes will be added to I-66 in each direction, one regular and one HOV lane. The inside lane will be reserved for two-person carpools during peak periods. The median will be preserved to accommodate future barrier-separated HOV lanes or transit.

Construction will be sequenced to minimize disruption to motorists. No lane closures will be permitted during Nissan Pavilion events or during rush hours and holidays.

VDOT’s original plans called for widening I-66 for 5.4 miles, from Route 234 Business in Manassas to the Route 29 at Gainesville. Due to insufficient funds to construct the entire project, accrued funds will be used to construct the portion of the project from Route 234 Business to Route 234/Prince William Parkway.

Moore Brothers Company, Inc. of Verona, VA. is the contractor for the project.

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