The peak tolls achieved during the first week of operation of the new HOT lanes on I-66 in Virginia raised eyebrows this week. Here's a closer look at the data behind the new system.
Mike Grinnell takes a deep dive into the data behind the I-66 express lane system that went into operation this week, making headlines for charging $40 to access the new HOT lanes during the Tuesday morning peak period.
First, Grinnell makes clear the changes this week on I-66:
A few things changed for drivers with the introduction of these new HOT lanes, but the biggest change was for single-occupancy vehicle drivers. Previously they were restricted from driving on I-66 eastbound between 6:30 am and 9:00 am and westbound between 4:00 pm and 6:30 pm. Outside of these time restrictions, they were free to access the roads anytime.
Then, Grinnell compares the actual toll prices to the estimates prepared by the Virginia Department of Transportation two years ago when planning the HOT lane system. Despite the eye-popping figures picked up by news outlets around the country (including us), the numbers did hold pretty close to the original estimates.
By taking a closer look at the numbers, Grinnell is also able to pull a couple early lessons from the system, including when driving is most expensive and insight into how dynamic pricing works. Grinnell also reminds readers that the tolls will pay for the installation and upkeep of the tolling system in addition to multi-modal transportation improvements like bus service, park-n-ride facilities, improvements to Metro, and road improvements.
FULL STORY: After the outcry over the $40 tolls on I-66, this solo driver crunched the numbers

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units
Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

California High-Speed Rail's Plan to Right Itself
The railroad's new CEO thinks he can get the project back on track. The stars will need to align this summer.

Nevada Legislature Unanimously Passes Regional Rail Bill
If signed by the governor, the bill will create a task force aimed at developing a regional passenger rail system.

How Infrastructure Shapes Public Trust
A city engineer argues that planners must go beyond code compliance to ensure public infrastructure is truly accessible to all users.

Photos: In Over a Dozen Cities, Housing Activists Connect HUD Cuts and Local Issues
We share images from six of the cities around the country where members of three national organizing networks took action on May 20 to protest cuts to federal housing funding and lift up local solutions.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada