You have questions, and we have answers.

Below, we have provided answers to some of our most frequently asked questions, which are grouped by category to make your search easier. If you do not find the answer you need, feel free to reach out to us at 1-833-643-2867.

Value In Every Trip

What value does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway bring?

Drivers enjoy reliable and predictable trips along the I-66 corridor from I-495 to Route 29 in Gainesville, any day, any time. Consistent speeds on the express lanes mean you can count on your travel times, making commutes smoother and quicker. The 66 Express Outside the Beltway unlocks the I-66 corridor and opens the door to predictable commutes and getting where you want to go faster.

Who benefits from the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

Everyone benefits. The 66 Express offers a reliable travel option for commuters and helps keep goods and services moving smoothly. Plus, vehicles with three or more people, school buses, emergency services, and mass-transit buses can use the lanes for free.

How does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway help reduce congestion in the I-66 general-purpose lanes?

By adding more capacity to the I-66 corridor west of I-495, the two express lanes with dedicated entrance and exit ramps help ease congestion on the general-purpose lanes.

Plus, the many safety improvements made as part of the reconstructed I-66, like redesigned interchanges and new auxiliary lanes that give drivers more room to merge and help to alleviate possible hazards.

Why do businesses take advantage of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

Businesses take advantage of the 66 Express outside the beltway because it offers faster and more reliable travel routes, which means shorter commute times, better delivery efficiency, lower transportation costs, and overall improved productivity.

About the 66 Express Outside the Beltway

What is the official name of the facility?

The official name is the 66 Express Outside the Beltway. On this website, we might call it “the express lanes” or “the lanes,” but “lanes” isn’t part of the official name.

What does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway consist of?

The 66 Express Outside the Beltway is two dynamically-tolled express lanes along eastbound and westbound I-66 between I-495 (the Capital Beltway) and Rt. 29 in Gainesville.

How long are the express lanes?

They stretch 22.5 miles in each direction (eastbound and westbound) between the Capital Beltway (I-495) and US 29 in Gainesville.

What’s the difference between the 66 Express Outside the Beltway and the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes?

The 66 Express Outside the Beltway ends at the I-66/I-495 interchange, where the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes begin. They are separate systems, with different operators and tolling systems. The I-66 Inside the Beltway lanes are run by VDOT during weekday peak times, with no private involvement, and there’s no free road option on I-66 Inside the Beltway for single occupancy drivers during those periods. In contrast, the 66 Express Outside the Beltway offers a choice between express lanes and free general-purpose lanes.

For information on the I-66 Inside the Beltway lanes, visit VDOT’s website at www.66expresslanes.org/toll_questions or call VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (1-800-367-7623).

What physically separates the two Express Lanes from the 3 general purpose lanes on I-66?

Flexible traffic-delineator posts are placed every 10 feet to separate the express lanes from the general-purpose lanes. The express lanes are to the left of the posts, and the general-purpose lanes are to the right.

What prompted the construction of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

The 66 Express Outside the Beltway is an integral part of the Transform 66 project, a joint project of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation (VDRPT). The Transform 66 initiative includes infrastructure improvements along I-66 both inside and outside of I-495 (the Capital Beltway).

The goal of the Transform 66 project is to transform Northern Virginia’s I-66 – which sees a daily average upwards of 200,000 trips – into a multi-modal corridor that moves people, goods, and services more quickly and reliably through Arlington, Fairfax, and Prince William counties and surrounding areas.

Who and What Can Take the Express Lanes?

What vehicles are permitted on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

A wide range of vehicles can use the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, including motorcycles, passenger cars, trucks, vans, SUVs, extended SUVs, minivans, work vans, moving vans, heavy-duty pickup trucks, RVs, commercial vehicles (like contractor vans and freight trucks), semi-trucks, and buses (mass transit, tourist, and school buses).

Do all vehicles pay the same toll rate?

No. Minivans, light-duty and standard pickup trucks, standard SUVs, and passenger cars pay the rate shown on the overhead signs. Larger vehicles, those taller than 7 feet in height and longer than 18 feet in length pay a higher toll, which varies based on size.

Motorcycles ride the 66 Express Outside the Beltway for free. Please see the full Vehicle Classification table for more details.

Getting On and Off the Express Lanes

How many entrances and exits does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway have?

There are 23 entrances and 20 exits.

How do drivers enter the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

Signage well before each entrance point shows the correct lane for entering the express lanes and the current toll rate. Dedicated ramps guide drivers safely onto the express lanes.

Traveling the Express Lanes

Are drivers required to use the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

No. The lanes are a valuable option for any driver who needs to save time with a more predictable, more reliable trip along the I-66 corridor. Drivers are encouraged to plan their trip online to determine the combination of express travel and general-purpose travel that fits their needs.

What is the speed limit on the lanes of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

The posted speed limit is 70 miles per hour for all vehicle types.

Safety on the 66 Express

How can I report accidents or hazardous conditions on the 66 Express?

Call #77 to report any unsafe conditions you observe.

What happens if I need to pull over on the 66 Express?

Safely pull over to the closest shoulder and stay in your car until help arrives. If you or anyone I the vehicle is experiencing a medical emergency, always call 911 first.

During a roadside emergency you should always remain in your vehicle at all times unless the nature of the emergency makes conditions safer to exit. If exiting the vehicle is necessary, please do so in a safe manner and identify the safest space to wait for help to arrive.

Do you ever conduct maintenance on the Express Lanes?

We want your trip on the 66 Express to be as smooth and safe as possible, so we stay on top of making improvements and safety adjustments along the Lanes. Some of these activities include:

• Replacing reflective delineator posts


• Clearing debris


• Mowing and vegetative maintenance


• Repainting lane markings


• Changing light bulbs


• Repositioning camera equipment


• Ensuring proper signage is in place and visible


• Ensuring all safety barriers and guardrails are free of damage

What safety measures are in place to manage incidents on the 66 Express?

Our crews patrol the 66 Express 24/7, ensuring that help is always nearby. We also monitor the lanes constantly with cameras and traffic sensors, which alert our team to incidents within a matter of seconds. Our incident response crews work alongside VSP (Virginia State Police), other first responders and emergency service providers to assist our customers.

What’s the purpose of the “Roadside Assistance” vehicles that patrol the 66 Express?

Our Roadside Assistance crews are here to help you with minor mechanical issues free-of-charge when you:

– Run out of fuel

– Get a flat tire

– Your battery dies and needs to be jumped

Our Roadside Assistance team can also contact fire rescue or police in case of an emergency. While our crews cannot provide towing services, they can contact a towing company for disabled drivers. If you choose to call another roadside emergency service, you may need to cover any toll costs they incur to reach you on the 66 Express.

Paying Tolls

How do drivers on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway pay tolls?

The 66 Express Outside the Beltway uses a cashless electronic tolling system that is compatible with E-ZPass technology. It is simple and fast way to pay tolls at the time of your trip if your E-ZPass transponder is:

• in good working order,


• securely and properly fastened to the vehicle’s windshield, and


• connected to a valid E-ZPass account in good standing, with sufficient balance to pay for the toll.

The E-ZPass transponder is scanned by sensors located on toll gantries along the 66 Express Outside the Beltway.

If drivers don’t have an E-ZPass transponder, or their E-ZPass account lacks sufficient funds, they’ll have five (5) days from the time of the missed toll to pay the toll before an invoice is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle and administrative fees begin to accrue. To pay a missed toll:

1. Pay online at https://ride66expresscp.powerappsportals.com/make-a-payment or by clicking the Pay Tolls button on the main page of https://ride66express.com/


2. Pay by phone (credit/debit card only; no check or money order) by calling 1-833-643-2867.


3. Pay by mail (check or money order only; no cash or credit/debit card) by sending your payment and payment slip to I-66 Express Mobility Partners, LLC, P.O. Box 23982, New York, NY 10087-23982.


4. Pay in person (check, money order, or credit/debit card; no cash) at our Customer Service Center, 7450 Century Park Dr., Manassas, VA 20109. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8am to 6pm, and Friday, 8am to 2pm.


5. Pay at your local Walmart store in Fairfax or Prince William counties.


6. Pay by NextPass mobile app, a flexible way to pay for tolls as you go, without the worry of startup costs, being locked into a pre-paid account, or needing a transponder in your vehicle. The easy-to-use app can be used on all 16 toll roads in Virginia, including the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, the 495/95/395 Express Lanes, the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes, and the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia. NextPass is available for free download from the App Store or Google Play – take a test drive today.

Can drivers pay tolls on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway with cash?

Not at the time of the trip. Drivers can pay cash for a missed toll at Walmart stores in Fairfax and Prince William counties.

How can drivers obtain an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex transponder and set up an E-ZPass account?

Contact E-ZPass of Virginia at 1-877-762-7824 or www.EZPassVA.com.

Will a transponder from another state work on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

Yes, if your transponder is from a system that participates in the E-ZPass Interoperability Group, The 66 Express Outside the Beltway uses technology that recognizes and accepts transponders from fellow member agencies. For more information on participating agencies, visit the E-ZPass Group website at https://www.e-zpassiag.com/component/content/article/31-about-e-zpass/map/116-get-e-zpass.

What if I do not wish to have an E-ZPass account?

While an E-ZPass account is not required, it is highly encouraged to pay tolls at the time of the trip to avoid missing any toll charges and potentially incurring additional fees. If you do not have an E-ZPass transponder and use the toll lanes, you will always be deemed as “missing tolls.”

If you’d prefer to forego an E-ZPass account, we offer an opportunity to pay during a five-day timeframe called Missed-A-Toll. Paying your tolls during the five-day Missed-A-Toll timeframe allows you to remit payment prior to an invoice being generated and any administration fees being added.

You can take care of a missed toll payment by visiting www.ride66express.com/ and clicking Pay Tolls, then completing the short form under Pay Missed-A-Toll.

What are the consequences of using the Express Lanes without an E-ZPass?

If you miss a toll, you have a 5-day window to pay before receiving an invoice. Consider reaching out to us for possible fee waivers through our One Time Courtesy policy. We understand that occasional missed tolls can happen, and we strive to provide options for customers to rectify their toll obligations efficiently. Our policy offers eligible customers the opportunity to have fees waived for their first missed toll or invoice (a single trip), providing a second chance to resolve the issue without incurring additional financial penalties.

66 Express Outside the Beltway Tolling

Is the 66 Express Outside the Beltway a toll road?

No, we are a dynamically tolled managed lane facility consisting of two tolled express lanes, alongside three general-purpose lanes that are free of charge. Tolling on the express lanes is broken into 3 segments and is dynamic, fluctuating with real-time traffic conditions and demand.

See more about tolling procedures in our 60-second YouTube video, “66 Express Dynamic Tolling“.

What is dynamic tolling?

Dynamic tolling means the toll rates change in real-time to keep traffic flowing smoothly. By adjusting tolls based on current conditions, the 66 Express offers a more predictable and reliable trip.

Learn more in our “66 Express Dynamic Tolling” video.

Why does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway use toll segments (also called segmental tolling)?

Segmental tolling gives you the most accurate and up-to-date rates, reflecting current traffic conditions.

More details are in our “66 Express Dynamic Tolling” video.

If a driver drives multiple segments, how is the trip’s total toll calculated?

By adding up the tolls for each segment entered. Well in advance of the start of a segment, electronic signage indicates the exits along that segment and the current toll-rate for any of the exits in that segment. Drivers are charged only for the segment(s) driven prior to exiting the express lanes.

See more about tolling procedures in our 60-second YouTube video, “66 Express Dynamic Tolling”.

Drivers are encouraged to use the online Plan Your Trip tool for an up-to-the-minute estimate on current toll rates from a specified entrance to a specified exit.

Why not provide one toll rate for the entire length of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

The 66 Express is 22.5 miles long, and traffic conditions can change quickly. Congestion at certain interchanges can increase after you enter, so segmented tolling provides more accurate rates than a single end-to-end toll would.

Check out our “66 Express Dynamic Tolling” video for more info.

Why does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway use a dynamic-toll system?

Northern Virginia traffic can be unpredictable, so our tolls vary to keep things moving. This system gives you the most accurate rates, helping you decide whether to use the express or general lanes.

Check out our video, “66 Express Dynamic Tolling,” for more details.

Is the 66 Express Outside the Beltway one price for the whole corridor?

No. There are three toll segments eastbound and four westbound, each with multiple exits. The toll rate you see on the electronic signs about a mile before each segment shows the current rate for that segment.

Watch our “66 Express Dynamic Tolling” video for more info.

What if the toll-rate changes while I’m driving through a segment?

Once you enter a toll segment, the rate you saw when you entered is locked in for that segment, even if the rate changes while you’re driving through it. If you keep driving and enter additional segments, you’ll pay the rates posted when you enter each new segment. Your total toll for the trip will be the sum of the tolls for all the segments you drove through.

Missed Tolls and Invoices

What if an invoice goes unpaid?

Administrative fees continue to increase, up to and including civil penalties and court fees as allowed by Virginia law. After ninety (90) days, the outstanding balance may be assigned to a debt-collection agency. After 180 days, you may receive a civil summons to appear in Virginia traffic court.

How can drivers dispute a missed toll or an invoice?

Call our Customer Service Center at 1-833-643-2867, submit your inquiry online, or visit our Customer Service Center at 7450 Century Park Drive in Manassas, near the Balls Ford Road park-and-ride lot.

How can drivers appeal the outcome of a missed-toll or invoice dispute?

If you don’t agree with the outcome of a dispute about a missed-toll violation or mailed invoice, you have the option to contact our Customer Service Center at 1-833-643-2867 to address your concern.

I received an invoice for a missed toll. When is payment due?

The invoice will state the due date for the payment.

Does the operator of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway profit from missed-toll administrative fees?

No. Administrative fees for toll-collection purposes are stipulated by Virginia code and enforced by Virginia judges.

Why do administrative fees increase with time?

It takes time and effort to locate and contact drivers about missed tolls. These costs are covered by administrative fees. Costs increase as time goes on and multiple invoices are sent, so administrative fees increase accordingly.

After ninety (90) days, the outstanding balance may be assigned to a debt-collection agency. Drivers whose toll invoices are in collections must work directly with that agency to satisfy the missed toll.

What are the administrative fees for toll violations?

Missing a toll isn’t a problem initially, but if left unpaid it can cause administrative fees and toll charges to accrue with time. Money adds up and here’s what happens if left unpaid:

• 0 to 5 days after missed toll: $1.90 fee per trip


• 6 to 35 days after missed toll (first invoice): $12.50 fee per trip


• 36 to 89 days after missed toll (second invoice): $25 fee per trip


• 90 to 179 days after missed toll (collections): $100 fee per trip


• 180 or more days after missed toll (court proceedings): $100 fee per trip + court fees + civil penalties (set by Virginia law)

How do drivers pay an invoice for a missed toll?

If you receive a mailed invoice for a missed toll on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, you have several choices to pay it.

1. Pay online at https://ride66expresscp.powerappsportals.com/make-a-payment or by clicking the Pay Tolls button on the main page of www.ride66express.com.


2. Pay by phone (credit/debit card only; no check or money order) by calling 1-833-643-2867.


3. Pay by mail (check or money order only; no cash or credit/debit card) by sending your payment and payment slip to I-66 Express Mobility Partners, LLC, P.O. Box 23982, New York, NY 10087-23982.


4. Pay in person (check, money order, or credit/debit card; no cash) at our Customer Service Center, 7450 Century Park Dr., Manassas, VA 20109. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 8am to 6pm, and Friday, 8am to 2pm.


5. Pay at your local Walmart store in Fairfax or Prince William counties.

How can drivers tell if an invoice is from the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

The invoice’s letterhead will feature the 66 Express Outside the Beltway logo and will direct drivers to use the www.ride66express.com website. Our letterhead, logo, and website are distinct from those of other managed-toll roadways, such as the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes.



Not sure who sent that invoice? See examples of invoices from toll facilities across Virginia at https://www.tollroadsinvirginia.com/MissedToll/PayAViolationNotice.

How do drivers pay a missed toll without an invoice?

If you know you missed a toll, it’s best to resolve the outstanding toll balance as soon as possible. You may pay online within five (5) days of the trip at https://ride66expresscp.powerappsportals.com/make-a-payment or by clicking the Pay Tolls button on the main page of www.ride66express.com. Under “Pay a Missed Toll,” enter your license plate number and click Submit.

Don’t see your toll violation come up? Just click Yes under “Get an Email Notification” and enter your email address to be notified via email within five (5) days.

In the event that you missed a toll and are registered for email notifications but aren’t notified within five (5) days, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-833-643-2867 or I66CustomerService@I66EMP.com.

When would drivers receive an invoice for a missed toll?

If the toll has not been paid within five (5) days of the missed toll, an invoice for the toll (plus any applicable administrative fees) will be generated and mailed to the registered owner of the vehicle which missed the toll. If you received an invoice you can pay for it here.

How does the 66 Express Outside the Beltway know a driver missed a toll?

If you ride the 66 Express Outside the Beltway without an E-ZPass transponder or without sufficient funds in your E-ZPass account to pay the toll, an image of your vehicle’s license plate will be automatically captured and recorded by our camera equipment.

What is a missed toll?

The Virginia Department of Transportation defines a missed toll as any toll that has been charged to a vehicle, but is unpaid at the time of the trip.

HOV? Is That Me?

What types of vehicles are HOV-eligible on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

Vehicles classified in Toll Classes #1, #2, and #3 may be HOV-eligible. These vehicles include motorcycles, passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks that are under 7 feet in height and 18 feet in length. Check the Vehicle Classification chart for details.

Vehicles classified in Toll Class #5 and above are not HOV-eligible on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway.

What is considered a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) on the 66 Express Lanes Outside the Beltway?

An HOV-eligible vehicle is a two-axle passenger vehicle carrying three (3) or more occupants. Passenger vehicles include two-axle cars, trucks, minivans, and SUVs under seven (7) feet in height and under eighteen (18) feet in length.

Is a motorcycle HOV-eligible?

A motorcycle, defined as “a two-wheeled vehicle that is powered by a motor and has no pedals” is always considered an HOV-eligible vehicle, regardless of how many people it is carrying.

What does the E-ZPass Flex transponder have to do with HOV eligibility?

In order to declare HOV status for a trip on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, the vehicle must carry an E-ZPass Flex transponder – which is a separate device from the standard E-ZPass transponder – and it must be switched to “HOV On” mode, also known as “Carpool” mode. Additionally, the transponder should be securely and properly mounted to the vehicle’s windshield in accordance with EZPass recommendations, and it must be connected to a valid E-ZPass account with a sufficient balance.

Who sets the HOV rules on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). See VDOT’s HOV schedule for Northern Virginia highways at www.VirginiaDOT.org/travel/hov-novasched.asp.

What’s the benefit of being a High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) onto the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

Eligible vehicles with three (3) or more passengers with an E-ZPass Flex transponder set to “HOV On” will not be charged a toll for their trip, regardless of how many segments the vehicle travels.

To qualify for HOV3+, set your E-ZPass transponder to “HOV On” mode.

Are autocycles HOV-eligible?

An autocycle, defined as “a three-wheeled motor vehicle that is manufactured to comply with federal safety requirements for motorcycles and that is equipped with safety belts, a steering wheel, and seating that does not require the operator to straddle or sit astride to ride” is not HOV eligible, but is able to travel the express lanes at the posted toll rate of a class 2 vehicle under 7’ long and under 18’ in height.

How could I find out if a work van or contractor’s truck is HOV-eligible?

HOV-eligibility is based on vehicle size. Any vehicle more than seven (7) feet tall or more than eighteen (18) feet long is not HOV-eligible. Please make sure to refer to the vehicle classification chart before riding on the Express Lanes.

Are the HOV rules always the same on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

HOV rules on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway are in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week, year-round.

Toll Payment/Collections/Court Enforcement

How does the 66 Express collect payments from customers who miss tolls or don’t have an E-ZPass?

There are several ways a toll can be missed. Drivers who take the 66 Express Outside the Beltway without an E-ZPass transponder, or without sufficient funds in their E-ZPass account, will be considered as having missed a toll. Customers who miss a toll can pay the toll online at https://ride66expresscp.powerappsportals.com/make-a-payment or by contacting our Customer Service Team at 1-833-643-2867.

What are the consequences of not paying a toll?

Failure to pay tolls can result in administrative fees and court proceedings, as outlined by Section §33.2-503 of the Code of Virginia.

What do I do if I received a court summons in the mail?

If you received a court summons, you are welcome to give our Customer Service team a call at 1-833-643-2867. We’re here to help Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm; and Friday 8am-2pm.

Why might I receive a court summons?

You received a court summons because our records show that your car used the Express Lanes without paying the toll, and the DMV has identified you as the vehicle’s registered owner. If no payment is received after at least 120 days since the date of the unpaid trip, a court summons is issued. For more details, contact Customer Service at 1-833-643-2867 Monday-Thursday, 8am-6pm; and Friday 8am-2pm.

What are the civil penalties for violating on the 66 Express?

The civil penalties are:

– $50 for the first offense

– $100 for the second offense within one year of the first

– $250 for the third offense within two years of the second

– $500 for the fourth and subsequent offenses within three years of the second

How much are court fees?

Court fees will be imposed by the court of competent jurisdiction.

Can I prepay to avoid court?

Prepayment options are available to resolve unpaid tolls and avoid court proceedings. Customers can still settle their unpaid tolls by attending their scheduled court date in person. We encourage customers to take advantage of these options to avoid court proceedings.

Why am I receiving a call from the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

As a courtesy, 66 Express conducts outbound phone calls to help customers pay missed tolls before court proceedings are initiated. These calls are evidence of our commitment to resolving missed toll issues fairly and within all applicable laws and regulations, while providing a high level of convenience to our customers.

Are calls from 66 Express representatives legitimate?

Yes. 66 Express makes outbound calls to drivers who have missed a toll on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway and have an outstanding balance. These calls are a good-faith effort to help customers pay for missed tolls before the account potentially incurs a civil summons to traffic court in Prince William or Fairfax County.

Should l call back if I missed a call or received a voicemail from the 66 Express?

Yes, please. Any phone call and voicemail from 66 Express is a good-faith effort to help customers pay for missed tolls. If you receive a call from us, please contact our Customer Service Team at 1-833-643-2867. If you wish to respond directly to the agent reaching out to you, select Option 1 and enter the extension provided in the voicemail.

Why am I being contacted about unpaid tolls by a debt-collection agency?

66 Express Outside the Beltway works with multiple authorized third-party debt-collection agencies to recover unpaid toll violations. These vendors may contact customers by mail or phone regarding outstanding toll balances. If you receive a notice from an authorized collection agency, it is a legitimate attempt to collect unpaid tolls and associated fees. If you have questions about a notice you received, please contact the vendor directly using the information provided in the communication.

Multi-Modal Transportation Infrastructure

Other than express lanes, what features does the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project include?

I-66 Express Mobility Partners, operators of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway, fully funded the Transform 66 project through private investment. The project offers true multi-modality in transportation by focusing on moving more people, goods, and services along the I-66 corridor – not just vehicles.

The multi-modal features funded by I-66 EMP’s private investment include 22.5 miles of new express lanes alongside three general-purpose lanes on I-66 from I-495 to Route 29 in Gainesville. These dynamically-tolled express lanes offer more reliable and faster trips on I-66, available to solo drivers who choose to pay a toll, and free to vehicles with three or more people. The project also includes new and improved bus services and transit routes, with mass transit buses enjoying free travel on the express lanes. Additionally, dedicated annual funding supports transit services adjacent to the corridor. New and expanded park-and-ride lots were built as part of the project providing more than 4,000 new spaces and offering convenient access to the 66 Express.

Significant interchange improvements have been made to enhance safety and reduce congestion, including auxiliary lanes between interchanges where merging distance is shorter and over 18 miles of new sidewalks and bike and pedestrian trails, including shared-use trails along I-66, including the new 11-mile 66 Parallel Trail in Fairfax County, that improves and expands bicycle and pedestrian routes.

Timeline and Overview of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project

When did the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project begin?

After a competitive bidding process in 2016, the Commonwealth of Virginia awarded I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP) a 50-year public/private partnership (P3) contract to finance, design, build, operate, and maintain the 66 Express Outside the Beltway project. Preliminary work began in December 2017, with construction fully ramping up in the spring of 2018.

What did construction of the project entail?

Transforming I-66 outside the Beltway required the construction of 63 bridges (including 13 at the Rt. 28 interchange and 11 at the I-495 interchange), 12 rebuilt or modified interchanges, full reconstruction of the general-purpose lanes, construction of four new express lanes, two new park-and-ride lots with expanded bus facilities and more than 4,000 commuter spaces, and over 18 miles of new sidewalk and shared-use path, including the 66 Parallel Trail in Fairfax County.

During peak construction, more than 2,000 average daily workers were on the project site. I-66 EMP developed partnerships with numerous local vendors to construct the 66 Express Outside the Beltway.

When did the 66 Express Outside the Beltway fully open?

After an early opening of the western segment on Sept. 10, 2022 (two and a half months ahead of schedule), the entire 22.5 miles of express lanes commenced full operation ahead of schedule on Nov. 22, 2022.

The official opening ceremony was held Nov. 29, 2022, at Fairfax Corner, and attended by approximately 400 dignitaries, elected officials, interested citizens, and employees of the lanes’ operator I-66 EMP and the lanes’ design/build contractor FAM Construction.

Ownership and Operation of the 66 Express Outside the Beltway Facility

Who financed, maintains, and operates the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP), a consortium of leading global infrastructure companies Cintra, Meridiam Infrastructure, and APG. I-66 EMP won a 50-year public/private partnership (P3) contract with the Virginia Department of Transportation to  operate, and maintain the 66 Express Outside the Beltway through 2066.

What resources does I-66 EMP have to maintain the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

I-66 EMP operates its own fleets of specialized vehicles for incident response, storm prep, and snow/ice removal.

Who owns the 66 Express Outside the Beltway?

The Commonwealth of Virginia owns the facility, which is under the jurisdiction of VDOT. I-66 EMP operates and maintains the 66 Express Outside the Beltway as part of its agreement with the commonwealth. The HOV rules, and speed limits on the 66 Express Outside the Beltway are dictated by VDOT and other traffic laws are enforced by Virginia State Police.

Private Investment and Public/Private Partnership (P3)

Where did the money to build theTransform 66 Outside the Beltway project come from?

Entirely from private investment by I-66 Express Mobility Partners (I-66 EMP). No tax dollars from Virginia taxpayers were used in the financing, design, and construction of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project, and no tax dollars from Virginia taxpayers are being used to operate and maintain the 66 Express Outside the Beltway facility.

What is a public/private partnership (P3)?

A P3 is a contractual agreement between a public agency (e.g., VDOT) and a private-sector entity (e.g., I-66 EMP).

How does I-66 EMP’s private $3.7 billion investment break down?

Of the $3.7 billion invested by I-66 EMP into the 66 Express Outside the Beltway project:

• $2.3 billion in design/build construction costs


• $800 million in mass-transit subsidies over the term of the 50-year P3 contract


• $300 million paid to the Commonwealth of Virginia for future transportation improvements over the term of the 50-year P3 contract


• $579 million in an up-front concession payment to fund various transportation infrastructure improvements along the I-66 corridor

Additionally, the Commonwealth offered I-66 EMP a public subsidy of $579 million for project costs, which I-66 EMP did not require, allowing those funds to be used for other projects.

What projects are being funded by I-66 EMP’s $579 million concession payment to the Commonwealth of Virginia?

Numerous projects along the I-66 corridor are being funded by I-66 EMP’s $579 million concession-fee payment to the Commonwealth of Virginia. All projects were recommended by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) and approved by the Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB).

A complete list of concession-fee projects is available at Outside.Transform66.org/about_the_project/concession_fee_projects.asp.