Tech firms drive Northern Virginia boom

The Washington region is one of the nation’s Internet hotbeds with technology companies making their homes along Northern Virginia’s Interstate 66, which includes the busy Dulles Corridor.

I-66 is a 65-mile freeway linking Washington with Front Royal and Interstate 81, but the highway also serves as a vital commuter route, connecting the District with growing Virginia suburbs.

Visitors often are confused by the lack of signage on the I-66 corridor. Driver confusion settles in right from the start, according to the book “Interstate 66 Guide.” After crossing the Potomac River via the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge, a sign indicates that I-66 east continues along the Potomac Freeway.

The Potomac Freeway is only that short freeway between the Roosevelt Bridge and U.S. 29/Whitehurst Freeway. There are no signs to reassure drivers they are on course after leaving the bridge. There is no sign signaling the end of the Potomac Freeway. Green guide signs only refer to the Whitehurst Freeway. However, from U.S. 29/Whitehurst Freeway, I-66 west is signed as heading out on the Potomac Freeway.

Expansion of this often-congested stretch of road through Arlington County, between Rosslyn and Dulles Connector, is subject to some contention. Arlington officials have expressed concern over potential fallout from any I-66 traffic relief efforts. Unresolved issues also involve high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes and toll lanes.

U.S. Rep. Frank R. Wolf, Virginia Republican, says the highway can be expanded for only $18 million within the confines of the existing “footprint,” land already owned by the state.

“The benefits of Interstate 66 expansion will also benefit adjacent streets and neighborhoods with potential relief,” Mr. Wolf says.

The Round 7.0 Cooperative Forecast recently released by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) predicts that by 2030, the number of jobs in the region will rise by 1.4 million, an increase of 49 percent.

During the same period, the region’s population is expected to increase by 2.1 million people and more than 821,000 households. The forecast says the greatest population growth is expected in Northern Virginia.

Current plans call for extending the I-66 corridor westward and adding lanes in both directions.

The I-66 corridor was added as a high-priority corridor in 1991 and amended in recent transportation bills. Legislation facilitates adding mileage to the corridor.

Current I-66 construction near Catharpin, Va., will add a sound wall.

Ryan Hall, spokesman for the Virginia Department of Transportation, says a 3.8-mile stretch of I-66 is now being widened between Sudley Road and the Prince William Parkway. An HOV lane and a conventional lane will be added in both directions.

Construction on this expansion began in August 2004 and is expected to end this October. The cost is $37 million.

“Hopefully this will help ease the congestion in this area,” Mr. Hall says.

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