1. I-95 Access Study Fredericksburg Area Project Status Update February 12, 2010

2. I-95 Access Study (Rest Area)  FAMPO 2035 Long Range Plan includes this project in the Constrained Element.  This project is essentially Alternative 5 from the former Outer Connector Study, taken through the EIS process.  Regional Toll Road Authority created by General Assembly, signed by Governor.  Three major interchange projects are underway to accommodate regional growth since 1980 (highest growth rate in VA by far).  HOT Lanes are included in 2035 Long Range Plan with access at the Route 3 and Route 17 Interchanges. Study Area Context

4. I-95 Access Study (Rest Area)  I-95 and Route 1 are only continuous north-south facilities in the region.  Rappahannock River is a protected resource and barrier to north- south travel.  Route 3 and Route 17 are east-west suburban corridors with a high rate of property growth and access demands.  Key commercial districts for Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County.  Heavy travel between northern Virginia & commercial/ residential area southwest of River.  Daily travel between local communities on either side of River.  Existing interchanges exceed their capacity for heaviest movements. Study Area Characteristics and Travel Patterns

5. I-95 Access Study (Rest Area)  20 year old known problem  1994-2005 Outer Connector Study  2000 New Fredericksburg Interchange IJR showing significant corridor-wide interstate improvements with new interchange. Failed due to high cost.  2005 attempt to provide southbound access to commercial properties via Rest Area ramps. Failed due to policy violation. Previous Attempted Solutions

6. I-95 Access Study (Rest Area)  Provide relief to the congestion at the Route 3 interchange and along the arterial corridor.  Facilitate the movement between I-95 and the Fredericksburg business district.  Provide the ability to collect tolls to create a partial or full funding mechanism.  Do no harm to I-95 safety and traffic operations.  Do not use I-95 as “Main Street”. Current Study - Goals

7. Modified Northern Interchange Alternative

8. Connector/Toll Road

9. Connector/Toll Road Typical Section

10. Project Access & Mobility Benefits  Provide free-flowing access from I-95 to Route 3 at Gordon Rd.  Provide grade separated access to Celebrate Virginia /Central Park area.  Provide additional bridges over Rappahannock River to accommodate rapid growth in traffic demand.  These bridges could also be used for diversion of traffic during construction, maintenance or emergencies along the I-95 mainline.  Improve access to major economic centers in Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania County  Provide direct connection to existing and future Park-n-Ride lots

11. Project Safety Benefits  Removes 30 percent of stop-and-go traffic from Route 3. Direct proportional reduction in crashes on Route 3 would be expected.  Reduces traffic density (80% SB and 45% NB) on I-95 mainline at Rappahannock River and brings up average speeds (>20 increase in mph) closer to free flow speeds, which would also have a direct reduction in sideswipe and rear-end crashes.  Removes up to 30 percent of traffic from Route 3 interchange deficient loop ramps and weave areas. These areas are the most prone to crashes.  Physically remove some loop ramps and weave areas from the Route 17 Interchange. Significant reduction in crashes expected from the elimination of conflicting movements and substandard geometric conditions.

12. Project Traffic Operation Benefits  Removes 30 percent of traffic from Route 3 thus effectively returning 2035 conditions to 2008 conditions.  Removes 18% of traffic off of the I-95 Mainline at the Rappahannock Bridges.  Improves operations at Route 3 Interchange by removing 30 percent of the traffic from critical ramps.  Improves operations at US 17 Interchange by eliminating I-95 mainline weave section, and removing two deficient loop ramps.

13. Project Traffic Operation Benefits Location2035 No-Build Level of Service 2035 Build (Alternative N5) Level of Service I-95 Mainline South of Route 3ED EB to NB Merge at Route 3FD I-95 Mainline at RiverFE* EB to NB Merge at US 17FB NB to WB Diverge at US 17FC Northbound I-95 Critical Movements 2035 Peak Period (PM peak) * 45 percent reduction in vehicle density, 20 mph increase in average speed

14. Project Traffic Operation Benefits Location2035 No-Build Level of Service 2035 Build (Alternative N5) Level of Service EB to SB Merge at US 17FC I-95 Mainline at RiverF-E (1) SB to WB Diverge at Route 3F-F (2) I-95 Mainline South of Route 3DD Southbound I-95 Critical Movements 2035 Peak Period (PM Peak) (1) 80 percent reduction in vehicle density, 40 mph increase in average speed (2) 30 percent reduction in vehicle density

15. Project Air Quality and Energy Benefits  Air Quality and Energy Reduction Benefits would be in proportion to traffic operational and safety benefits.  Removing both recurring (daily) and non-recurring (queues from incidents) congestion improves air quality.  Allowing vehicles (especially trucks) to maintain safe operating speeds reduces pollution emissions and saves fuel.

16. Project Costs & Impacts (continued) All alternatives being considered:  Have a total cost of $250 - $300 million  Have cost-sharing potential with VDOT and Fluor for I-95 bridges VDOT, Fredericksburg and Fluor for Fall Hill Bridge replacement Developer contribution in form of CDA, land, proffers  Have property impacts including residential, commercial and undeveloped land.

17. I-95 Access Study (Rest Area) Next Steps  Work with VDOT/FHWA staff to identify preferred alternative and finalize all necessary technical documentation  Finalize cost estimates/toll feasibility.  Conduct more detailed environmental (NEPA) studies and engineering design work on preferred alternative  Submit formal documentation to VDOT/FHWA for approval.