HB1223: HOT lanes; requires shoulder widths are sufficient for safe operation of transit vehicles.

HOUSE BILL NO. 1223
Offered January 15, 2010
A BILL to amend and reenact § 33.1-56.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to designation of high-occupancy toll lanes.
Patron-- Ebbin

Committee Referral Pending

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That § 33.1-56.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 33.1-56.2. Designation of HOT lanes.

The Board may designate one or more lanes of any highway, including lanes that may previously have been designated HOV lanes under § 33.1-46.2, in the interstate system of highways, primary system of highways, or national highway system, or any portion thereof, as high-occupancy toll lanes, or HOT lanes. In making HOT lanes designations, the Board shall also specify the high-occupancy requirement and conditions for use of such HOT lanes, or may authorize the Commissioner to make such determination consistent with the terms of a comprehensive agreement executed pursuant to § 56-566. The high-occupancy requirement for a HOT lanes facility constructed or operated as a result of the Public-Private Transportation Act (§ 56-556 et seq.) shall not be less than three.

Any designation of any HOT lanes shall ensure that lane shoulder widths are sufficient for safe operation of transit vehicles and ensure that levels of performance of existing high-occupancy vehicle facilities do not deteriorate and are allowed to accommodate growth. Any such designation shall, furthermore, require that local governments' concerns with congestion at points of access and egress and on parallel local streets are openly and meaningfully addressed.