Runoff temporarily stops some work on HOT lanes

FAIRFAX, Va. - Wet weather is preventing work on some sections of the Capital Beltway's High Occupancy Toll lane project.

Eroding soil is washing into nearby streams that empty in Potomac River waterways. Runoff is one of the biggest concerns in the Chesapeake Bay watershed because too much nitrogen kills bay life.

"Our whole focus is to make sure that we keep the sediment out as best we can," said Steve Titunik, Virginia Department of Transportation spokesman.

Work on the pay lanes has stopped until VDOT's private project partner can come up with a solution.

The delay is likely to cause VDOT to miss a few short-term deadlines.

"Any time you stop work for weather or stop for things like this, yeah, it's going to impact the schedule," said Titunik.

Work is set to resume on Thursday or Friday but the delays shouldn't alter the 2013 planned opening.

VDOT is adding 14 miles of HOT lanes to the Beltway and working on a deal that would add another 28 miles along the Capital Beltway/Interstate 95 corridor.

(Copyright 2009 by WTOP. All Rights Reserved.)