VDOT extends hours for I-66 shoulder lanes

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) _ Motorists on a section of Interstate 66 can now drive on the shoulder for an extra two hours on weekdays.

The change by the Virginia Department of Transportation took effect Monday. It’s intended to ease congestion between the Capital Beltway and Route 50. But AAA Mid-Atlantic says opening shoulders compromises safety.

Previously, drivers could use the eastbound shoulder from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and the westbound shoulder from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Now the eastbound shoulder will be open until 11 a.m., and the westbound shoulder will open at 2 p.m.

VDOT says a study showed no significant difference in crashes when the shoulder is open.

AAA spokesman Lon Anderson says shoulders are needed as a safe place for stranded motorists to await help. He also questions how emergency vehicles can reach crash sites when there’s traffic on the shoulder.