Beginning in the late 1980s, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) undertook a number of high- profile studies to explore options for addressing chronic congestion on the Capital Beltway. These efforts resulted in short-term solutions including truck restrictions, deployment of Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) strategies, and geometric design improvements. In the 1990s, VDOT conducted a broad range of longer- term improvement studies including a Major Investment Study in 1994.
In early 2000, VDOT assessed a range of options for improving the Capital Beltway, including HOV lane addtion alternatives and concepts for improving interchanges. Estimated costs ranged between $2.7 and $3.3 billion and impacts included displacing hundreds of residences. Local stakeholders expressed concerns over the potential solutions.
A Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) was completed in March 2002, assessing different HOV lane addition concepts. During the ensuing public comment period, VDOT received several comments suggesting that HOT lane options be explored instead of an HOV lanes.