Family Billed $550 in Tolls
A family outing turned into a financial shock for the Landry family of Northern Virginia after receiving a bill for nearly $550 in toll charges for using the I-66 Express Lanes during a trip to Luray Caverns. The family is now sharing their experience with FOX 5, calling attention to the high costs associated with express lane travel in larger vehicles.
The Family Trip
John and Julia Landry, along with their six children, took their recreational vehicle (RV) on a memorable trip to Luray Caverns last month. While the caverns offered stunning views and a day of adventure, the drive to and from the destination on I-66 Express Lanes became a costly burden.
“We knew there were tolls, but we didn’t expect anything close to this,” said John Landry. “We were completely blindsided when we saw the bill.”
The toll, which covered both the journey to Luray and the return trip, amounted to nearly $550—a price that far exceeded what the family anticipated.
Why Was the Toll So High?
Tolls on I-66 Express Lanes vary depending on factors such as vehicle type, number of axles, and traffic conditions. Larger vehicles like RVs often incur higher rates because they take up more space and contribute more to wear and tear on the road. Additionally, toll prices on the express lanes are dynamic, fluctuating based on real-time traffic congestion.
According to the Landrys, they were unaware of the specific toll rates for their RV and were not notified of the charges until they received the bill.
Landry Family’s Reaction
The family says the experience has been a frustrating one, particularly because they believe there was insufficient transparency about the potential costs.
“It’s one thing to pay a toll, but this felt excessive,” Julia Landry said. “We would’ve taken a different route if we had any idea it would cost this much.”
The Landrys hope their story will encourage officials to improve communication about toll pricing and provide clearer information for drivers of larger vehicles.
Local Concerns About Express Lane Costs
The Landry family’s story has sparked discussions about the fairness of tolls on I-66, especially for families and drivers of larger vehicles. Some residents argue that the pricing system disproportionately affects those who use RVs or other multi-axle vehicles for leisure or travel.
“This isn’t just about the Landrys,” said a local advocate for affordable transportation. “It’s about ensuring that drivers understand what they’re paying for and that tolling policies are reasonable and transparent.”
VDOT’s Response
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), which oversees the I-66 Express Lanes, has stated that toll rates are determined by vehicle type and demand to maintain free-flowing traffic. They encourage drivers to check tolling information online or use apps to estimate costs before entering the express lanes.
VDOT also emphasized the availability of alternative routes for drivers who wish to avoid express lanes.
A Lesson for Future Travelers
The Landrys say they’ve learned a hard lesson about express lane travel in Virginia and are urging others to plan ahead.
“This won’t stop us from traveling, but we’ll definitely be more careful about toll roads in the future,” John Landry said.
As express lanes become more common across the U.S., the Landrys’ experience underscores the importance of clarity and fairness in tolling systems, ensuring all drivers can make informed choices about their travel.
