MANASSAS, VA — Just outside of the nation's capital, the initial phase of a private sector funded $3.7-billion transportation project, called Transform 66 Outside the Beltway, has opened to the public as commemorated by federal, state, and local officials at an event near Manassas, Virginia.

Due to the ongoing collaboration of the public and private sectors, construction on an initial nine-mile segment of express lanes has been completed, and the express lanes have opened ahead of schedule; a significant partnership and accomplishment amidst the background of ongoing national challenges posed by a global pandemic, materials shortages, and logistical issues.

Cintra, a subsidiary of Ferrovial, led the development effort along with partners Meridiam and APG, together with construction partners Ferrovial Construction and Allan Myers.

"We would not be here today without the visionary leadership found in the Commonwealth of Virginia," said Alberto Gonzalez, United States President of Cintra. "We see this as the finest example of how a public and private partnership can successfully take a massive infrastructure idea and make it reality in a short period of time."

Not only is private sector funding enhancing traditional heavy civil roadway construction, the project also includes an additional direct investment of $579 million for other priority multi-modal projects across the region. These multi-modal initiatives include projects like the City of Fairfax and the Town of Vienna mixed-use trails, Virginia Rail Express (VRE) Manassas line improvements, and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission bus and maintenance facility. Furthermore, an additional $800-million commitment is also being made over the life of the project for transit and transit operational improvements along the I-66 corridor by 2066.

In addition to the express lanes and transportation upgrades, Transform 66 Outside the Beltway will feature Cintra's AIVIA Smart Roads Initiative. This infrastructure-to-vehicle system is a collaboration of transportation and technology companies. The initiative facilitates communication between antennas and sensors installed on the physical roadway with autonomous and connected vehicles. The result: seamless interaction between autonomous, connected, and conventional vehicles improving safety and efficiency of travel.

The Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project has strengthened the local economy, putting more than 400 local and regional companies and disadvantaged business enterprises to work. More than 11 million man hours have been expended to date on the project.

The final phases of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project are anticipated for opening in the coming months.