SPI Insights

Maryland – The Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) estimates that in order to add toll lanes to Interstate 270 and the Capital Beltway, 70 miles of large water and sewer pipes would need to be relocated at a cost of up to $2 billion.

Some main lines are up to 8 feet in diameter, which the WSSC estimates would cost between $1.3 billion and $2 billion to relocate depending on the construction method used.

The state typically splits such costs with the utility; however, because it plans to use a public-private partnership (P3) for the toll lane project, it’s unsure how costs will be divided.

Officials aim to reduce traffic congestion with the toll lanes, which will be added in pairs in both directions to both highways and the American Legion Bridge.

It’s estimated that $280 million will be needed to move the 5.3-mile bicounty tunnel, which is a steel pipe 7 feet in diameter located adjacent to the Beltway.

The state has yet to complete an environmental review of the project. It is soliciting private sector companies to compete for the P3. Officials hope legislation will be introduced requiring private partners to pay for the costs of relocating the pipes.