The long-awaited Intercounty Connector (ICC) is scheduled to open on Feb. 22 at 6 a.m., but motorists have until March 6 to test-drive the new highway for free.
"The test-drive period will give customers an opportunity to become familiar with the highway’s all-electronic tolling and variable pricing, while allowing the Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA), which will own and operate the ICC as its eighth toll facility, to test the tolling equipment under actual traffic conditions," a press release from the Maryland Transportation Authority says.
The first section, about 5.5 miles in length, will connect I-370 at Shady Grove Road to MD-97 (Georgia Ave.) in Olney.
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The MDTA expects the road to decrease travel time by as much as 70 percent for drivers going from Shady Grove Road to Georgia Avenue compared to traveling on local roads.
Drivers will be able to use their E-ZPass to pay the tolls, which will be collected electronically so drivers won't have to slow down to pay. There won't be toll booths or cash collection.
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If you don't have an E-ZPass and drive on the ICC anyway, starting April 6, a notice will be mailed to your home with a bill for the amount of the toll plus a $3 processing fee.
Toll rates for cars and light trucks on the first segment of the road, according to the release, will be as follows:
• $1.45 during Peak hours (Mon. – Fri., 6 – 9 a.m. and 4 – 7 p.m.)
• $1.15 during Off-peak times (Mon. – Fri., 5 – 6 a.m., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. and 7 – 11 p.m.; and Sat. & Sun. 5 a.m. – 11 p.m.) and
• $0.60 Overnight (11 p.m. – 5 a.m. Daily)
The next segment of the road scheduled to open will connect MD-97 (Georgia Ave.) to I-95 in Laurel, and is scheduled to open late this year or early next year.
Here is a time-line of ICC openings and milestones:
• Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6:00 a.m.: ICC opens to traffic, weather permitting
• Tuesday, Feb. 22 – Sunday, March 6 at 12 midnight: Test-drive period; no tolls or service charges collected
• Monday, March 7, 12:01 a.m.: Toll collection begins
• Monday, March 7, 12:01 a.m. – Tuesday, April 5, 12 midnight: Waiver of $3 Notice of Toll Due service charge
• Tuesday, April 6, 12:01 a.m.: Full tolling operations, including collection of service charges
For more information, visit www.iccproject.com.
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