The Washington Examiner is reporting that Virginia has called a halt to its planned addition of express toll lanes to Interstate 395 and Interstate 95 between the Pentagon and Spotsylvania County, citing difficulties in financing the project.

Construction on the project, a public-private venture with Fluor Daniel and Transurban USA, had been exected to begin next year.

This could put a damper on a similar, $4.6 billion scheme to widen Interstate 270 by adding two express toll lanes in each direction. Financing that project could be a challenge, especially if lawmakers from Baltimore and other regions of the  state block the use of increased tolls from their local facilities to underwrite bonds.

In light of these credit issues, Maryland transportation planners may want to take a serious look at an all-transit proposal for easing congestion in that corridor.