by Abby Isaacs ’12

With the opening of a new section of the ICC, running from Georgia Avenue to I-95, on November 22, the entire ICC, connecting I-270 to I-95, was free to travel on until the beginning of December to give customers a chance to try it out. Because my house is right next to the Olney exit, I felt almost obligated to give it a try and I was surprised at what I learned.

The speed limit on the ICC does not exceed 55 mph and with only seven entry/exit points, this is absurd and unheard of. All other major high ways speed limits exceed 55 mph and have a lot more exits. The ICC is also a fairly straight and easily navigable high way so it seems unnecessary that the speed limit does not exceed 55 mph.

Also, the toll rates are ridiculously high. Even with an E-ZPass, drivers of cars and light trucks will pay $4 during Peak hours (Monday thru Friday 6-9am and 407pm; excluding federal holidays), $3.20 Off-Peak (Monday thru Friday 5-6am, 9am- 4pm, 7-11pm and Saturday to Sunday 5am- 11pm) and $1.60 overnight (11pm to 5am). For 5-axle trucks, the maximum toll with an E-ZPass is $24! And they wonder why barely any trucks travel on the ICC. With low speed limits and high tolls, it seems more logical that truck drivers take the slightly longer way than pay the toll for a not much quicker route.