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VDOT to Launch Study to Extend I-495 Express Lanes Toward American Legion Bridge and Maryland Line

April 19, 2018

 
RICHMOND, Va. -- Virginia's Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved funding in the amount of $6 million Wednesday for the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to conduct an environmental study of a plan to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the I-495 and Dulles Toll Road interchange to the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge and Maryland line. This northern extension to the 495 Express Lanes would help relieve a traffic-choked section of I-495 by providing more capacity, new travel choices and benefits for carpoolers.
 
According to Virginia Transportation Secretary Shannon Valentine, "This is a regional problem that requires a regional solution. We are pleased to begin our efforts to formally study bringing transportation improvements to this area, and look forward to working in partnership with Maryland, as they too work to find the best solutions for this challenging traffic area."
 
Virginia's I-495 Northern Express Lanes Extension study, also referred to as 495 NEXT, will be developed as an independent, stand-alone project that will be closely coordinated and compatible with plans for the I-495 Capital Beltway in Maryland. The full scope of improvements will be refined over the coming months.
 
The environmental study, which will be completed according to the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), will evaluate site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements may have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams, and other resources. The study will begin this month and is expected to be completed in 2019.
 
The public will have their first opportunity to learn more about the proposed project and upcoming study at a public information meeting scheduled for Monday, June 11, 2018 at Cooper Middle School in McLean.
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Startups Participating in 1776 and Transurban Smart Highways Challenge Deliver Final Project Pitches

December 13, 2017

Arlington, Va. — Today, the six-month 1776 and Transurban Smart Highways Challenge and Innovation lab program culminated in a “demonstration day.” Six startup companies delivered presentations outlining opportunities to improve the roads managed by Transurban.
  
Following the presentations, judges from Transurban questioned the teams about their products and services and how the solutions could integrate into Transurban’s roadway networks. 
 
“Transurban and 1776 launched this partnership to drive innovation and empower startups to introduce new ideas aimed at improving transportation networks for the traveling public and regional economies,” said Leigh Petschel, Vice President of Operations for Transurban. “We thank each startup for their efforts and look forward to advancing programs to strengthen traffic management on Virginia roads.”
 
Transurban will conduct an evaluation of the pitches and announce the winning partnerships in early 2018. 
 
"The Smart Highways Challenge illustrates that the global startup ecosystem can be a rich source of ideas and solutions for complex industries like transportation. Collaboration between startups with established companies like Transurban can make all the difference in building a stronger business and remaining competitive," said Evan Burfield, Cofounder and Chairman of 1776. "We are thrilled to have partnered with Transurban and the six participating startups to develop their ideas further and find new ways to foster their work together to improve highways." 
 
The startup teams offered solutions to transportations challenges in the following three areas:
  • Vehicle monitoring: products for monitoring roads, tolls, and vehicles
  • Smart transportation: products that utilize cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, or robotics in building vehicles
  • Road safety: products and tools that build more resilient vehicles, predict traffic and driver behavior, and create a safer road environment.
The demonstration day marks the end of a 90-day incubation period that provided startups with resources to test their products, consult with Transurban’s transportation experts and receive mentorship from 1776 to grow their companies. 
 
The startups were selected to participate in the Innovation Lab in June following their successful applications to the Transurban Challenge. 1776 hosted the winners at their Crystal City campus for the Innovation Lab.  
 
About Transurban
 
Transurban is a pioneer of the public-private partnership (P3) managed lanes concept in the United States. Our North American business was among the pioneers of public-private partnerships for major transportation infrastructure in the Virginia region. Our Express Lanes network features industry-leading tolling and traffic management systems on more than 40 miles of managed lanes across the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. Transurban was one of the first to use a number of innovative financing and technology strategies in the development of major toll road projects.
 
About 1776
1776 is the Northeast corridor’s largest network of entrepreneurial incubators with 11 campuses in 4 states and the District of Columbia. We are a next-generation incubator serving a community of bold entrepreneurs and companies impacting their ecosystems.
 
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Governor McAuliffe Announces Deal to Deliver 95 Express Lanes Extension and Provide $277M for Additional Upgrades to the 95 Corridor

January 10, 2018

Richmond, Va. – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that the Commonwealth has accepted Transurban’s proposal to deliver the extension of the 95 Express Lanes south to Fredericksburg.

“When I took office four years ago, I made a commitment to radically change how we do transportation in Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Virginians spent $300 million on the U.S. Route 460 project that was never built, because state officials negotiated a poor contract.  Today, I am pleased to announce the Commonwealth has accepted a proposal from Transurban to build the 95 Express Lanes extension 10 miles south of Route 17 in Fredericksburg.  This deal will not require any upfront taxpayer investment for construction, and will provide $277 million by the time the express lanes are open that will be invested in the corridor to advance critical transportation projects.”

This project is a part of the Atlantic Gateway initiative to improve travel along the 95 Corridor.  With this announcement, the initiative has been expanded to include the Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing, which is a major priority of the Fredericksburg region.  In 2022, the 95 corridor from the Potomac River to Fredericksburg will be upgraded.  The initiative was made possible through partnerships with the private sector and a grant from the federal government.

“This project addresses an area that traffic data company, INRIX, named ‘worst traffic hot spot’ in the nation,” said Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne.  “Expanding the Express Lanes 10 miles south will bring much-needed relief from the existing bottlenecks along the I-95 corridor, improve reliability for commuters and freight, enhance road safety and set up the regional economy for future growth.”

The 95 Express Lanes, together with the 395 Express Lanes will provide travel choices and reliable, uninterrupted travel for 50 miles in one of the most congested corridors in the nation.  They will also link into the larger regional network of Express Lanes in Northern Virginia on the 495 and 66 corridors.

“Transurban is pleased to continue its long-term partnership with the department to bring congestion relief and extend travel options to the growing Fredericksburg region,” said Jennifer Aument, President, North America, Transurban.  “The project, together with the 395 Express Lanes, will provide reliable, uninterrupted travel for 50 miles in one of the most congested corridors in the nation.”

Construction is expected to begin in the Spring of 2019 with the facility slated to open in fall 2022.

The following are key features of the project:

  • Ten miles of new two-lane reversible Express Lanes (with full shoulders) from the existing southern terminus at Route 610 to Route 17 North (Exit 143 to Exit 133) and approximately 1.5 miles of an additional reversible Express Lane within the existing 95 Express Lanes south of Garrisonville Road (Route 610)
  • New Express Lanes access points, including flyover ramps at the Route 17 terminus and Quantico area and a direct, reversible ramp connection at (Old) Courthouse Road
  • Seven new bridge structures:

o    Express Lanes mainline across Potomac Creek

o    Northbound general purpose (GP) lanes flyover entrance to Express Lanes north of Route 17

o    Northbound Express Lanes flyover exit to GP lanes and Russell Road

o    Southbound GP lanes flyover entrance to Express Lanes south of Russell Road

o    Southbound Express Lanes flyover to GP lanes and Route 17 at Southern Terminus

o    American Legion Road overpass (demolish and rebuild existing structure)

o    Truslow Road overpass (demolish and rebuild existing structure)

·         Interface and direct connection with the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Rappahannock River Crossing – Southbound Project, including a new general-purpose lane exit ramp at Route 17

·         All-electronic tolling with same rules as 95 Express Lanes

For more information, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/fredericksburg/i-95_express_lanes_fredericksburg_extension.asp.

Driver reminders and resources for I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway

December 4, 2017

The I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway (ITB) are now open.  For your safety, please travel cautiously and be aware of changing traffic patterns. 

Remember, the rules on the I-66 Express Lanes ITB differ from the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.

For carpools traveling on the 495 and 66 Express Lanes: If you are traveling on the I-66 Express Lanes ITB with 2 people in the car with your E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode, do not forget to switch your E-ZPass Flex off of HOV mode before you exit onto the 495 Express Lanes. Otherwise, you could be stopped by Virginia State Police enforcing the HOV-3 requirements.

Here are a few other important reminders:

Questions I-66 Express Lanes Inside the Beltway 495 and 95 Express Lanes
Who operates the road? VDOT Transurban
How do I reach customer service with questions? 66ExpressLanes.org/contact or 1-877-762-7824 customercare@expresslanes.com or 1-855-495-9777
Where can I get more information or pay missed tolls? 66ExpressLanes.org ExpressLanes.com
How many people do I need in the vehicle, including the driver, to qualify as HOV? 2 3
When are the HOV rules in effect? When do I need an E-ZPass in my vehicle to use the Lanes?

Eastbound 5:30 to 9:30 a.m.

Westbound 3 to 7 p.m.

 At all times
How do I get HOV free travel? Use an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode with the right number of people in the car.  Use an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode with the right number of people in the car. 

 

Virginia Transportation Leaders Launch Fair Travel Program to Educate 495 and 95 Express Lanes High-Occupancy Vehicle Drivers

November 27, 2017

Tysons, Va. -- Transurban, the operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the Virginia State Police today announced the launch of the Fair Travel Program to educate high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) drivers who use the 495 and 95 Express Lanes on the proper use of E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex transponders and HOV requirements. The program will include customer education and enhanced enforcement on the Express Lanes.
 
“We are committed to ensuring a fair, safe and reliable travel experience on the Express Lanes for our customers,” said Leigh Petschel, Vice President of Operations at Transurban. “Through the Fair Travel Program, we want to remind our customers of the HOV rules on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, as well as offer tips on how to correctly use the E-ZPass Flex.”
 
The program will launch prior to the opening of VDOT’s I-66 inside the Beltway Express Lanes project, as a way of helping new E-ZPass customers familiarize themselves with the E-ZPass Flex and the differences from the standard E-ZPass transponder.
 
Enhanced enforcement of HOV violations is an additional component of the program because violators who falsely claim to be HOV on the Express Lanes can contribute to increasing toll prices for those drivers who do comply with HOV regulations and choose to pay to use the Express Lanes. Troopers issued 43 citations during a recent enforcement blitz initiative conducted in the Express Lanes.
 
Key elements of the program will include:
 
  • Educational emails issued to E-ZPass Flex customers
  • Letters to customers who travel in HOV mode on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes
  • Social media campaign advising on how to properly use E-ZPass and the rules of the road
  • Advisory messages on dynamic message signs along the Express Lanes corridor
  • Increased Virginia State Police presence in the Express Lanes with focus on HOV enforcement
  • Enforcement system improvements, including new cameras and deploying handheld E-ZPass readers to aid Virginia State Police troopers while enforcing violations and providing patrol to promote highway safety
  • Educational materials for troopers to provide to drivers who are stopped for related infractions
“Virginia is a leader in offering innovative transportation solutions such as managed express lanes to provide travel options, promote carpooling and transit use, and improve regional mobility,” David Caudill, Tolling Division Administrator at VDOT. “The success of express and HOV lane facilities depends upon motorists correctly using their E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex and following the HOV rules. The Fair Travel Program will support awareness about HOV rules and promote compliance on the Express Lanes.”
 
“Troopers not only patrol the Express Lanes each day to keep drivers safe and respond to incidents, but to also detect and deter violators,” said Captain James E. De Ford Sr., Virginia State Police Fairfax Division Commander. “With more than 80,000 vehicles coming and going daily, this program will reinforce to violators that our troopers are on the road and able to ensure drivers are correctly using the Express Lanes.”

Transurban Celebrates 5-Year Anniversary of 495 Express Lanes with $5,000 in Free Travel Giveaways, $10,000 Community Grant

November 17, 2017

WASHINGTON, Nov. 17, 2017 — Transurban, operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, is celebrating the fifth anniversary of the 495 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia by launching a travel giveaway of $5,000 in free travel prizes and a special $10,000 community grant. The 495 Express Lanes have provided a broad range of benefits to the region over the past five years of operations, as well as faster and more predictable travel for buses, carpoolers and drivers. Since year one, the 495 Express Lanes have attracted many area commuters, supporting a four-fold increase in carpool trips and 75 percent increase in bus trips. Travelers on the 495 Express Lanes today enjoy on average 23 minutes of time savings during rush hour commute1, and drivers on the regular 495 lanes benefit as well — with northbound morning rush hour traffic travel times improving by 8 percent.

“Today we celebrate five years of helping our customers on the Beltway make it to a meeting on time, get home for dinner with family and travel to work without the anxiety that comes with hitting an unexpected traffic jam,” said Jennifer Aument, group general manager of Transurban North America. “Whether they pay tolls, ride in a bus or carpool, we value all our customers and look forward to working with our partners at VDOT to continually find new ways to provide them with a better Beltway in the years to come.”

Transurban commemorated the fifth anniversary of the 495 Express Lanes this morning at Tysons Corner Center with the help of Santa and the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, Tysons Corner Station 29, which gave Santa a ride up the Express Lanes to celebrate the important transportation project milestone. Santa took one of the first rides on the 495 Express Lanes when they opened to the public in November 2012.

5 Years of Benefits for Drivers and the Community

Highlights of the broad range of benefits that the 495 Express Lanes project has provided to travelers and the entire community over the past five years include:

Regional benefits during construction:

  • Generated $3.5 billion in economic activity.
  • $2 billion in transportation improvements.
  • $548.3 million in contracts to DBE/SWaM companies.
  • Replacement of $260 million in aging infrastructure.
  • 16,000 jobs.

Traveler benefits:

  • Over the past five years, more area travelers have enjoyed the benefits of a faster, more reliable commute. The Lanes have served more than 3,500,000 customers taking more than 67,000,000 trips.
  • 23 minutes is the average time savings on 495 Express Lanes during rush hour commute2.
  • Travel times have improved by 8 percent on regular lanes during northbound morning rush hour.
  • Eight out of 10 drivers in the D.C. region believe the Express Lanes network benefits the area.
  • Five million hours of time were saved by 495 Express Lanes customers over the past five years.

Community benefits:

  • $450,000 in community grants awarded by Transurban to D.C. area organizations.
  • Supported community projects such as new bike racks, elementary school environmental programs, local neighborhood enhancements, homeless shelter programs and local park cleanups.
  • Nearly $80,000 donated to local fire and rescue departments through the Drive to Donate program.
  • Annual support of Bike to Work Day.
  • Anti-distracted driving safety programs.
  • Better transit service on the Beltway.
  • Employee community volunteering programs.

‘A Better Beltway’ Giveaway

As a thank-you to customers, Transurban is giving away $50 of free Express Lanes travel to each of 100 lucky customers. Customers can register for a chance to win online at ExpressLanes.com/anniversary-contest starting November 17. The contest will run until December 1. Winners will be randomly chosen on Monday, December 4, and will be notified by email within two days. The $50 of free travel will be applied toward their future 495 and 95 Express Lanes trips.

495 Express Lanes 5th Anniversary Community Grant

Transurban will be announcing a special $10,000 community grant in honor of the project’s five-year milestone and community engagement. In honor of the partnership it took to deliver the 495 Express Lanes project, two or more community organizations will need to apply together for the grant and showcase how they will work together on a specific project or initiative. Applications will be open from December 1-January 31, with winning recipient(s) notified and announced in February. Application forms will be available on ExpressLanes.com starting December 1.

About the Express Lanes

The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95, providing drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together, the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for approximately 40 miles, from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County. Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the Express Lanes give drivers reliable travel choices on two of northern Virginia’s most congested roadways. For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.

About Transurban

Transurban is a pioneer of the public-private partnership (P3) managed lanes concept in the United States. Our North American business was among the pioneers of public-private partnerships for major transportation infrastructure in the Virginia region. Our Express Lanes network features industry-leading tolling and traffic management systems on more than 40 miles of managed lanes across the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. Transurban was one of the first to use a number of innovative financing and technology strategies in the development of major toll road projects.

Media contacts:

Mike McGurk, Transurban 571-421-5364, mmcgurk@transurban.com

Kristina Messner, Focused Image (for Transurban) 703-678-6023, kmessner@focusedimage.com

 

1 Sept 2017 quarter

2 Sept 2017 quarter

495 Express Lanes 5 year anniversary

November 17, 2017

It has been 5 years since the greater D.C. area’s first tolled express lanes, the 495 Express Lanes, opened to drivers. Since then, the region has seen significant benefits – from an increase in economic activity to faster travel times to an investment in the greater community. Check out the infographic and 5 Year Anniversary Video for more information on the impact the 495 Express Lanes have had in the region.

 

95 Express Lanes Offer Tips for Thanksgiving Travel

November 16, 2017

Tysons, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes expect a substantial increase in traffic for the Thanksgiving holiday. Last year, between Tuesday, November 22 and Sunday, November 27, customers took more than 223,000 trips on the 95 Express Lanes. On average, customers saved 27 minutes in travel time by choosing the Express Lanes, with some drivers saving more than one hour.

The busiest getaway travel times on the regular I-95 lanes and the 95 Express Lanes before Thanksgiving weekend in 2016 were Tuesday between 3 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday between 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.

To help customers with their travel, roadway information is provided using overhead signs and is available through the free Express Lanes mobile application, which provides real-time access to toll prices and traffic cameras. 

A new 2-mile southern extension on the 95 Express Lanes in Stafford County opened to traffic on October 31, 2017. Drivers planning to travel on the southern portion of the 95 Express Lanes are advised to be aware of new travel patterns in this area. Travelers are also reminded to pay close attention to pricing and advisory signs, as significant congestion on the regular lanes can lead to delays at the southern end of the Express Lanes. 

Travel tips:

  • The busiest getaway travel times before Thanksgiving weekend in 2016 were Tuesday between 3 to 7 p.m. and Wednesday between 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. Those periods are again expected to have the heaviest travel volumes.
  • Last year, drivers saved as much as 50 percent off tolls by avoiding travel during the afternoon and evening portions of the getaway, when demand on the Express Lanes is at its highest and the dynamic tolls increase to manage traffic on the Lanes.

Reminders for you and visiting family:

  • E-ZPass® is required to use the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.
  • An E-ZPass issued from out-of-state will work on the Express Lanes.
  • Vehicles with at least three people, including the driver, are reminded to travel with an E-ZPass® FlexSM in HOV mode for a toll-free trip.
  • If family and friends visiting from out-of-town accidently travel on the Express Lanes without an  E-ZPass, they can visit ExpressLanes.com/missed-a-toll to pay for trips within five days of travel, or contact the customer service center at 1-855-497-9777.

The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will be adjusted to help accommodate travelers. Here’s what drivers can expect:

  • Wednesday, November 22 – Close northbound one earlier at about 10 a.m. and open southbound by about noon.
  • Thursday, November 23 – Close southbound at about midnight and open northbound by about 2 a.m.  Northbound all day.
  • Friday, November 24 – Close northbound at about 11 a.m. and open southbound at about 1 p.m.
  • Saturday, November 25 – Close southbound at about 2 p.m. and open northbound at about 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, November 26 – Northbound all day.
  • Monday, November 27 – Close northbound at about 11 a.m. and open southbound at about 1 p.m.

About the Express Lanes

The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 providing drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia.  Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County.  Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the Express Lanes give drivers reliable travel choices on two of northern Virginia’s most congested roadways.  For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.

 

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Express Lanes Announce Winner of “Go the Billionth Mile” Contest

November 1, 2017

Alexandria, Va. – Today Transurban, operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, announced that Tammie B. of Alexandria, Virginia is the winner of the “Go the Billionth Mile” contest and will receive one year of toll-free travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. The contest was held in September 2017 to celebrate the milestone of one billion miles traveled since the Lanes first opened in November 2012 and gave a lucky customer a chance to win the free-travel prize.

“I’m really ecstatic that I have this opportunity for a free year of commuting on the Express Lanes, it means so much to me,” said Tammie. “The Lanes provide me 20 more minutes of sanity and 20 less minutes of aggravation to have to deal with,” she added.

Tammie B. has lived in Virginia for 30 years and works at a trade association in Washington, D.C., commuting from her home in the Kingstowne area of Alexandria.

Her typical trip on the Express Lanes takes her from the Springfield Parkway to regular lanes on I-395 near Duke Street.

Tammie enjoys comedy and horror films as well as touring Virginia wineries and local museums.

Content featuring Tammie will be featured on the Express Lanes website and social media channels to help educate new customers.

About the Express Lanes

The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 providing drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia.  Together, the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County.  Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the Express Lanes give drivers reliable travel choices on two of northern Virginia’s most congested roadways.  For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.

 

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I-95 Express Lanes Southern Terminus Extension in Stafford County Opening Tuesday, Oct. 31

October 23, 2017

FREDERICKSBURG – A project to extend Interstate 95 Express Lanes by two miles in Stafford County, adding new northbound and southbound ramps, will open to traffic ahead of schedule on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2017. The $50 million project extends Express Lanes beyond the flyover ramp where they end today, just north of Route 610 (Garrisonville Road). The new southbound ramp will open to traffic on the afternoon of Tuesday, Oct. 31. The new northbound ramp will open early Wednesday, Nov. 1.

What Drivers Need to Know

The extension will operate under the same rules and reversal schedule as the current 95 Express Lanes.When the extension opens, I-95 northbound traffic will be able to enter Express Lanes earlier at a new left entrance before the Garrisonville Road overpass.Southbound Express Lanes traffic heading to Fredericksburg will be able to continue past Garrisonville and merge about one mile south of the Garrisonville Road exit.All drivers need an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes. Carpools need an E-ZPass Flex and three or more people in the vehicle to travel toll-free.

Project Background

Construction on the extension began in July 2016. The project’s design-build team is Branch Civil, Inc., and Whitman, Requardt & Associates. The project is a joint investment by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban. Transurban operates the existing 29-mile Express Lanes facility that opened in December 2014, and will be responsible for maintenance and operations of the two-mile extension. Around 146,000 vehicles a day travel I-95 near Garrisonville Road. 

More information on the I-95 Express Lanes Southern Terminus Extension project is available online at the project page at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

 

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