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Federal Highway Administration, Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban Launch Partnership to Test Connected and Autonomous Vehicles on Transurban’s Express Lanes Network

July 21, 2017

Alexandria, Va. – Authorization to begin testing connected vehicles and vehicle automation technologies on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes was approved earlier this week by the Commonwealth Transportation Board. The Commissioner of Highways agreed to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the Virginia Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and Transurban, the operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, to study how connected and autonomous vehicles (CAVs) may improve safety and mobility.  The program will enable the partnership to perform research, and develop and trial demonstration tests on the Express Lanes to examine real-world applications for the developing technologies. Program development is scheduled to begin later this month with on-road tests beginning as soon as summer 2018.

“As the pioneers of automated vehicle-to-roadway technologies, we are positioned to continue to lead the way in breakthrough research and conduct new testing that has the potential to drastically change the way we approach travel on the highways,” Acting Deputy Federal Highway Administrator Walter “Butch” Waidelich said. “Ultimately, it’s about benefiting America’s drivers by keeping them safe and easing their travels out on the road.”

“This is a new era for the Virginia Department of Transportation,” said Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne. “We must do all we can to embrace the roadway needs of rapidly evolving automotive technology. This partnership will help answer critical questions as transportation agencies consider approaches to handling the current technology alterations and disruptions occurring with the transition to CAV.”

“As a long-term partner to Virginia and the Federal Highway Administration, Transurban is committed to improving the transportation network in the Greater Washington area,” said Leigh Petschel, Vice President of Operations, Transurban. “We look forward to safely trialing this technology on the Express Lanes while helping Virginia maintain its position as a leader in supporting innovative transportation solutions.”

The program partners will test electronics, information processing and communications technology to better understand the practical application of connected and autonomous vehicles in a real-world environment, with the ultimate goal to increase efficiency across road networks. The research will test:

·         cooperative adaptive cruise control, that allows automated vehicles to safely follow each other in closer proximity; 

·         technology to seamlessly enable automated lane changing and merging into traffic; and

·         speed harmonization, including direct vehicle interaction

The Express Lanes provide an ideal testing ground for CAVs because the roadway and lane markings are well maintained, there is minimal debris on the pavement and full camera coverage is available at the dedicated Express Lanes operations center. 

 

 

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New updates to Express Lanes mobile app

May 25, 2017

Download the free Express Lanes app to plan your travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes from the convenience of your mobile device. The latest version of the app includes new trip planning, payment and notification features.
 
Use the Express Lanes mobile app to:
  • Plan your trip with end-to-end navigation
  • See real-time toll prices
  • View live traffic cameras before you get on the road
  • Pay toll invoices or missed tolls on the go
  • Sign up for missed toll alerts, via SMS, email and push notifications
  • Find entries and exits along your preferred route

Download the free app today from the Apple App Store® or the Google Play Store®.

95 Express Lanes Prepare for Heavy Travel over Memorial Day Weekend and Implement Early Summer Weekday Reversal

May 23, 2017

Tysons, Va. – Drivers are advised to prepare for increased demand on the 95 Express Lanes later this week as many in the region depart for vacation.  In addition, the northbound 95 Express Lanes and I-395 high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes will close weekdays at 10 a.m. for the morning reversal beginning Thursday, May 25.  The early closure will enable southbound travelers to enter the 95 Express Lanes around 11:30 a.m., one hour earlier than the current schedule.  Overnight weekday reversals will continue to take place from about midnight to 2 a.m.  The schedule will remain in place throughout the summer.

Beginning the afternoon of Thursday, May 25, through the evening of Friday, May 26, drivers traveling along the 95 Express Lanes corridor should expect heavy traffic volumes and increased demand requiring higher-than-average toll prices to best manage the traffic on the Lanes. 

When to go:

  • The busiest getaway travel times on the regular I-95 lanes and the 95 Express Lanes before Memorial Day weekend in 2016 were Thursday and Friday between noon and 6 p.m.  Delays were worse on Friday.  We expect those periods will again face the heaviest travel volumes
  • To avoid higher-than-average tolls and peak traffic, drivers should depart before noon on Thursday or after 6 p.m. on Friday 

95 Express Lanes Memorial Day weekend reversal schedule:

  • Thursday, May 25:       Southbound reversal begins one hour earlier at 10 a.m.
  • Friday, May 26:             Southbound reversal begins at 10 a.m.
  • Saturday, May 27:        Normal operations – Lanes reverse to northbound at 2 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 28:          Northbound Lanes will close around 7:30 a.m. to support Rolling Thunder. The Rolling Thunder event will access the Lanes via Opitz Boulevard with the support of Express Assist crews.  The Lanes will re-open around 11 a.m. again in the northbound direction after the Rolling Thunder riders have exited from the I-395 HOV lanes to the Pentagon
  • Monday, May 29:           Express Lanes remain northbound all day
  • Tuesday, May 30:          Normal operations – southbound reversal begins around 10 a.m. with Lanes opening by about noon

On the road:

  • An advisory sign before the Quantico/Joplin Road exit will alert Express Lanes drivers to any delays ahead on the Lanes
  • Drivers can then decide whether to exit the Lanes at Joplin Road or continue to the end of the 95 Express Lanes near Garrisonville Road
  • If delays increase, signage before the Joplin Road exit will advise travelers to exit to the regular lanes
  • Express Assist crews will be available to help drivers who get stuck on the Lanes
  • Riding with family or friends?  If you have at least two passengers in your vehicle, don’t forget to put your E-ZPass® FlexSM in HOV mode for a toll-free trip

Stay up to date:

  • Use the Express Lanes mobile app to check real-time toll prices and traffic cameras before departing
  • Follow the Express Lanes on Twitter @VAExpressLanes for updates

About the Express Lanes

The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide 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 more than 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 Access to Tysons

April 17, 2017

Use the 495 Express Lanes to improve your commute to Tysons. The Express Lanes provide a faster, more predictable travel option on the Capital Beltway in Virginia. Drivers have direct access to and from the Tysons area with three dedicated exit points:

  • Route 7 / Leesburg Pike
  • Westpark Drive
  • Jones Brand Drive

Check out the map to see how these Express Lanes access points can improve commutes to the major Tysons area employers.

Express Lanes Offer Tips for Peak Holiday Traffic Season

December 12, 2016

Tysons, Va. – A mix of travel factors including increased holiday traffic, Metro SafeTrack work and seasonal changes such as fewer daylight hours are causing changing traffic patterns and increasing congestion on I-495 and I-95. Customers can save significantly on tolls by simply avoiding the peak of rush hour. Toll prices are 33 to 60 percent less expensive during the hour just before or after the peak travel periods of 5 to 6 p.m. and 7 to 8 a.m.  
 
“We want to equip our customers with helpful information so they can make the best choices for their travel and have the smoothest possible experience on the Express Lanes,” said Mike McGurk, spokesman, Transurban.  “As the operators of the Express Lanes, it’s our goal to help our customers through the peak holiday travel season.”  
 
McGurk stated that increased traffic volumes and higher toll pricing is expected through the holiday season and Metro SafeTrack work which is scheduled to be completed by December 21.  
 
Drivers traveling the I-95 and I-495 corridors during rush hour periods are advised to follow these tips: 
 
Avoid the peak travel time on the Express Lanes to skip the highest tolls. 
  • Tolls reach their highest on the Express Lanes between 7 to 8 a.m. and 5 and 6 p.m. during the peak of rush hour. 
  • By traveling an hour earlier or later, drivers can shave between 33 and 60 percent off the peak period toll price. 
 
Check the Express Lanes mobile app to see current travel conditions before hitting the road.
  • Review current toll prices and live traffic cameras on the Express Lanes mobile app. 
  • The app is free to download and available for iPhone and Android devices. 
 
Explore carpool and transit options to travel toll-free on the Express Lanes. 
  • Carpooling with three or more passengers is free on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass Flex. A growing option of ridesharing mobile apps and organizations has made it easier to connect with other commuters to carpool. 
  • The PRTC and Fairfax Connector bus service provide travel routes on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.  Please visit commuterconnections.org for more information. 
  • Visit ExpressLanes.com for links to carpooling organizations and transit options. 
 
Don’t drive distracted. 
  • Distracted driving is a leading cause of regional incidents and a major contributor to roadway delays. Even minor fender-benders sitting in the shoulder cause rubbernecking slowdowns. 
  • Join the Phones Down. Touchdown. campaign with quarterback Kirk Cousins and take the pledge to drive distraction-free at PhonesDownTouchdown.com
 
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide 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 Winter Travel Tips

January 17, 2017

Traffic has increased in the region during this winter season. We want to make sure you have a safe and reliable trip with the Express Lanes. Drivers traveling the I-95 and I-495 corridors during rush hour periods are advised to follow these tips for a smoother trip.

Download feature here.

Express Lanes winter travel tips

 

QB Kirk Cousins, Express Lanes and Transportation Leaders Launch Regional Road Safety Campaign

November 30, 2016

Tysons, Va. – The 495 and 95 Express Lanes together with regional transportation leaders and Washington Redskins starting quarterback Kirk Cousins today launched the “Phone Down. Touchdown.”  safe driving campaign to combat the regional safety issue of driving while distracted. The campaign aims to reach regional drivers about the risks of driving distracted due to cell phone use. The safety initiative will especially focus on younger motorists who are more likely to use a mobile device while behind the wheel.  
 
“I’ve made a career out of playing offense. But when I’m behind the wheel, I drive defensively. No text or phone call is worth risking your life or the lives of others,” said quarterback Kirk Cousins. “I’m honored to partner with Transurban and other Virginia Transportation leaders on the Phone Down. Touchdown. campaign to get drivers to put down their phones and make our roads safer.”
 
 “The safety of our customers and our region’s travelers is our top priority,” said Jennifer Aument, group general manager, Transurban, operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. “Distracted driving is a continuing challenge in the Greater Washington area, especially among younger drivers. Together with our partners, we want reach these drivers and remind them of the danger of taking their attention off the road to use a mobile device.”
 
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ten percent of all drivers 15 to 19 years old involved in fatal crashes were reported as distracted at the time of the crashes. This group has the largest share of drivers who were distracted at the time of a crash. Further, drivers in their 20s make up 23 percent of drivers in all fatal crashes, but comprise 38 percent of the distracted drivers who were using cell phones in fatal crashes.1
 
“Distracted driving is one of the top safety issues on Virginia roads,” said Deputy Secretary of Transportation Grindly Johnson.  “The commonwealth is excited to help launch this campaign with our partners to communicate the dangers of taking our eyes off the road and encourage all drivers to take the pledge and drive distraction-free.” 
 
“Our officers witness first-hand the consequences of distracted driving on Virginia roads and it is something we cannot tolerate,” said Captain Jim De Ford, Fairfax Division Commander, Virginia State Police. “For those few selfish seconds, a driver can put at risk not only his or her life, but the safety of others on the roadway. We want drivers to know that we will fully enforce the law if we find you engaging in this dangerous behavior.” 
 
The Campaign 
The Phone Down. Touchdown. Campaign, sponsored by Transurban, will deliver an anti-distracted driving message from Kirk Cousins to more than 1 million area young drivers, millennials and parents using online advertisement, social media promotion and local parenting bloggers to spread safe driving reminders that feature quarterback Kirk Cousins. Drivers are encouraged to visit PhonesDownTouchdown.com to take a safe-driving pledge and receive access to shareable graphic content featuring Cousins. 
 
Spread the message for chance to win free travel on 495 and 95 Express Lanes
Drivers who share the Phone Down. Touchdown. graphic on social media with the hashtag #PhoneDownTouchdown will be entered to win a month of free travel on the Express Lanes. A new winner will be selected every week throughout December and January. 
 
“Our goal with the Phone Down. Touchdown. campaign is to empower drivers to commit to traveling safely and encourage them to share that commitment with their friends and family,” said John Townsend, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman. “As transportation safety advocates in the fight against distracted driving, we ask Virginia motorists to remember the importance of keeping full focus on the road ahead.”
 
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide 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.
 
About Transurban
Transurban manages and develops urban toll road networks in the United States and Australia.  We partner with governments to meet the long-term transportation needs of communities — developing sustainable, safe, innovative and efficient projects.  Transurban operates the 495 and 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia.  For more information, please visit transurban.com.   
 
1http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html
 
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395 Express Lanes Award Community Grants to Alexandria Police Foundation and Carpenter’s Shelter

September 19, 2016

Alexandria, Va. – Transurban, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s partner on the 395 Express Lanes project, today announced that the Alexandria Police Foundation’s Community Oriented Policing Section (COPS) program and the clinic at Carpenter’s Shelter each received a $5,000 grant through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program.

“The 395 Express Lanes community grant is helping the Alexandria Police Department engage directly with many of our at-risk youth and their families throughout the City of Alexandria,” said Willem Polak, chairman, Alexandria Police Foundation.  “Thanks to the support of Transurban, our Community Oriented Policing Section programs will continue to develop young role models and help build trust between officers and the Alexandria community.”

From left to right:  Isabelle Beegle-Levin, corporate relations assistant at Transurban; Dick Bosman, pitching coordinator at the Tampa Bay Rays; and Alexandria Police Department COPS officers Michael Rossiter and Tony Moore attend a COPS-sponsored youth baseball clinic in August 2016.

The COPS program supports Alexandria Police Department officers working with at-risk youth and families in the City of Alexandria to foster an atmosphere of communication and cooperation.  Under the program, officers engage directly with youth through community projects, acknowledgement of academic achievement and recreational activities.

  

From left to right:  Mary-Parker Lamm, deputy director at Carptener’s Shelter; Rebecca Hightower, development and communications associate at Carpenter’s Shelter; and Isabelle Beegle-Levin, corporate relations assistant at Transurban, celebrate the grant with a check presentation.

Through its clinic, Carpenter’s Shelter provides medical attention to homeless in need of care.  Under the volunteer leadership of Dr. William Rogers, Carpenter’s Clinic is able to provide quality medical care to uninsured clients.

“Carpenter’s Shelter is pleased to receive a grant from the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant program,” said Mary-Parker Lamm, deputy director, Carpenter's Shelter.  “These grant funds will support our Carpenter’s Clinic and its work providing professional care and treatment to uninsured, homeless clients at our facility in Alexandria.  The funds will provide more than 225 clinic visits for clients throughout the region and continue our nearly 30-year effort to improve the health and safety of the homeless.”

“As a part of the Northern Virginia community, Transurban cares about the wellbeing of our region,” said Mike McGurk, spokesman, Transurban.  “Through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program, we seek opportunities to address the needs of our neighbors and community partners within the I-395 corridor.  We are excited to support the Alexandria Police Foundation and Carpenter’s Shelter in their efforts to strengthen community partnerships and provide for the homeless.”

The next application deadline for the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program is September 30, 2016.  Interested organizations and community members can learn more by reading the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program Overview and Guidelines and apply online at 395ExpressLanes.com/grant-application.

 

About the 395 Express Lanes

The 395 Express Lanes project will convert the I-395 HOV lanes to Express Lanes to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options.  The project will extend the Express Lanes network and add a third lane along the project corridor.  The 395 Express Lanes will span from Edsall Road to the vicinity of the Eads Street Interchange.  The improvements will be delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban.  Construction could begin as soon as spring 2017.  For more information, please visit 395ExpressLanes.com.

 

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Express Lanes Award the Workhouse Arts Foundation a Community Grant

June 23, 2016

Alexandria, Va.– Transurban, the operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, today announced that the Workhouse Arts Foundation will receive a grant this quarter through the 495 and 95 Express Lanes Community Grant Program for their Service member Community Art Partnership and Exchange (SCAPE) Scholarships.  The scholarships provide visual arts and art therapy classes to active and retired Service members. 

From left to right:  Christine Manley, Transurban; Brett Johnson, Ava Spece and Martin Cervantez, Workhouse Arts Foundation; and Mike McGurk, Transurban

"As the long-term operator of the Express Lanes, we are committed to being good neighbors and giving back to our community through our 495 and 95 Express Lanes Community Grant Program,” said Mike McGurk, senior corporate relations associate, Transurban.  “We are pleased to support the efforts of the Workhouse Arts Foundation to benefit the region’s active and retired military population through the arts.”

“The Workhouse Arts Foundation is honored to have been awarded a grant through the 495 and 95 Express Lanes Community Grant Program,” said Ava Spece, president and CEO, Workhouse Arts Foundation.  “Through the funds provided by Transurban, we’re confident that the SCAPE program will continue to be successful for years to come.”

Additional grant recipients from the spring 2016 quarter include:

  • Phoenix Bikes and its Earn-a-Bike Youth Ride Program, which educates youth on the basics of bike repair through a free, year-round after school and summer program
  • Keep Prince William Beautiful Community Cleanup Program, which provides educational programs, as well as hands on opportunities, to help accomplish litter abatement in Prince William, Virginia

The next application deadline for the 495 and 95 Express Lanes Community Grant Program is June 30, 2016.  Applications are being accepted in the following categories – environment, community and safety.  Interested organizations can learn more and apply online at ExpressLanes.com/grant-application.

About the Express Lanes

The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide 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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395 Express Lanes Award Community Grant to Arlington Public Schools

June 20, 2016

Alexandria, Va. – Transurban, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) partner on the 395 Express Lanes project, today announced that Arlington Public Schools Safe Routes to School will receive a $5,000.00 grant this quarter through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program for an elementary bicycle education program.  

From left to right:  Joe Reed, Physical Education teacher at Abingdon Elementary School; Christine Manley, Corporate Relations Associate at Transurban; Mike Collazos, Physical Education teacher at Abingdon Elementary School; and two Abingdon Elementary School students.

“As a part of the Northern Virginia community, Transurban cares about the environment, safety and wellbeing of our neighbors,” said Nic Barr, vice president of operations, Transurban. “We strive to be good long-term partners in the region and, through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program, seek opportunities to respond to the needs of neighborhoods within the I-395 corridor.  We are excited to support Arlington Public Schools for their efforts to enhance safety and improve communities.”

“The safety habits we aim to instill through our VDOT Safe Routes to School program helps us make our neighborhoods safer for all traffic,” said Tim Norton, safe routes to school coordinator, Arlington Public Schools.  “ We are thankful for receiving this grant and excited to be able to start an elementary bicycle education program that will teach our students bicycling skills, and provide opportunities to learn to bike for fitness, fun and recreation.  By providing bicycle lessons at a young age, we hope that our students will have the confidence to choose biking as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly means of transportation.”

Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment, Four Mile Run Conservatory Foundation and Penrose Neighborhood Association also each received a $5,000.00 grant through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program this quarter. 

The next application deadline for the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program is June 30, 2016.  Interested organizations and community members can learn more by reading the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program Overview and Guidelines and apply online at 395ExpressLanes.com/grant-application. 

About the 395 Express Lanes

The 395 Express Lanes project will convert the I-395 HOV lanes to Express Lanes to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options.  The project will extend the Express Lanes network and add a third lane along the project corridor.  The 395 Express Lanes will span from Edsall Road to the vicinity of the Eads Street Interchange.  The improvements will be delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban.  Construction could begin as soon as spring 2017.  For more information, please visit 395ExpressLanes.com.

 

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