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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95 Express Lanes and I-395 HOV Lanes will Adjust Summer Weekday Reversal Schedule in Effort to Improve Corridor Travel
June 9, 2016
Alexandria, Va.– 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 Friday, June 10. 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.
“During summer months, we consistently see much stronger demand in the southbound direction across both the regular lanes and Express Lanes during the late morning period,” said Nic Barr, vice president of operations, Transurban. “By providing drivers with an extra hour of access to the southbound 95 Express Lanes, we hope to improve their travel experience and reduce congestion in the adjacent regular lanes. With summer traffic beginning to increase, this is an ideal time to implement the adjusted schedule.”
The schedule will remain in place throughout the summer.
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 Prepare for Heavy Travel over Memorial Day Weekend
May 24, 2016
Alexandria, Va.– The 95 Express Lanes expect to handle a significant increase in travel later this week as many in the region head to the beach and other vacation destinations for the unofficial start to summer. To save time on their Memorial Day journey last year, travelers took more than 171,000 trips on the 95 Express Lanes from May 20 to 22, 2015.
Beginning the afternoon of Thursday, May 26, through the evening of Friday, May 27, 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 flow on the Lanes.
Travelers are advised to pay close attention to pricing and advisory signs along the 95 Express Lanes. Substantial congestion on the regular lanes can lead to delays on the southern end of the 95 Express Lanes. To help travelers, real-time roadway information is provided using overhead signs. Drivers can also use the Express Lanes mobile app to check real-time toll prices, traffic cameras and advisory signs before departing.
When to go:
- The busiest getaway travel times on the regular I-95 lanes and the 95 Express Lanes before Memorial Day weekend in 2015 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
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, traffic cameras and advisory signs before departing
- Follow the Express Lanes on Twitter @VAExpressLanes for updates
The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will be adjusted for holiday getaway traffic and to accommodate the Rolling Thunder event on Sunday, May 29. Here’s what drivers can expect:
- Thursday, May 26: Southbound reversal begins one hour earlier at 10 a.m.
- Friday, May 27: Southbound reversal begins one hour earlier at 10 a.m.
- Saturday, May 28: Normal operations – Lanes reverse to northbound at 2 p.m.
- Sunday, May 29: Northbound Lanes will close around 7:30 a.m. The Rolling Thunder event will access the Lanes via Opitz Boulevard with the support of Express Assist crews. The Lanes will open around 11 a.m. again in the northbound direction
- Monday, May 30: Express Lanes remain northbound all day
- Tuesday, May 31: Normal operations – southbound reversal begins around 11 a.m. with Lanes opening by 1 p.m.
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 Heroes Thanked on National Superhero Day
April 26, 2016
Alexandria, Va. – Many will celebrate National Superhero Day today by wearing their favorite comic book character’s costume, but quiet acts of true heroism taking place across Northern Virginia often go unnoticed.
The Express Lanes today recognized two local heroes who patrol the road to keep travelers safe – all as part of a regular workday. Last month, the quick thinking of Express Assist team members Corey Williams and Isaac Roa, stopped a drunk driver from continuing on the 95 Express Lanes, preventing a dangerous situation from turning tragic.
On March 26 at approximately 10 p.m., Express Assist members Williams and Roa were dispatched to a disabled vehicle on the northbound 95 Express Lanes near Fairfax County Parkway. Williams and Roa noticed the occupants of the vehicle acting suspiciously and immediately contacted Virginia State Police to investigate further. As Williams and Roa stalled the driver, crews in the Express Lanes Operation Center monitored the situation and provided updates to the Virginia State Police trooper responding to the scene. The trooper arrived, performed sobriety tests and arrested the driver for driving under the influence.
Isaac Roa of Prince William County accepts his award from Vice President of Operations Nic Barr.
“We are incredibly proud of our dedicated Express Assist team members,” said Nic Barr, vice president of operations, Transurban. “They risk their safety each day on our roadways for the benefit of the traveling public. This drunk driver was jeopardizing the lives of other travelers. National Superhero Day is a time to remember that people like Williams and Roa are the unsung heroes in our communities.”
Express Assist team members Williams and Roa have each worked with Express Assist for about 16 months. Williams resides in Caroline County and Roa lives in Prince William County.
On average, Express Lanes control room operators identify incidents within 90 seconds while Express Assist crews reach disabled vehicles and incidents in six minutes.
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 Introduce Captain Timesaver on National Superhero Day
April 28, 2016
Alexandria, Va. – The battle against the evils of traffic delays today gained a powerful ally as reports spread across Northern Virginia of a masked and caped superhero assisting travelers in need of timesaving. Citizens rescued from gridlocked lanes earlier today say the fast and predictable superhero was aided by junior sidekick resembling an E-ZPass® FlexSM.
The 
Express Lanes superhero Captain Timesaver and his E-ZPass Flex sidekick, Flexie, are part of a marketing campaign launched to tell travelers about the timesavings benefits on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. Customers on the Lanes have saved up to two and half hours during a full southbound trip on the 95 Express Lanes. Average timesavings for the same rushhour journey range from 35 to 40 minutes.
Express Lanes customer Jennifer G. lives in Alexandria and works in Tysons Corner. She credits the Express Lanes with cutting her commute in half, giving her another 40 minutes each day. Describing how she spends her newfound time with her family, she says, ”I can have breakfast with the kids. I can take the three older ones to school.”
“Captain Timesaver is going to showcase the timesaving results that the Express Lanes provide to our more than 3 million customers in a fun, lighthearted way,” said Nic Barr, vice president of operations, Transurban. “As our brand evolves in the Northern Virginia, we continue to look at new ways to tell our story. We are excited to welcome Captain Timesaver as a brand ambassador and storyteller.”
The long-term marketing campaign will feature the superhero duo helping travelers get equipped with an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass Flex, get out of gridlock and get to the Express Lanes. Captain Timesaver and Flexie will be featured across social media and digital media channels, including the Express Lanes website and the Virginia Express Lanes Facebook page.
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 Launch Free Mobile App to Improve Customer Experience
April 7, 2016
Alexandria, Va. – The Express Lanes today announced the launch of a new mobile app that offers customers convenient access to real-time Express Lanes data via mobiles devices. Using the free app, customers can access current toll prices, live traffic camera feeds, live travel advisory signs and important information on how to use the Express Lanes.
By registering for a new account using the Express Lanes app, drivers can also take care of missed tolls on the go. Drivers who create a new account will be entered for a chance to win one month of free travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.
“We are committed to helping drivers enjoy smooth travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes,” said Nic Barr, vice president of operations, Transurban. “The Express Lanes App provides unprecedented access to real-time data that will help our customers more easily plan their travel. Today you can quickly and conveniently get toll prices, check traffic and even pay missed tolls directly from your phone.”
The app is available for download from the Google Play Store® and the Apple App Store®.
The Express Lanes App is the first mobile application designed exclusively for a toll facility in Virginia.
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 Mobile App
April 7, 2016
Get the free Express Lanes app to plan your travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes from the convenience of your mobile device.
Use the Express Lanes mobile app to:
- Check out real-time toll prices
- View live traffic cameras before you get on the road
- Pay toll invoices or missed tolls on the go
- Find entries and exits along your preferred route
- See live advisory signs on the Lanes for any travel updates
- Learn the rules of the road to safely use the Express Lanes
- Get tips for using E-ZPass®
Download the free app today from the Apple App Store® or the Google Play Store®.
Want to learn more?
Learn how the app can help your travel.
Enforcement on the Express Lanes
January 28, 2016
