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
Fall 2015 Express Lanes Research
December 18, 2015
In fall 2015, 1,700 D.C. area drivers were surveyed about the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. The results? No matter the commute – carpool, ride a bus, pay a toll, even drive in the regular lanes – support for the Express Lanes is strong.
Check out the research findings here.
Coles Elementary School Supports the Environment with New Recycling Program
October 30, 2015
Coles Elementary School was awarded an Express Lanes Community Grant for their school recycling program in the summer of 2015.
Coles Elementary, located in Manassas, Virginia, serves 500 students from 32 countries, speaking 19 languages. The school was recently recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School, which acknowledges the school's commitment to sustainable practices, highlighting their commitment to reducing environmental impact and costs, improving health and wellness and providing effective environmental education.
With the help of the Express Lanes Community Grant Program, Coles Elementary implemented a recycling program to help achieve their goal of becoming a trash-free school. Grant funding allowed Coles Elementary to put a recycling container in each classroom and hallway throughout the school.
The recycling program also works to educate and empower students and staff to reduce their school’s waste footprint by providing education to aid in rethinking, reducing, reusing and recycling.
Coles Elementary is committed to inspiring leadership in environmental stewardship, health and sustainability and to involve and impact the entire school community. Learn more about Coles Elementary School and their environmental initiatives.
The Express Lanes Community Grant Program supports organizations that sustain, enhance or protect the local environment and communities surrounding the Express Lanes corridor. For more information about the Grant Program, please visit: https://www.expresslanes.com/grant-program.
Delivering the 95 Express Lanes
October 30, 2015
The 95 Express Lanes project was delivered on time and on budget in December 2014. Project partners leveraged private financing to deliver more with state dollars. Check out the infographic to discover how the project supported Virginia taxpayers, jobs, commuters and businesses.