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.
Transurban Tests Automated and Connected Vehicles on 95 Express Lanes
October 20, 2015
On October 19 and 20, Transurban partnered with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute (VTTI) on their automated and connected vehicle technology road test on the 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia. The 10-mile test, conducted by VTTI, marked the first time the technology has been employed on a real-world, roadway facility in the D.C. region.
The testing occurred during the regular mid-day reversal of the 95 Express Lanes because the Lanes provided the partners with a safe, closed environment to demonstrate the technology.
The demonstration featured a Level 3 automated vehicle performing specific driving actions, such as lane changes and automated braking in response to scenarios including a simulated work zone and an approaching law enforcement vehicle. In addition, a connected vehicle equipped with both dedicated short-range communications and cellular technology responded to driving scenarios along the test roadway.
For more information on the testing, please visit: http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2015/10/101915-vtti-researchtest.html.
Transurban and Partners Host Region’s First Automated- and Connected-Vehicle Tests on 95 Express Lanes
October 19, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – Transurban partnered with Virginia Tech Transportation Institute today on their automated- and connected-vehicle technology road test on the 95 Express Lanes in Northern Virginia. The 10-mile test, conducted by the Institute, marked the first time the technology has been employed on a real-world managed lanes facility in the D.C. region.
“As a long-term partner to Virginia, operating one of the most high tech roads in the U.S., we are proud to host today's test. Transurban sees these technologies as vital to improving safety and efficiency on the Virginia Express Lanes and roadways across the America,” said Transurban North America Group General Manager Jennifer Aument.
The test occurred when the 95 Express Lanes were closed to the traffic as part of the Lane’s regular mid-day reversal. The 95 Express Lanes provided the partners with a safe, closed environment to demonstrate the technology. Project staff viewed the testing real-time on live video cameras from Transurban’s operations center control room.
The demonstration featured a Level 3 automated vehicle performing specific driving actions such as lane changes and automated braking in response to scenarios including a simulated work zone and an approaching law enforcement vehicle. In addition, a connected vehicle equipped with both dedicated short-range communications (DSRC) and cellular technology responded to driving scenarios along the test roadway.
These technologies have potential applications in managed lanes facilitates like the 495 and 95 Express Lanes in Virginia to improve roadway efficiency and safety. Connected-vehicle communications can complement tools like dynamic pricing and lane-use management signals as facility operators look to improve the driver experience and maintain travel speeds. Similarly, the technology can improve the safety of workers and travelers during maintenance activities or repairs.
The demonstration, part of the Virginia Automated Corridors and Virginia Connected Corridors initiatives, was conducted by the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute, the Virginia Department of Transportation, and Transurban, which operates the Express Lanes.
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on the 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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Love the Lanes
October 13, 2015
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes launched a new advertising campaign utilizing customer testimonials to showcase the real-life value that the Lanes are providing to customers in the region.
From working moms and dads to carpoolers, to small business owners and sluggers, the Express Lanes have been transformational in improving the quality of life for its customers.
Over the next several weeks, a new customer story will be released each week highlighting how the Express Lanes have made a big difference in their life and what they’re doing with their newfound free time.
Check out these Express Lanes love stories:
The Express Lanes cut down Luis's commute to and from D.C., giving him more time with his family.
Sarah's company uses the Express Lanes to get to and from appointments on time.
Area Drivers and the Express Lanes
September 25, 2015
Download this fact sheet to discover how all drivers are benefitting from the Express Lanes, learn how carpoolers are taking to the new travel option, and hear what customers are saying about the Lanes.
Commuting Costs in the D.C. Region
September 25, 2015
From the Express Lanes to Capital Bikeshare, to the VRE and Fairfax Connector, the D.C. region has it all when it comes to commuting options. Download this fact sheet to see some of the costs associated with commuting in the D.C. region.
Unpaid Tolls on the 495 Express Lanes
June 30, 2015
Purple Lane Striping Added to Select Express Lanes Entries
July 21, 2015
Drivers on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes might notice something new – purple lane striping added to select Express Lanes entries. The purple lane striping reinforces to drivers that they are about to enter the Express Lanes, reduces confusion by increasing the differentiation between the Express Lanes and the regular Capital Beltway and I-95 lanes and positively impacts overall driver safety.
You’ll see purple lane striping at the following entry locations:
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95 Express Lanes:
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Northbound:
- 95 Express Lanes entrance near Dumfries Road
- 95 Express Lanes entrance near Cardinal Drive
- 95 Express Lanes entrance near Franconia-Springfield Parkway
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Southbound:
- 95 Express Lanes entrance between Lorton Road and Route 123
- 95 Express Lanes entrance north of Edsall Road
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Northbound:
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495 Express Lanes:
- Northbound 495 Express Lanes entrance near I-95/395/495 interchange
- Regular Capital Beltway lanes between the southbound 495 Express Lanes exit and 95 Express Lanes entrance