Heavy Travel Expected on Express Lanes Memorial Day Weekend
May 20, 2015
Alexandria, Va.– Today,the 95 Express Lanes issued a reminder of critical Express Lanes travel tips as Memorial Day weekend and the summer travel season approach. Since opening approximately six months ago, the 95 Express Lanes have provided more than 550,000 customers with a faster, more predictable travel option, saving some customers more than two hours. But as drivers travel southbound on particularly heavy traffic days – when substantial delays on the regular lanes often extend to Fredericksburg – customers can experience delays as they exit to the stand-still or slow-moving regular lanes.
The 95 Express Lanes use on-road signs to alert customers of delays during peak travel times when traveling southbound through Prince William County:
- Express Lanes travelers will see an advisory sign in advance of the Quantico/Joplin Road exit, which alerts drivers of congestion ahead on the Lanes. The sign will indicate approximately how far ahead the delays begin, for example “CONGESTION 3 MILES AHEAD”
- Drivers can use the information on the sign to decide whether to exit the Lanes at Joplin or continue to Garrisonville Road
- If delays increase, signage before the Joplin Road exit will advise travelers to exit to the regular lanes using the message “EXIT NOW TO AVOID DELAYS”
“Before drivers hit the road for Memorial Day, we want to make sure they understand the tools we use to communicate about delays and their travel options in the southern section of the 95 Express Lanes,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “The information provided via on-road signs will help drivers make the best decision for their trip.”
In addition to watching for travel updates on advisory signage, drivers should keep the following tips in mind for the summer travel season:
- If possible, depart before 2 p.m. or after 8 p.m. on Fridays before holiday weekends and during the summer travel season
- Be aware that delays can occur on Thursday evenings as well as Saturday mornings before peak travel holidays
- Review current conditions and toll prices on the Lanes by checking the 95 Express Lanes traffic cameras and reviewing pricing signs on the Map your trip page
- Follow the Express Lanes on Twitter @VAExpressLanes for updates
- Riding with family and friends? If you have at least two passengers with you in your vehicle, don’t forget to put your E-ZPass® FlexSM in HOV mode for a toll-free trip
- Travel safely this summer by buckling up, obeying speed limits and avoiding distracted driving
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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Benefits of 495 and 95 Express Lanes Extend to Regular Lanes as Drivers Experience Reduced Travel Time and Increased Lane Speeds
May 12, 2015
Alexandria, Va.– The 495 and 95 Express Lanes today announced that benefits of the Express Lanes extend to the regular Capital Beltway and I-95 lanes as well. According to data extracted from the University of Maryland’s Regional Integrated Transportation Information System, travelers in the regular lanes on the Capital Beltway and I-95 have experienced reduced travel times and faster speeds since the Express Lanes opened. As expected, drivers who take the Express Lanes experience significant travel time savings when they choose to take the Lanes.
“Northern Virginia is notorious for being one of the most congested areas in the country,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “The Express Lanes are helping to alleviate congestion and improve travel times, not just in the Express Lanes, but in the regular lanes as well. The improvements the Express Lanes have delivered to the entire corridor are a testament to why projects like the Express Lanes benefit all drivers – not just those who choose to take the Lanes.”
95 Express Lanes Benefits
According to the data, which compares peak travel times for each day of week from Garrisonville Road to Franconia Road in February 2014 versus February 2015, travelers in the regular I-95 northbound lanes have experienced reduced travel times since the 95 Express Lanes opened in December 2014.
|
Day of Week |
Average February 2014 Travel Time in Regular Lanes |
Average February 2015 Travel Time in Regular Lanes |
Average Time Savings for Drivers in Regular Lanes |
|
Monday |
49 minutes |
30 minutes |
19 minutes |
|
Tuesday |
47 minutes |
32 minutes |
15 minutes |
|
Wednesday |
40 minutes |
30 minutes |
10 minutes |
|
Thursday |
54 minutes |
31 minutes |
23 minutes |
|
Friday |
32 minutes |
26 minutes |
6 minutes |
The data also reveals that travelers in the northbound regular I-95 lanes experienced faster lane speeds at peak travel times in February 2015 than they did in February 2014.
|
Day of Week |
Average February 2014 Regular Lane Speeds |
Average February 2015 Regular Lane Speeds |
Average Speed Increase |
|
Monday |
33 mph |
54 mph |
21 mph |
|
Tuesday |
34 mph |
50 mph |
16 mph |
|
Wednesday |
40 mph |
53 mph |
13 mph |
|
Thursday |
30 mph |
51 mph |
21 mph |
|
Friday |
51 mph |
62 mph |
11 mph |
Travelers in the regular I-95 northbound lanes see the biggest improvement to travel times and lane speeds on Thursdays, saving an average of 23 minutes and traveling an average of 21 mph faster on a northbound trip from Garrisonville Road to Franconia Road.
Drivers who choose to take the 95 Express Lanes experience even more significant travel time savings. For a full-length peak southbound trip in February 2015, the maximum travel time savings realized was nearly 2.5 hours. Average and maximum travel time savings in the 95 Express Lanes in February 2015 are below:
|
Day of Week |
Average Travel Time Savings in February 2015 for 95 Express Lanes customers |
Maximum Travel Time Savings in February 2015 for 95 Express Lanes customers |
|
Monday |
33 minutes |
Nearly 2.5 hours |
|
Tuesday |
15 minutes |
1 hour |
|
Wednesday |
13 minutes |
30 minutes |
|
Thursday |
19 minutes |
Nearly 1 hour |
|
Friday |
33 minutes |
2 hours |
495 Express Lanes Benefits
According to the data, which compares peak travel times for each day of week on the Capital Beltway from I-95 to Route 267 in March 2012 – before the 495 Express Lanes opened – versus March 2014, travelers in the regular northbound lanes are experiencing reduced travel times.
|
Day of Week |
Average March 2012 Travel Time in Regular Lanes |
Average March 2014 Travel Time in Regular Lanes |
Average Time Savings for Drivers in Regular Lanes |
|
Monday |
25 minutes |
19 minutes |
6 minutes |
|
Tuesday |
27 minutes |
26 minutes |
1 minute |
|
Wednesday |
30 minutes |
19 minutes |
11 minutes |
|
Thursday |
37 minutes |
19 minutes |
18 minutes |
|
Friday |
19 minutes |
16 minutes |
3 minutes |
The data also reveals that travelers in the northbound regular Capital Beltway lanes experienced faster lane speeds at peak travel times in March 2014 than they did in March 2012.
|
Day of Week |
Average March 2012 Regular Lane Speeds |
Average March 2014 Regular Lane Speeds |
Average Speed Increase |
|
Monday |
32 mph |
42 mph |
10 mph |
|
Tuesday |
29 mph |
31 mph |
2 mph |
|
Wednesday |
26 mph |
41 mph |
15 mph |
|
Thursday |
21 mph |
41 mph |
20 mph |
|
Friday |
41 mph |
49 mph |
8 mph |
All data regarding road travel times and speeds is from the University of Maryland’s Regional Integrated Transportation Information System, an automated data sharing, dissemination and archiving system.
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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A Look at Express Lanes Customers
May 6, 2015
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes continue to provide carpoolers, transit riders and toll-paying customers with faster and more predictable travel on two of the most congested roads in the Washington, D.C. area.
According to research conducted in February 2015*, customers are already praising the 95 Express Lanes and the benefits they provide, while the 495 Express Lanes continue to see new customers and have a loyal customer base that remains satisfied.
Download the infographic below to learn more about the research findings and Express Lanes customers.
* Based on an online survey conducted by KRC Research of 1,266 drivers in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
Express Lanes Donate Nearly $80,000 to Local Fire and Rescue Organizations
April 2, 2015
On March 21, 2015, over 20,000 drivers showed their support for area fire and rescue organizations by taking the 495 or 95 Express Lanes and participating in Drive to Donate – a program that gives back to local fire and rescue heroes who put their lives on the line to keep the communities surrounding the Express Lanes safe – both on and off the road.
In total, Transurban donated more than $78,000. Each of the following organizations received more than $26,000:
- Fairfax County Fire and Rescue
- Prince William County Fire and Rescue
- Stafford County Fire and Rescue
On April 3, 2015, Fire and Rescue officials from each county joined Transurban for a check presentation. Check out photos from the Drive to Donate check presentation.
Thank you to all the drivers who chose to travel on the Express Lanes on March 21. We depend on local law enforcement and fire and rescue organizations to keep us safe, especially in the localities where the Express Lanes operate – thank you for helping us support a great cause.
Transurban Donates Nearly $80,000 to Local Fire and Rescue Organizations
March 31, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – Today, Transurban announced the results of Drive to Donate, aprogram designed to give back to local fire and rescue heroes who put their lives on the line to keep us all safe – both on and off the road. Over 20,000 drivers participated by traveling and paying tolls on the 495 or 95 Express Lanes on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Transurban, the operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, donated the value of all tolls collected to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Prince William County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Fire and Rescue. Each of the three organizations received more than $26,000.
“We are pleased that so many drivers chose to travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes on March 21 to help us support a great cause,” said Jennifer Aument, North American Group General Manager, Transurban. “As safety is the top priority on the Express Lanes, it was important to us to support our local fire and rescue organizations. This donation is one way we can thank our local heroes for keeping the communities surrounding the Express Lanes corridor safe each and every day.”
Local fire and rescue organizations and law enforcement are a critical component to keeping the Express Lanes safe. Drive to Donate was created to underscore Transurban’s commitment to the community and support those in the localities near the corridor. In total, the Express Lanes donated more than $78,000. Each fire and rescue organization plans to use the donation for programs to help better serve the community.
"The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue is grateful for the support provided by those drivers who traveled the Express Lanes on March 21 and to Transurban for supporting both driver safety and local fire and rescue departments through the Drive to Donate program," said Prince William County Assistant Chief, Lance McClintock.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Express Lanes team and to everyone who drove the Lanes on Saturday,” said Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association President, Mike Wendt. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief, Richard Bowers continued, “The donated funds are appreciated and will be specifically invested in life-saving fire, rescue and emergency medical services equipment that will support incident operations. Thank you for the contributions that will make a difference in the lives of our residents and those that pass through our community on a daily basis.”
"Thanks to the Drive to Donate campaign, we believe we will be able to provide a warm coat to every Stafford County student who needs one this coming fall and winter,” said Stafford County Fire and Rescue Chief, Mark Lockhart, who plans to use the donation for their Operation Warm Coats for Kids program. “This incredible donation will move us closer to that goal. Every child should have a coat to keep them warm; we are grateful that the Drive to Donate program will help us take care of Stafford’s children.”
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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Some Drivers Still Unclear Regarding E-ZPass® and Express Lanes Basics
March 19, 2015
Alexandria, Va.– The 95 Express Lanes today announced that according to new research, while 95 Express Lanes customers are experiencing clear benefits from traveling on the 95 Express Lanes, some area drivers remain confused about the basic rules of the road and how to use E-ZPass.
Drivers are largely positive about the 95 Express Lanes. Seventy-five percent of 95 Express Lanes customers – drivers who have taken the Lanes and paid a toll at least once – report a positive impression of the Lanes. Both 95 Express Lanes toll-paying customers (82 percent) and non-users (74 percent) think the 95 Express Lanes benefit the region. According to 95 Express Lanes customers, time savings average 15 minutes.
95 Express Lanes customers have a good understanding of how to use the road and its benefits, such as where to enter (82 percent) and where to exit (78 percent), that the 95 Express Lanes can save them time (84 percent) and that the Lanes help them avoid traffic on alternative routes (72 percent).
“We are pleased that drivers are experiencing the benefits of the 95 Express Lanes, such as faster travel, less congestion and more reliable travel times,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “Using the Express Lanes is easy but some drivers still have questions about how the Lanes work and how to properly use E-ZPass. We encourage all drivers with questions to visit our website – ExpressLanes.com – or to contact our customer service center at 1-855-495-9777.”
Non-95 Express Lane users need pricing and access information:
- 60 percent say knowing the price of their trip in advance would be helpful in deciding whether and how often to use the 95 Express Lanes;
- Only about half are certain of where they can get on (52 percent) and get off (47 percent) the 95 Express Lanes, leaving many unsure of where to enter and exit;
- 73 percent don’t know that toll-paying drivers traveling northbound on the 95 Express Lanes have to exit the Lanes during rush hour at the northern end, where the HOV lanes begin on I-395;
- Nearly one third (31 percent) don’t know that an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex is required to use the 95 Express Lanes.
Drivers who haven’t yet traveled on the 95 Express Lanes can seek information and educational tools online. Travelers can find detailed maps of the entry and exit points and learn the cost of their trip using the trip planning tool at Expresslanes.com/map-your-trip. The 95 Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin just north of Edsall Road on I-395. The HOV requirements on I-395 are in effect from 6 to 9 a.m.
Many toll-paying 95 Express Lanes customers don’t know important E-ZPass information:
- Nearly 1 out of 5 (18 percent) don’t know it’s their responsibility to keep funds on their E-ZPass account;
- More than a third (35 percent) don’t know they need to mount the E-ZPass near the rearview mirror;
- 30 percent don’t know they need to link their license plate to their E-ZPass account.
Customers should follow the instructions that come with their E-ZPass and keep it funded, mounted properly and linked to their vehicle’s license plate. Mounting the E-ZPass correctly helps ensure the E-ZPass signal can be read by tolling equipment at highway speeds. If the E-ZPass cannot be read due to improper mounting, toll facility operators can locate and charge the E-ZPass account if the vehicle’s license plate has been linked to the account. Drivers who travel with no available funds can receive an unpaid toll invoice for their trip.
The research is based on an online survey conducted in February 2015 of 1,266 drivers in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
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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495 and 95 Express Lanes Announce Drive to Donate Program to Support First Responders
March 3, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the 495 and 95 Express Lanes announced Drive to Donate, a program designed to give back to local fire and rescue organizations that put their lives on the line to keep the communities surrounding the Express Lanes safe – both on and off of the road. The Express Lanes will donate the value of all tolls collected on Saturday, March 21, 2015 to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Prince William County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Fire and Rescue. To participate and give back to area first responders, all drivers need to do is drive on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass® properly mounted in their vehicle on March 21.
“As safety is a top priority on the Express Lanes, we want to give back and support those who keep us safe each and every day,” said Jennifer Aument, North American Group General Manager, Transurban. “We strive to be a good neighbor and long-term partner to our customers and the community, and we believe in supporting those who impact our lives for the better. We hope drivers choose to travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes on March 21 to help us support those who keep us safe on and off the roads.”
Drivers should remember to travel with their E-ZPass or E-ZPass® FlexSM properly mounted in their vehicle. To help increase donations to a good cause, drivers who typically travel HOV-3+ on the Express Lanes can consider paying a toll on March 21 by switching their E-ZPass Flex from HOV mode to toll mode.
“Drive to Donate reminds everyone to drive safely,” said Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief, Richard Bowers, “The program will help emergency response personnel provide safety equipment, safe response and scene operations.” Mike Wendt, president of Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, continued, “Donations from the Express Lanes will help us purchase critical equipment that has been proven to save lives. The career and volunteer personnel of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department depend on partnerships with organizations like Transurban to provide the best possible service to the community.”
Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee commented, "We are grateful to Transurban for the opportunity to participate in this program; and we are grateful to the members of the community who will help donate to the Fire Department by taking the Express Lanes that day. The donations we receive will go towards purchasing items that allow us to continue to pursue innovation and provide service to our community, while protecting and keeping our community safe. And that's what our mission is all about."
“These donations will serve to protect our first responders, and assist with our community outreach programs,” shared Mark Doyle, Assistant Chief, Stafford County Fire and Rescue. “We greatly appreciate all drivers who take the Express Lanes on March 21, as well as the Express Lanes whose generosity will directly contribute to driver and first responder safety.”
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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First Month of Operations on the 95 Express Lanes
January 25, 2015
The 95 Express Lanes began tolling in December 2014 and introduced new options for faster, more predictable trips on the one of the most congested stretches of highway in Northern Virginia.
During the first few weeks of operations, the 95 Express Lanes consistently provided a reliable trip at highway speeds to our customers and extended the benefits of HOV-3+ travel. Additionally, many customers are traveling with an E-ZPass® and E-ZPass® FlexSM properly mounted in their vehicle and taking advantage of the direct connection to the 495 Express Lanes.
The 95 Express Lanes are off to a strong start, with traffic and revenue figures in-line with expectations. Here are some key statistics on the Lanes performance between December 29, 2014 and January 31, 2015:
- 95 percent of weekday 95 Express Lanes customers are traveling with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex*
- 33 percent of weekday trips are HOV-3+ carpoolers who enjoy a toll-free trip at all hours of the day*
- More than 200,000 unique customers have traveled on the 95 Express Lanes with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex and have received a faster, more predictable trip on the Lanes
- Nearly 30 percent of 95 Express Lanes customers have also taken a trip on the 495 Express Lanes during this timeframe
- The average dynamic toll price on the 95 Express Lanes is $4.01
- Average weekday toll revenue of nearly $103,000 and average weekday trips just over 37,000**
* Workdays only, includes exempt vehicles
** The first quarterly traffic and revenue report with 95 Express Lanes data will be issued in April 2015
To ensure a smooth experience on the Express Lanes, drivers should remember these simple tips when using E-ZPass on the Lanes:
- Fund it: Make sure your E-ZPass account is in good standing with sufficient funds in your account
- Link it: Make sure license plate is linked to your E-ZPass account
- Mount it: Make sure your E-ZPass is correctly mounted in your car near the rearview mirror
The Express Lanes seek to provide customers with a consistent option for safe and reliable trips on I-495 and I-95. We continue to monitor customer feedback during the early days of the 95 Express Lanes and ask drivers to submit any feedback about the Express Lanes at: CustomerCare@ExpressLanes.com.
Program Helps Hundreds of Carpoolers Transition to the 95 Express Lanes
January 14, 2015
Alexandria, Va.– The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes today announced the completion of its program to help ease carpoolers’ transition to the 95 Express Lanes. Approximately 600 customers took advantage of the carpool transition program, which gave regularcarpoolers the opportunity to register for a week of HOV only, toll-exempt travel on the 95 Express Lanes if they had ordered their E-ZPass® FlexSM but had not yet received it. Carpoolers who still need an E-ZPass Flex have just two days left to register for the program before it officially closes Friday, January 16 at 5 p.m.
“We’re pleased that carpoolers have benefited from this program and are glad to see so many of the region’s carpoolers were ready with their E-ZPass Flex on December 29,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “Getting an E-ZPass Flex is an important first step if you carpool, but drivers also need to make sure they correctly use their transponder – this includes properly mounting the E-ZPass Flex and ensuring it’s switched to the correct mode before the trip begins.”
Since the 95 Express Lanes opened for tolling on December 29, most drivers have been traveling with a correctly mounted E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, between March 1, 2014 and January 3, 2015, there have been more than 156,900 E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex transponders issued in Northern Virginia near the 495 and 95 Express Lanes corridors. Consistent with the robust carpooling network in the region, many drivers are opting for the E-ZPass Flex that gives HOV-3 carpoolers an option for a free trip. The majority of transponders distributed during the last few months have been from retail locations.
All drivers need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex (carpoolers) to use the Express Lanes. Drivers should follow these E-ZPass tips to avoid toll invoices and fees:
- Make sure the E-ZPass is correctly mounted in the car
- Make sure license plate is linked to E-ZPass account
- Make sure the E-ZPass account is in good standing with sufficient account funds
- Utilize auto replenishment to simplify account maintenance and ensure good standing
- Ensure address is updated and correct with the DMV
Carpoolers who still need an E-ZPass Flex for immediate use are advised to visit one of 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores, Tysons Corner Center or E-ZPass Customer Service Centers. E-ZPass is also available online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824.
The 95 Express Lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HOV-3 and tolling rules are in effect all the time. Drivers traveling alone or with one passenger can access the Lanes even during rush hour by paying a toll. Dynamic pricing is used to keep traffic free flowing on the Lanes and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95. Motorcycles do not need an E-ZPass. Vehicles with more than two axles and cars towing trailers cannot use the Express Lanes.
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 Road Toll 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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95 Express Lanes Reiterate E-ZPass Requirement, New Rules
January 2, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes today announced that as the first work week of operations comes to a close, travelers have been safely accessing and using the Lanes. Monday, January 5 marks the first rush hour with tolling and new rules in effect outside of the holidays. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant as traffic volumes on the I-95 corridor are expected to increase, travel with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex in their vehicle and continue to pay attention to the new traffic patterns. Tolling and the new rules will continue to be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Since tolling went into effect on December 29, the 95 Express Lanes have seen many early adopters trying the new Lanes, even during the holiday season. Drivers have been using the new nine-mile extension for trips to and from Stafford County. Carpoolers have been using E-ZPass Flex and taking advantage of the toll-free ride and drivers have been paying attention to the new traffic patterns and movements.
“We’re seeing safe driving behavior from travelers on the 95 Express Lanes and we need that to continue during this major transition,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “As we prepare for the first rush hour after the holiday season, we ask all drivers to continue to pay attention to new traffic patterns, the E-ZPass requirement and the rules of the road.”
While the 95 Express Lanes are easy to use, it is important that all drivers know the rules of the road before taking their first trip:
• The Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin on I-395 just north of Edsall Road. The rules on the I-395 HOV lanes are the same. For more information about this transition area, visit: ExpressLanes.com/transition
• Drivers should remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor as they adjust to new traffic patterns. Drivers can learn more about the new access points, signage, safety tips and rules of the road at ExpressLanes.com
• Only two-axle vehicles and buses are permitted to use the Express Lanes. 18-wheelers and drivers towing trailers may not use the Lanes
• The 95 Express Lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HOV-3 and tolling rules are in effect all the time. Drivers traveling alone or with one passenger can access the Lanes even during rush hour by paying a toll
• Drivers with questions about the Express Lanes or concerns with billing may contact customercare@expresslanes.com or visit the Customer Care section on the Express Lanes website
The Express Lanes use dynamic pricing to keep the Lanes free-flowing. As traffic increases, the toll price goes up to manage demand and keep traffic moving at highway speeds. Drivers on the 95 Express Lanes may pay more than one toll to use the Lanes. Drivers will see signs in advance of Express Lanes entry points that display the price to travel to upcoming exits. When a driver passes under a pricing sign, they lock in the toll rate until the last exit shown on the sign and may see additional overhead pricing signs when traveling on the 95 Express Lanes. These signs display the costs to travel to exits farther down the road and provide an opportunity for drivers to decide if they want to pay an additional toll to continue on the Express Lanes or exit back to the regular lanes.
The Express Lanes operator will report usage data on a quarterly basis for both the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. Reports are issued in January, April, July and October. The first report to include details on 95 Express Lanes usage will likely be released in April 2015.
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 Road Toll 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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