December 30, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes today announced a new extra care customer service program designed to help drivers with the transition from HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes. The Express Lanes represent a major change for I-95 drivers with the introduction of new traffic patterns, new rules and a new E-ZPass requirement. To help ensure a smooth trip on the Express Lanes, the 95 Express Lanes team will work with customers during the opening period to offer first-time forgiveness to new customers who receive toll invoices, help customers address E-ZPass issues and educate drivers on how to use the Lanes.
“The 95 Express Lanes will be easy to use but we understand they are a major change for drivers and we want to do what we can to ensure all customers have a good experience,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “Customers who have questions or concerns about how to use the Lanes or a recent trip should not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and work with customers to make sure they have a good Express Lanes experience – both during their trip and after.”
The extra care program will take care of first-time violators who contact the Express Lanes via the website, phone at 1-855-495-XPRS (9777) or via email at customercare@expresslanes.com. The customer service center will work with new customers on one-time fee removal from invoices and educate them on how to properly use the Lanes. To ensure a smooth trip on the 95 Express Lanes, customers should travel with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex properly mounted in their vehicles. Carpoolers can travel toll-free on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode and three or more people in the car.
Customers who travel the Lanes accidentally or travel without an E-ZPass can avoid a toll invoice by visiting ExpressLanes.com and clicking “Missed a Toll?” to pay their toll. Drivers with questions about a toll invoice they receive via mail should contact the Express Lanes customer service center immediately. Delay in contacting the Express Lanes to resolve a toll invoice can result in escalating fees.
All drivers must have 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:
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, Tysons Corner Center, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; 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. The Lanes use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95. 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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May 8, 2014
Alexandria, VA – Today, Transurban-Fluor and AAA Mid-Atlantic released the second annual report on distracted drivers on I-95 in Northern Virginia, which found that despite major construction, distracted driving is a growing problem on the heavily traveled corridor. The report, part of Orange Cones. No Phones., a campaign focused on reducing distracted driving in the 95 Express Lanes construction zone, found that the number of frequent I-95 drivers likely to use their cell phone while driving has increased from 56 percent in 2013 to 62 percent in 2014.
Not only is distracted driving dangerous – it leads to accidents on the road. According to the report, based on a survey of 1,023 drivers who live in Northern Virginia and frequently travel the 95 Express Lanes project corridor, the number of distracted drivers on I-95 who have had a traffic incident or near-miss as a result of their behavior has increased from 24 percent in 2013 to 31 percent in 2014. Texting while driving is exceptionally dangerous – drivers who text while driving are three times more likely to experience a traffic incident or near miss versus non-texters.
“Distracted driving is dangerous under the best conditions – it is even more dangerous in a work zone,” said Aubrey Layne, Virginia Secretary of Transportation. “Transportation safety and the safety of those who report to work each day to improve Virginia’s infrastructure is our top priority. Drivers can make our roads significantly safer by taking one simple step – put down the phone while behind the wheel.”
Work demands may increase distracted driving. More than half (54 percent) of all distracted drivers on I-95 say they are at least occasionally responding to a work-related issue. These work responders are 10 percent more likely than non-work responders to have an incident or near miss behind the wheel. Work responders are also more likely than non-work responders to read texts, write texts and read/respond to emails. The top reasons distracted drivers respond to work-related issues on I-95 include:
Despite the dangers of distracted driving, just 18 percent of area drivers say their employer has a policy regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Recognizing that work demands are a leading cause of distracted driving on I-95, Transurban-Fluor and AAA Mid-Atlantic are working with area chambers of
commerce to take a stand against distracted driving. To kick off the initiative, today, leadership from area chambers signed a pledge, promising to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and discourage cell phone use while driving among their members.
“The issue of distracted driving in Virginia starts and ends with this: if you’re driving distracted, you’re dangerous to everyone on the road,” said Mahlon G. “Lon” Anderson, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman. “Employers must actively work to change their culture and discourage employees from driving distracted
by changing policy. When it comes to distracted driving, being passive won’t work. Changing behavior to save lives demands aggressive action.”
The 95 Express Lanes corridor is currently an active construction zone with approximately 1,500 people reporting to work in the 29-mile project corridor each day. Despite major construction activities, just 18 percent of I-95 drivers have specifically opted to not read or write texts or emails in the I-95 construction
zone. Only 11 percent say that they no longer talk on a cell phone in the construction zone.
“Driving distracted anytime, anywhere on the highway particularly in a work zone puts everyone at risk – from the motorist to highway workers to our public safety professionals,” said Major Lenmuel S. Terry, Deputy Director for the Bureau of Field Operations, Virginia State Police. “With our increased visibility within the I-95 work zone, if our troopers observe any unsafe driving behaviors then rest assured we will enforce the law. Eliminating distracted driving begins with the driver because no text message is worth someone’s life.”
During the remainder of 2014, crews will continue to conduct the work necessary to complete the 95 Express Lanes including installing and testing new overhead signs, tolling gantries and traffic management equipment. As there will be frequent lane closures and reduced shoulders this summer, drivers should plan to leave early or plan alternate routes to ensure as smooth a trip as possible. In order to safely complete the critical work required for the 95 Express Lanes, drivers should remember to:
“Safety is – and will remain – the partners’ top priority as we progress road construction,” said Walter J. Lewis III, Project Director, Fluor-Lane 95. “Drivers will need to remain focused as we finish construction and prepare to move into operations,” continued Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “When the 95 Express Lanes open, drivers will see new traffic patterns, new signage and new rules of the road, all of which will require their attention and focus.”
The 95 Express Lanes are on schedule to open in early 2015. Reversible like the HOV lanes today, the 95 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 95 Express Lanes will use dynamic tolls to keep traffic flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95 between Route 610 in Stafford County to just north of the Capital Beltway. Drivers with three or more people in the vehicle will be able to travel toll-free with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Other drivers will need an E-ZPass to pay a toll for a faster, more reliable trip on I-95. For customized information on how to prepare and safely make the transition from HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes, drivers are encouraged to visit 95ExpressLanes.com/MakeAPlan.
The Orange Cones. No Phones. campaign was launched in 2009 to spread awareness of the dangers of driving distracted during construction of the 495 Express Lanes. The campaign transitioned to the I-95 corridor in the spring of 2013 to cut down on distracted driving in the 95 Express Lanes work zone. For additional information on the Orange Cones. No Phones. campaign, please visit www.orangeconesnophones.com.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes are high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that will operate on I-95 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the 95 Express Lanes will give drivers the freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 29, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– 95 Express Lanes today announced that tolling, E-ZPass requirements and new rules of the road are now in effect 24/7 along the 29-mile stretch of lanes on I-95. Drivers planning to take advantage of the Express Lanes need an E-ZPass® and are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new rules of the road before their first trip. All drivers are urged to use caution and be alert to the new traffic patterns and signage.
“Area drivers now have a faster, more reliable travel option to get them to their destinations on time,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “For the first time, anyone stuck in rush-hour gridlock on I-95 can now take advantage of a quicker trip on the Express Lanes. We encourage all drivers to exercise caution and keep the rules of the road in mind as they take their first trip on the Express Lanes.”
Beginning today, all drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel frequently with three or more people in their vehicle need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free.
For a smooth trip on the Express Lanes, drivers should make sure that their E-ZPass is correctly mounted in their car and that it's linked to their license plate. Drivers should also check that they have sufficient funds in their account and that their address is updated and correct with the DMV.
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824. Virginia E-ZPass customers can exchange their standard E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex by calling Virginia E-ZPass or by visiting www.ezpassva.com/EZPages/Get-Flex.aspx.
Safety Tips
Drivers should keep the following safety tips in mind before traveling on the Express Lanes:
95 Express Lanes End/I-395 HOV Lanes Begin
The 95 Express Lanes end and the I-395 HOV lanes begin on I-395 just north of Edsall Road. The rules on the I-395 HOV lanes have not changed – on weekdays, the HOV-3 only restriction is in effect on the northbound I-395 HOV lanes from 6-9 a.m. and the southbound I-395 HOV lanes from 3:30-6 p.m. There is no HOV restriction on the weekends.
When the weekday HOV-3 restriction is in effect, northbound 95 Express Lanes drivers traveling alone or with one passenger will need to exit from the Express Lanes to avoid entering the I-395 HOV lanes. For more information about the transition area, please visit: ExpressLanes.com/transition.
Drivers should remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor as they become acclimated with the new traffic patterns. Speed limit, seat belt, driving under the influence (DUI) and all other traffic laws still apply to the Express Lanes and will be enforced by the state police at all times. Drivers can plan their trip, learn how to safely use the lanes, and learn more about E-ZPass at ExpressLanes.com.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes opened on December 29 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. The 95 Express Lanes operate on I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes were delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban. For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.
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December 15, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– 95 Express Lanes today announced that the 29-mile corridor of new express lanes opened to traffic on Sunday, December 14 with tolling to begin December 29. The 95 Express Lanes were completed early and are open so drivers can benefit from the additional capacity and have the opportunity to try the new lanes before tolling begins. Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour – with the exception of holidays – until tolling begins on December 29. Outside of HOV hours, anyone can try the new Lanes for free.
Drivers should remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor as they become acclimated with the new traffic patterns.
“The next two weeks provide drivers with an opportunity to try out the Express Lanes outside of rush hour,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “As there are new traffic patterns in effect, we encourage all drivers to do their homework before taking their first trip on the Express Lanes by visiting 95ExpressLanes.com to learn about the new access points, signage, safety tips and rules of the road. And remember to be ready by December 29.”
The 95 Express Lanes will be reversible. The entry and exit points will open and close depending on which direction traffic is flowing; drivers should not attempt to enter the lanes if gates are blocking access to an entry point. Gate transition time on the HOV and Express Lanes facilities is expected to temporarily increase due to the nine mile southern extension and new gates. Ultimately, the gate transition will return to standard times experienced today.
Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour until tolling begins on December 29 – at which point the Express Lanes rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beginning Monday, December 29, all drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel frequently with three or more people in their vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free.
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 starting on December 29 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 12, 2014
Alexandria, Va.–The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes are reminding drivers to remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor in the coming days as the new lanes, traffic patterns and access points will open to traffic on Sunday, December 14.
Roadway improvements for the 29-mile corridor of new express lanes have been completed early. The added capacity and new entries/exits are opening to traffic to allow drivers to try the new roadway during the holiday season and become acclimated with the new traffic patterns. Standard HOV rules will be in effect during rush hour until the Express Lanes transition from non-tolled lanes to tolled lanes on December 29.
Transitioning the existing HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes will bring new options, as well as fundamental changes for drivers. All drivers need to remain cautious, alert and aware when traveling on the new additions to the roadway including the nine-mile extension and new entry and exit points.
Drivers should keep the following safety tips and rules of the road in mind before traveling on the Express Lanes:
“Safety is – and will remain – the top priority for the 95 Express Lanes,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “We’re glad travelers can benefit from the additional capacity during the holiday season without having to a pay a toll, and encourage travelers to try the Express Lanes over the next two weeks to become familiar with the new lanes and entry and exit points. Drivers who plan to take advantage of the Express Lanes when they open for tolling on December 29 need to obtain an E-ZPass®or E-ZPass®FlexSMand ensure they’re familiar with the rules of the road.”
Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour until tolling begins on December 29 – at which point HOV/tolling rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beginning Monday, December 29, all drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel frequently with three or more people in their vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free 24/7.
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824.
Beginning today, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, we will unveil all Express Lanes signage. All HOV lanes will be closed starting the evening of Friday, December 12 until the evening of Sunday, December 14. Throughout the weekend there will also be mobile lane closures on I-95 to complete work to open the 95 Express Lanes.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes will open on December 14 and tolling will begin on December 29. The 95 Express Lanes will provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 10, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– The 95 HOV lanes on I-95 will transition to Express Lanes with tolling and new rules in effect starting Monday, December 29. Roadway improvements have been completed early and the new ramps and lanes on I-95 will open Sunday, December 14 to allow travelers to benefit from the additional capacity during the holiday season without having to a pay a toll. Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour until tolling begins on December 29.
Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling new portions of the road including the nine-mile extension and new entry and exit points. Outside of HOV hours, all travelers can try the Express Lanes for free to get familiar with the new capacity and entry and exits points.
Starting Monday, December 29, all travelers must have an E-ZPass or an E-ZPass Flex (for carpools) to use the 95 Express Lanes, and HOV/tolling rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Safety remains our top priority as we prepare to open the new capacity and implement tolling,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Drivers need to remain alert as new traffic patterns will be introduced on December 14. We encourage drivers to travel safely.”
Key Dates
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Sunday, December 14 |
In the evening, the new ramps and lanes on I-95 open to traffic. |
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Sunday, December 14 to Sunday December, 28 |
Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour, with the exception of holidays. No tolling on the 95 Express Lanes and lanes open to all traffic outside rush hours. |
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Monday, December 29 |
Starting with morning rush hour, full Express Lanes rules will be in place 24/7:
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Travelers Need to Prepare
Over the next few weeks, travelers will see the transition of the HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes. All drivers need to:
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 starting on December 29 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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November 19, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced that according to new research, Northern Virginia drivers are not ready for the opening of the 95 Express Lanes. The Express Lanes will bring new rules of the road and a new E-ZPass requirement. However, despite the approaching opening, many I-95 drivers are unprepared for the Express Lanes.
While many drivers are unprepared for the Express Lanes, they do see the benefits of the new lanes. When open, the 95 Express Lanes will provide faster, more predictable travel on I-95 in Northern Virginia. The new lanes will add new choices, length and capacity; making long, unpredictable trips along the I-95 corridor a thing of the past. Nearly 80 percent of travelers think the 95 Express Lanes will be good for the region.
The research is based on an online survey conducted in October 2014 of 1,200 Northern Virginia drivers including 858 drivers who travel on I-95 at least a couple of days per month.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open in December 2014, the 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 23, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced a new program to help ease the transition for carpoolers as the 95 HOV lanes are converted to the 95 Express Lanes. Tolling will begin on the 95 Express Lanes on Monday, December 29 and all carpoolers need an E-ZPass Flex to use the lanes toll-free. The carpool transition program will give regular carpoolers the opportunity to register for a week of HOV only, toll-exempt travel on the 95 Express Lanes if they have taken the necessary step of ordering their E-ZPass® FlexSM but have not yet received their transponder.
It can take up to seven days for carpoolers to receive their E-ZPass Flex when they order online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824. Carpoolers who indicate that they plan to carpool with three or more people on the 95 Express Lanes can register to be added to a seven-day HOV, toll-exempt travel list to ensure they can use the Express Lanes while they wait for their E-ZPass Flex to arrive. Carpoolers may designate up to one license plate for each E-ZPass Flex transponder ordered. Customers who order an E-ZPass Flex by 5 p.m. will have their license plates registered for HOV only use on the 95 Express Lanes by 6 a.m. the following business day.
Carpoolers who wish to have their E-ZPass Flex in-hand sooner can visit one of 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores, Tysons Corner Center or at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers.
The toll exemption applies to the 95 Express Lanes only – the 495 Express Lanes and other area toll roads are not part of this program.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open to tolling on December 29, the 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 26, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – 95 Express Lanes today issued a reminder that tolling will begin on Monday, December 29 and all drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the new lanes. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel with three or more people in their vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free. When tolling begins on December 29, the Express Lanes rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Due to the project’s early completion, the new lanes and access points opened to traffic on Sunday, December 14, giving drivers the opportunity to try the new lanes and benefit from the additional capacity.
“Drivers have had the opportunity to practice their route before tolling begins, but now they need to prepare for December 29,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “When tolling begins all drivers will need an E-ZPass, carpoolers need an E-ZPass Flex, and the new rules will be in effect 24/7. This means all travelers can take advantage of the 95 Express Lanes any time. We encourage drivers who don’t have an E-ZPass to get one today.”
All drivers – including carpoolers and hybrids – must have an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes. E-ZPass Flex works like a standard E-ZPass but allows carpoolers to switch between HOV and toll-paying modes. The switchable E-ZPass Flex lets the Express Lanes operator know which vehicles are HOV-3+ so that they aren’t charged a toll. E-ZPass Flex works like a standard E-ZPass on all other Virginia toll roads and wherever E-ZPass is accepted – regardless of the position of the switch.
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at the following locations including:
For a smooth trip on the Express Lanes, drivers should make sure that their E-ZPass is correctly mounted in their car and that it's linked to their license plate. Drivers should also check that they have sufficient funds in their account.
Before their first trip on the Express Lanes, drivers should remember these key tips:
The 95 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All eligible vehicles can use the 95 Express Lanes at any time, not just during rush hour. The lanes will use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The 95 Express Lanes operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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October 30, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced that select sign unveiling will start over the next few weeks in preparation for the opening of the Express Lanes, currently on schedule to open in December. The new Express Lanes signs will serve as a visual reminder of the changes coming and the new E-ZPass requirement that will go into effect when the Express Lanes open in December. The Express Lanes signs will be uncovered in a priority order with a focus on safety first and ensuring the HOV system continues operating.
“We want drivers to be aware that they will start to see new signage but to remember that it is business as usual – and HOV rules still apply – until the Express Lanes open,” said Susan Shaw, PE, Director of VDOT’s Northern Virginia Megaprojects. “We need to unveil some Express Lanes signs in advance of opening given the volume of new signage for the Express Lanes and to help drivers become familiar with the new rules of the road as well as remind them to take the necessary steps to prepare for the changes by getting an E-ZPass.”
Some Express Lanes signs, such as those in the new nine-mile segment of the Express Lanes where there is no traffic, have already been uncovered. The remainder of the Express Lanes signs will be uncovered in phases – with the first major unveiling beginning November 1. Uncovering signage will gradually continue until the road’s opening in December. HOV regulatory signs will still be in place and visible until the HOV system converts to the 95 Express Lanes. The remaining signage will be unveiled in the final days before opening.
“As we work to convert the existing HOV lanes to Express Lanes, safety is our top priority,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Drivers will see an increasing number of Express Lanes signs on the road throughout the coming weeks. These signs are a signal that changes are coming to I-95 in Northern Virginia. We encourage all drivers to prepare for the 95 Express Lanes by visiting 95ExpressLanes.com to ensure they’re educated on the rules of the road and ready to benefit from the lanes when they open.”
Approximately 300 signs need to be uncovered before the 95 Express Lanes open including*:
*Note that not all of these signs will be uncovered in the coming weeks. Some of these signs will remain covered until the date the Express Lanes open.
All drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes. E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores or at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at (877) 762-7824.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open in December 2014, the 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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