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.
# # #
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.
# # #
October 15, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– Today, the 95 Express Lanes announced that drivers who open a new Virginia E-ZPass account using the “95Express” promotional code between October 15 and November 15 will receive one toll-free week of travel on the 95 Express Lanes in early 2015. Alldrivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes when they open this December.
The toll-free week program is part of an educational campaign to prepare I-95 drivers for the new travel option. The 95 Express Lanes will provide I-95 drivers with a faster, more predictable trip, but will also mean new rules of the road. Drivers will need an E-ZPass to use the 95 Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers will travel toll-free on the 95 Express Lanes with three or more people in the vehicle and an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode.
“We are on track to open the 95 Express Lanes this December, so it’s important that drivers get an E-ZPass now so they can take advantage of the Express Lanes when they open,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “By getting an E-ZPass now, you not only receive the benefits of E-ZPass, you’ll also get one toll-free week of travel to try out the 95 Express Lanes.”
To be eligible to receive the toll-free week of travel, drivers must sign up for a new E-ZPass account between October 15 and November 15, 2014 using the promotional code, “95Express.” The free week will take place in early 2015 and registrants will be notified by the 95 Express Lanes of the exact dates of free travel in advance. Certain restrictions apply. Promotion is limited to the first 5,000 registrants. For complete rules and details, visit 95ExpressLanes.com/offer.
Drivers can get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select 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. Drivers who pick up an E-ZPass at a retail location such as AAA, Giant or Wegmans, will need to register their E-ZPass on the E-ZPass website by November 15, 2014 and enter the promotional code “95Express” to claim their toll-free week. If customers call to apply for a new account or to register a retail E-ZPass, they need to provide the Customer Representative with the “95Express” promotional code.
The 95 Express Lanes will convert the existing I-95 high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, bringing new choices, length and capacity. Reversible like the current I-95 HOV lanes, the 95 Express Lanes rules of the road will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open in December 2014, 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). 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.
# # #
October 9, 2014
ALEXANDRIA – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes today announced that the 29 miles of high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on I-95 spanning from Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the Edsall Road area on I-395 will open as early as December. Drivers are encouraged to learn how to use the 95 Express Lanes now and obtain an E-ZPass so that they can benefit from the lanes when they open.
“The 95 Express Lanes are on track for an early opening which means drivers should start preparing now,” said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “The conversion from the existing HOV lanes to Express Lanes will mean changes in traffic patterns, rules of the road and an E-ZPass requirement. The new Express Lanes will impact all drivers who travel on I-95 so it’s important that everyone educate themselves on how the 95 Express Lanes will work.”
When the 95 Express Lanes open, all drivers will need an E-ZPass or an E-ZPass® FlexSM to travel on the lanes. Carpools with three or more people can travel toll-free on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Other drivers may pay a toll for a faster, more predictable trip. Drivers are encouraged to obtain an E-ZPass in advance of the opening of the 95 Express Lanes.
“All drivers will be able to benefit from the 95 Express Lanes when they open later this year, but it’s important to learn about the new travel option before your first trip,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Drivers should make sure that they are equipped with an E-ZPass and learn about the Express Lanes via the resources on our website 95ExpressLanes.com – so they can take advantage of a faster, more predictable trip when the lanes open.”
There are resources available to help drivers prepare for the 95 Express Lanes. Before the lanes open, drivers should:
Get an E-ZPass
Plan Their Trip
The 95 Express Lanes rules of the road will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.
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 www.95ExpressLanes.com. For up to date construction information please visit www.vamegaprojects.com.
(END)
September 15, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes team has started testing the 95 Express Lanes’ tolling and traffic management system through a series of “test drives” and will continue conducting drives throughout the fall. Drivers traveling on I-95/I-395 might notice vehicles labeled as test vehicles in the HOV lanes and are advised that the 95 Express Lanes are not yet open.
The test drives are part of a series of system tests currently underway to ensure that the 95 Express Lanes’ tolling and traffic management equipment and systems function properly and can manage traffic in the Express Lanes. System tests will examine technology both on the roadway and at the Express Lanes Operations Center in Alexandria.
“The 95 Express Lanes will use technology to deliver new transportation options and keep drivers moving on I-95 in Northern Virginia,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Transurban’s Director of Project Delivery. “Testing the tolling and traffic management system is an important step in the delivery of the 95 Express Lanes and providing a faster trip to customers.”
What to Expect:
Technologies and Equipment Undergoing Testing:
What Drivers Need to Know Before the Express Lanes Open:
About 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 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). Operated through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the 95 Express Lanes will offer drivers a new option for a reliable trip on I-95 in Northern Virginia. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
# # #
July 10, 2014
FAIRFAX - The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), and its 95 Express Lanes partners, Transurban and Fluor, announced today that as 95 Express Lanes construction enters its final months, drivers traveling on I-95/395 in Northern Virginia should prepare for continuing lane closures and traffic impacts. Over the next six months, nearly 1,500 workers will continue to work day and night to complete the 29-miles of new Express Lanes, which are expected to open in early 2015. Motorists are advised to prepare by learning how they may be impacted when the Express Lanes open, and how the Express Lanes will work.
To accommodate remaining construction activities, drivers should expect all lanes within the current I-95/395 HOV system, from the Washington, D.C. line to Dumfries Road, Route 234, to be closed during overnight periods and weekends. Critical work that will occur involves the installation of the Express Lanes’ tolling and traffic management equipment including 3.7 million linear feet of cabling and wire, 30 overhead toll gantries, more than 200 cameras used for detecting traffic incidents, over 220 gates, 190 lane control signals and more than 100 electronic message signs. Altogether, more than 950 tolling and traffic management devices will be deployed along the 95 Express Lanes corridor.
Following installation, crews will perform a series of on-road and back-office tests to confirm that all equipment is fully functional. Additionally, crews must complete final paving and lane markings, guardrails, sound walls and bridge work. Much of the remaining construction may be less noticeable to travelers than earlier work, but still will require frequent lane closures.
“While the final phase of construction may be less visible to drivers than in the past, the 95 Express Lanes Corridor remains an active work zone, in which the safety of drivers and workers are our top priority,” remarked Susan Shaw, VDOT’s Megaprojects Director. Shaw continued, “Now more than ever, it is important for the traveling public to use caution when traveling through our work zone. When you see the orange cones and barriers, slow down for your own safety and remember that there are people working on the other side.”
In portions, the 95 Express Lanes Corridor may look complete, but motorists are advised that the lanes are not yet operational. When the Express Lanes open, every driver who travels the HOV lanes today will be impacted by new rules of the road. All drivers will need an E-ZPass to access the lanes – HOV-3+ drivers will need an E-ZPass® FlexSM to travel toll-free. Motorists are encouraged to visit 95expresslanes.com/makeaplan to learn how to prepare for the new Express Lanes .
(END)
April 18, 2014
RICHMOND — Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that construction of the I-95 Express Lanes project is more than 70 percent complete, and remains on-schedule to be completed by the end of 2014 and open to traffic in early 2015. The first of nine new bridges being built along the 95 Express Lanes corridor in Northern Virginia, located at Telegraph road near Marine Corps Base Quantico in Stafford County, recently opened to traffic. Steel framework on the remaining new bridges also is complete.
“The progress on the 95 Express Lanes project is a visible reminder of the congestion relief and new travel choices that Virginians will have available to them in less than a year,” commented McAuliffe. “The project has also benefited jobs and business opportunities, particularly for women- and minority-owned businesses as well as small businesses. Steel work was completed by a local disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE), Interlock Steelworkers, Inc., exemplifying the Commonwealth’s commitment to providing business opportunities that support jobs and generate economic growth.
To date, the project has infused more than $127 million into the local economy through DBE and small, women, and minority-owned businesses (SWaM). With nearly $193 million committed to more than 131 DBE/SWaM firms so far, the Virginia Department of Transportation and its 95 Express Lanes partners, Transurban and Fluor, are slated to exceed their DBE/SWaM project goals of $189 million.
During the remainder of 2014, crews will continue to build-out the new lanes, while installing and testing new overhead signs, tolling gantries and other traffic management equipment. Other critical work includes constructing new sound walls to provide noise reductions to qualifying adjacent communities; building storm water management ponds; and completing final work on barriers, guardrails, paving and roadways.
The 95 Express Lanes project is a 29-mile upgrade and expansion of the HOV facility on I-95/395. For more information, visit www.VAMegaprojects.com or www.95ExpressLanes.com.
###
April 14, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the 95 Express Lanes, in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, launched an educational campaign to prepare travelers for the changes coming to I-95 when the existing I-95 HOV system is converted to an Express Lanes system. The 95 Express Lanes project will bring new choices and added capacity on I-95, but will also mean changes for travelers who currently use the HOV facility. Today’s launch of the Make a Plan campaign targets those travelers who use the existing HOV lanes and will educate them on how to prepare for the changes coming to I-95.
All drivers – including carpools, sluggers, vanpools and vehicles with clean fuel plates – will need an E-ZPass® or E- ZPass® FlexSM to access the 95 Express Lanes. To learn more about E-ZPass and how the new Express Lanes will work, drivers are encouraged to visit the Make a Plan section of the 95 Express Lanes website – 95ExpressLanes.com/makeaplan. The website is tailored to I-95 travelers based on their preferred mode of travel and outlines the steps they need to take to prepare for the changes coming to I-95. Also on the website, travelers can view a video outlining what they need to do to prepare for the new Express Lanes.
While the 95 Express Lanes will extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV system, they will also bring major changes to I-95 including:
“While using the 95 Express Lanes will be easy, it’s important that all travelers make a plan for the changes the 95 Express Lanes will bring to I-95,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Many travelers use the HOV lanes today – whether for commuting, weekend or vacation trips – and it’s important that they familiarize themselves with new rules of the road for the 95 Express Lanes.”
Make a Plan is the first phase of a robust education campaign focused on arming 95 travelers with the information needed to prepare for and benefit from the 95 Express Lanes.
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.
About 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.
# # #
November 15, 2013
ALEXANDRIA, VA - Governor Bob McDonnell joined the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), Federal Highway Administration and its 95 Express Lanes partners, Transurban and Fluor, at a ribbon cutting ceremony today marking the completion of a $1.5 million stream and tree restoration effort benefiting Swan's Creek and the surrounding Southbridge Community in Prince William County. The Governor also was joined by Prince William County officials and neighboring residents as he recognized the largest stream restoration project ever completed in Prince William County - an initiative made possible by the 95 Express Lanes Project.
Beginning in January 2013, the 95 Express Lanes team restored Swan's Creek - a tributary to the Potomac River and Chesapeake Bay - by installing erosion and sediment controls, placing stone along the creek bed, and micro-grading to allow for habitats and improvements to the overall water quality. The stream, which was identified more than seven years ago by Prince William County officials as severely eroded and degraded, is now feeding higher-quality water into the region's waterways.
In addition, nearly 7,500 new trees and shrubs were planted near Swan's Creek as part of the stream restoration effort. As part of today's event, officials planted the site's final dogwood tree.
The Swan's Creek stream restoration project was funded and implemented by the 95 Express Lanes Project as part of its environmental permit commitments. Project leaders worked with Prince William County to determine their highest stream improvement priority, resulting in the restoration of Swan's Creek. The stream restoration project was built by the 95 Express Lanes' design-build contractor, Fluor-Lane 95, LLC, using local small and disadvantaged contractors from Angler Environmental, Wetland Studies and Solutions, and Empire Landscaping, LLC.
The 29-mile 95 Express Lanes Project is being built in the median of I-95 and involves converting the existing HOV system to an Express Lanes system. The project includes a 14-mile expansion between Prince William Parkway to Edsall Road on I-395 and nine-mile extension from Dumfries to Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to alleviate the bottleneck where the HOV lanes end today. The lanes are 60% complete and are scheduled to open to traffic in early 2015.
October 9, 2013
RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that construction of the I-95 Express Lanes project is halfway complete and on-schedule to be completed by late 2014. The 95 Express Lanes will open to traffic in early 2015. Since breaking ground in August 2012, significant progress has been made on building new bridges, ramps, and lanes throughout the entire 29-mile Express Lanes corridor, which spans from I-395 near Edsall Road in Fairfax County to I-95 near Route 610/Garrisonville Road in Stafford County, Va.
In the coming weeks, crews will complete the last major steel lifts within the project corridor, including beams for the future flyover ramp across I-95 near Garrisonville Road in mid-October and the future flyover ramp across I-395 near Edsall Road in early November. Since starting construction of nine new bridges for the Express Lanes this past March, crews have placed more than 100 steel beams. A local disadvantaged business enterprise, Interlock Steelworkers, Inc., is performing the steel operations for the project, exemplifying VDOT’s and its partners’ commitment to providing opportunities to small and disadvantaged businesses in the local area. As crews complete these steel operations, drivers can expect fewer full closures and detours of I-95 during the Express Lanes’ final year of construction.
Speaking about this progress, Governor McDonnell remarked, “The I-95 Express Lanes are another example of how we’re using smart public-private partnerships to build critically needed transportation infrastructure in Virginia. Our administration has been committed to utilizing every means available to get new roads and rail built all across the state, because a modern transportation system is crucial to economic growth and job creation. I look forward to the completion of this project, and the shorter commutes Virginians will enjoy as a result.”
“We appreciate the patience the traveling public has shown during the last year of heavy construction on I-395/I-95 in Northern Virginia,” commented Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton. “As shown by the progress achieved in just one year, VDOT and its 95 Express Lanes partners are committed to delivering faster and more predictable travel on the I-95 corridor in record time.”
Crews also are scheduled to complete the majority of new paving that must occur throughout the future Express Lanes alignment by late 2013 – placing nearly half a million tons of asphalt along I-95. The completion of paving will provide drivers with smoother and safer travel lanes, more than a year before the Express Lanes are slated to open. The paving also allows workers to shift traffic within the HOV lanes, which is necessary to complete the new Express Lanes.
The Express Lanes construction remains in full swing throughout 2014, and drivers should expect continued traffic impacts including day and nighttime lane closures on I-95, weekend closures of the HOV lanes, limited shoulder access, and continued truck traffic entering and exiting the work zones. Motorists are urged to visit Vamegaprojects.com for the latest construction updates and traffic information.
Contact: Taylor Thornley Keeney
Phone: (804) 225-4260
Email: Taylor.Keeney@governor.virginia.gov
###
http://www.vamegaprojects.com/news/featured-headlines/governor-bob-mcdonnell-announces-95-express-lanes-construction-reaches-mid-point/