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Changes to the midday reversal on the 95 Express Lanes

November 1, 2023

Beginning November 6, we are launching a pilot that will change the daytime reversal procedure for the 95 and 395 Express Lanes. Starting at 11 a.m. as the reversal process begins, all customers on the northbound Express Lanes will be diverted back to the regular lanes just before Route 123. 

All customers traveling on or entering the 95 Express Lanes south of the Prince William Parkway will be diverted. Access points affected include ramps from I-95 near Route 17, Route 630, Route 610, Route 234 and Cardinal Drive, as well as the access ramp directly from Opitz Boulevard. 

The diversion will allow reversal to take place faster, opening the Lanes to southbound traffic sooner. By shifting the availability of the Express Lanes’ capacity, travelers in both the regular lanes and Express Lanes are more likely to benefit from time savings. 

The northbound regular lanes from near Route 123 to the D.C. line are typically free flowing during the diversion period.

Fred Ex Project Road Closure Information -- Week of Dec 17

December 18, 2023

For all road closures and other impacts in the Fredericksburg region, please visit Fredericksburg District - Travel | Virginia Department of Transportation (virginiadot.org). 

Week of 12/17-12/23

I-95 Northbound

Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton)
Monday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure at mile marker 133 for the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project. 

Exit 140 (Courthouse Road) to Exit 148 (Quantico)
Monday - Friday, 9 p.m. - 4:30 a.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 140-142 and 145-147 for the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project. 

I-95 Southbound

Exit 148 (Quantico) to Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville)
Thursday, 9 p.m. - 10 a.m. Single lane closure at 9 p.m. and double at 10 p.m. at mile markers 148-145 for pavement markings. Part of 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project construction.

Exit 148 (Quantico) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton)
Monday - Wednesday, 9 p.m. - 10 a.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 146-144 and 135-133 for work zone barrier removal. Part of 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project construction.

Exit 143 (Aquia/Garrisonville) to Exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton)
Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Single lane closure at mile markers 143-140 and 136-134 for the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project.
 

Overnight reversal to begin at 1 a.m. starting Oct. 3

September 28, 2023

Beginning October 3, the 95 & 395 Express Lanes will begin the overnight reversal at 1 a.m. instead of midnight. As a result, the Lanes will open northbound by about 3 a.m.

With this pilot, we are working to help more travelers get where they need to go faster and more reliably, even late at night. Data supports the initiative, showing traffic is more likely in the southbound direction in the midnight hour. 

By shifting the availability of the Express Lanes’ extra capacity, travelers in both the regular lanes and Express Lanes are more likely to benefit from time savings in the corridor.

The overnight reversal occurs weekdays except for Mondays.

Labor Day 2023 Express Lanes Schedule

August 31, 2023

The express version

  • The 95 and 395 Express Lanes Lanes will go south from about noon on 9/1 until 2 p.m. on 9/2
  • The Lanes will point north from about 4 p.m. on 9/2 until 11 a.m. on 9/5

Intro Text
 

Labor Day Weekend reversal schedule details: 

  • Friday, September 1: The Lanes will be fully open southbound by about noon.  
  • Saturday, September 2: Lanes go south until 2 p.m. before closing to reverse.  Lanes open north around 4 p.m.  
  • Sunday, September 3: Lanes head north all day, no reversal.  
  • Monday, September 4 (Labor Day): Lanes head north all day, no reversal.  
  • Tuesday, September 5: Starting Tuesday, the Lanes will end the early summer reversal schedule and will switch to reverse at 11 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. The Lanes will be fully open southbound by about 12:30 p.m. on weekdays.  

Remember to stay safe and celebrate responsibly this weekend. 

95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension to Open in August

July 21, 2023

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban North America will partially open a 10-mile extension of the 95 Express Lanes in August to reduce congestion on the Interstate 95 corridor through Stafford County and Fredericksburg, connecting the region to Northern Virginia and Washington, D.C.

“As Transurban celebrates more than 10 years getting Virginians where they need to go, we are excited to deliver faster, safer travel to Stafford and Fredericksburg,” said Amanda Baxter, Senior Vice President, Virginia Market & Operations for Transurban North America. “Whether commuting to work or road tripping with the family, the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension offers travelers ten more miles of a stress-free, reliable drive—providing 66% more capacity during peak periods and moving 30% more people along the Main Street of the East Coast.”

The extension will continue the 95 Express Lanes from the current terminus just south of Route 610 (Garrisonville Road) to near Route 17 (Warrenton Road) in Stafford County.

“This extension provides 10 miles of new interstate capacity to consistently move people and goods between the Richmond and Northern Virginia regions and delivers new ridesharing opportunities for people living and working in the Fredericksburg region,” said VDOT Commissioner Stephen Brich. “While more construction is ahead to fully realize the entire scope of the project’s benefits, opening the facility to through travelers this summer will provide immediate congestion relief and time savings.”

In August, northbound I-95 through travelers approaching from the Rappahannock River area will be able to enter Express Lanes using a left ramp entrance near the Route 17 interchange.

Southbound Express Lanes travelers will be able to drive an additional 10 miles south in the new facility to the Route 17 area. Exiting travelers can enter local I-95 southbound travel lanes near the Rappahannock River to access the Route 17 or Route 3 interchanges or continue in the I-95 southbound through travel lanes.

Two reversible Express Lanes will carry traffic northbound or southbound in the I-95 median according to the 95 Express Lanes operational schedule. Motorcycles and buses travel toll free, and vehicles carrying three occupants or more travel toll-free with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV ON. Vehicles with one or two occupants pay a variable toll with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex set to HOV OFF.

Additional new access points to and from the Express Lanes near Marine Corps Base Quantico and Courthouse Road will open in late 2023. Following the reopening of the I-95 general-purpose lanes from exits 130 to 133 in late 2023, local traffic seeking to enter the northbound Express Lanes will use a new flyover ramp near Route 17.

Along with its travel benefits, the project is supporting Virginia’s economy and competitiveness. It is anticipated to generate $1 billion in economic activity.

The extended Express Lanes will connect with the Rappahannock River Crossing projects, under construction by VDOT in the Fredericksburg area. The Crossing projects are anticipated to complete on time and on budget in spring 2024.

Transurban is delivering the $670 million extended lane project as a public-private partnership with VDOT. The project contractor is Branch-Flatiron Joint Venture.

Construction will continue along the I-95 corridor in the Fredericksburg area until the project’s completion in spring 2024. Crews are working intensively in the I-95 median and at locations along the shoulder.

Memorial Day 2023 Reversal Schedule

May 23, 2023

The express version

  • On May 25 and 26, the Lanes will be open southbound by 12:30 p.m.
  • On May 29, the Lanes will run northbound all day
  • Early reversal on weekdays will continue throughout the summer

Hitting the road for a getaway this holiday? You will have plenty of company; AAA predicts it will be the third busiest Memorial Day travel season since 2000. To help smooth travels on I-95, we're changing up our schedule and kicking off our early reversal on weekdays. Get the details below:

Memorial Day travel period

  • Wednesday, May 24: Mid-day reversal begins at 11 a.m. Lanes open southbound by about 1 p.m. 
  • Thursday, May 25 and Friday, May 26: Mid-day reversal begins 30 minutes earlier at 10:30 a.m. Lanes open southbound by about 12:30 p.m. 
  • Saturday, May 27: Standard Saturday schedule. Lanes run southbound until mid-day reversal at 2 p.m. Lanes open northbound by about 4 p.m. 
  • Sunday, May 28: Standard Sunday schedule. Lanes run northbound, no reversal. 
  • Monday, May 29: Lanes run northbound, no reversal. 

Beginning Tuesday, May 30, the 395 and 95 Express Lanes will follow the summer schedule, with mid-day reversals beginning at 10:30 a.m. on weekdays. 

With upcoming summer travel plans and continuing construction on the 95 Express Lanes extension to Fredericksburg, drivers are asked to exercise extra caution throughout the corridor as project vehicles come and go from the median. With crews advancing critical elements of the project near fast-moving traffic, it is essential all drivers maintain safe speeds and avoid any distractions.

Have Your Say! Decide What Transit Projects Your Toll Dollars Will Drive

May 10, 2023

The express version

  • How your toll dollars help fund transit projects in NOVA
Hey, Northern Virginia drivers! Your voice matters when it comes to how toll dollars are used to fund transit projects in Virginia. That's why our partners the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission (NVTC) are accepting comments on 16 proposed transit projects until May 15th. It's your chance to help shape how Express Lanes toll dollars are used to improve travel options through the I-395/95. The proposed projects, totaling $88 million, include enhancements to transit services, incentives to attract more riders, and improvements to rail stations. They'll help move more people more efficiently and lessen congestion, which means smoother, faster travel for you. Commuter Choice, the funding program supporting these projects, focuses on improving travel reliability and efficiency. The funding for Commuter Choice comes from an agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban, in which Transurban, the operator of the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes contributes a portion of its 395 Express Lanes toll revenue annually toward transit improvements benefitting the I-395/I-95 corridor. So, when you provide your feedback, you're helping make your commute better. Participating is easy - just complete a feedback form online, or public testimony* at (571) 721-1451 or send an email to commuterchoice@novatransit.org. All feedback will be shared with NVTC's and the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission (PRTC)'s Commissioners to ensure that the best projects are selected. So, what are you waiting for? Check out the proposed projects and have your say! Remember, your opinion counts, and your feedback can make a real difference in improving transit options in Northern Virginia: https://novatransit.org/programs/commuterchoice/commuter-choice-comments/ *Individuals wishing to provide testimony via voicemail message will be allowed up to three minutes to provide recorded testimony. All testimony will be transcribed and submitted into the public record.

95/395 Express Lanes Reversal Schedule for 2022 Holiday Season

December 20, 2022

The reversal schedule for the 95 and 395 Express Lanes will be adjusted during the holiday season to support travelers in late-December and early-January. 

The schedule:

  • Thur., 12/22: Early reversal to southbound starts at 10 a.m., Lanes open by about noon 
  • Fri., 12/23: Early reversal to southbound starts at 10 a.m. Lanes open by about noon 
  • Sat., 12/24: Southbound all day 
  • Sun., 12/25: Southbound all day
  • Mon., 12/26: Reversal to northbound starts at 12 a.m., Lanes open by about 2 a.m. 
  • Fri., 12:30: Early reversal to southbound starts at 10 a.m., Lanes open by about noon
  • Sat., 1/1: Southbound all day
  • Sun., 1/2: Reversal to northbound starts at 12 a.m., Lanes open by about 2 a.m. 

Important info for drivers who travel I-66 east to the 495 Express Lanes

April 21, 2023

The express version

  • From I-66 eastbound, follow signs that say "TOLL, EXPRESS LANES ENTRANCE" to get to the 495 Express Lanes
  • The new entry ramp is on the right side of I-66, about one mile after Nutley St.
  • Drivers must get on the 66 express lanes for a short trip to get to the 495 Express Lanes' entrance

The opening of the 66 express lanes in November 2022 introduced changes for customers who travel the 495 Express Lanes from eastbound I-66.

A new way to get on the 495 Express Lanes 

To get onto the 495 Express Lanes, drivers will need to use a new, earlier exit ramp on the right side of I-66, about one mile after the Nutley Street exit. 

Click the video below to learn more: 

Follow the signs

As you drive on I-66, look for signs that say “TOLL, TO 495 EXPRESS LANES, USE 66 EXPRESS LANES, NEXT EXIT” and then “TOLL, EXPRESS LANES ENTRANCE.”

Look for these signs to get you to the 495 Express Lanes.

The new ramp will take drivers onto the 66 express lanes for a short period before reaching the prior exit on the left side that leads to both the northbound and southbound 495 Express Lanes.

New toll charges

A different operator manages the 66 express lanes, and they also charge a dynamic toll rate. Look for the words “495 EXPRESS LANES” and the current rate. Two charges will show on an E-ZPass statement. 

Rates for the 66 express lanes can be viewed here: https://ride66express.com/plan-your-trip/. Select eastbound as the direction, find the starting point called “EB Braided Ramp” and for the ending point, use I-495 Express Lanes.  

Getting to the best route for you 

Change your mind about taking our Lanes? Not to worry — you can still get to the regular, free I-495 northbound and southbound lanes, or continue to I-66 inside the Beltway, after taking the new ramp.

 

I-95 NORTHBOUND MEGA WORK ZONE IN FREDERICKSBURG AREA EXTENDED TO DEC 8

November 30, 2022

The express version

  • Drivers are advised to avoid I-95 in the Fredericksburg area
  • Lane closures and temporary traffic patterns are needed during this time to support the opening of a new interstate bridge over the Rappahannock River
Due to rain anticipated overnight, lane closures and temporary traffic patterns will continue through 4:30 a.m. Thursday between I-95 northbound exits 130 (Route 3) and 136 (Centreport Parkway) FREDERICKSBURG, Va. – Due to rain anticipated overnight, a work zone on Interstate 95 northbound in the Fredericksburg area has been extended to continue until 4:30 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 8. Northbound travelers can continue to expect heavy traffic, especially at peak periods, between exit 130 (Route 3) in the City of Fredericksburg and exit 136 (Centreport Parkway) in Stafford. Through travelers with destinations north of the Washington, D.C, area, are encouraged to detour at exit 104 (Carmel Church) in Caroline County, and travel Route 207 eastbound to Route 301 northbound to avoid delay. Currently, three lanes of I-95 northbound are open over the Rappahannock River between Fredericksburg and Stafford. Two through lanes of traffic are crossing the new I-95 northbound bridge. A third lane crosses the original northbound Rappahannock River bridge, and allows motorists to access exit 133 (Falmouth/Warrenton), but also rejoins with the I-95 travel lanes north of exit 133. Northbound I-95 traffic will remain in this temporary split configuration until 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7. Find the full closure details and additional info here.     
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