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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.     

Transurban Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Virginia Express Lanes

November 17, 2022

Intro Text
Operator of 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes has saved regional travelers 33 million hours of time and expanded economy by $8 billion through a public-private partnership

Today, Transurban North America celebrates 10 years since the 495 Express Lanes opened in November 2012 as the first truly dynamically-priced managed lanes system in the United States. Delivered as a public-private partnership (P3) with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the 14-mile initial segment has grown to a 65-mile system of Express Lanes operated or under development by Transurban. Over the decade, the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes have saved nearly 10 million Greater Washington Area (GWA) customers more than 33 million hours of time in one of the fastest growing regions in the U.S.

"Investments in Virginia’s best-in-class transportation networks do more than just modernize physical infrastructure,” said Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller. “Virginia sees a return for each dollar we, or the private sector, delivers that translates to a stronger, more competitive economy. Since the Express Lanes opened, more businesses have chosen Northern Virginia to bring their jobs, more educational institutions have expanded to educate our students, and more travelers have reached their destinations on a network of reliable and expanded travel choices.”

The $4 billion private-sector investment in expanded transportation choices, including Express Lanes on 495, 95 and 395, has bolstered the local economy, creating an estimated 53,000 jobs and $8 billion in economic activity that includes the growth of existing businesses and the attraction of some of the world’s largest employers. Transurban’s Express Lanes projects have also invested nearly $1 billion in Disabled Business Enterprises (DBE) and Small, Women- and Minority-Owned (SWaM) businesses in Virginia.

The 495 Express Lanes delivered a high-tech, first of its kind roadway to reduce congestion and provide new travel choices along one of the nation’s busiest corridors. The project was made possible through an innovative combination of financing tools, including the first time the Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) program and Private Activity Bonds were used to deliver a high impact P3 further enabled by one of the largest private sector investments in a U.S. P3 greenfield project at the time.

“More than 10 years ago, we started a journey alongside Virginia leaders to introduce a new way to travel, putting technology to work to unlock congestion and tangibly improve the quality of life of travelers in this region,” said Pierce Coffee, president, Transurban North America. “Today, we celebrate this partnership that is giving more people more time back in their day through choice and convenience. I thank those at the Virginia Department of Transportation, U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, and all of our construction and community partners for their support that enabled this future ready network.”

The Express Lanes use more than 2,000 on-road data points per mile to keep traffic moving at free-flowing conditions. Cutting-edge traffic management and safety monitoring technology is deployed across the system of Lanes, including the use of automated incident detection and ramp metering sensors that identify both live traffic issues and emerging traffic patterns. A rapid incident response capability also enables teams to respond to customer incidents on the road in eight minutes on average, reducing delays and improving overall safety. Over the past decade, Transurban’s Express Lanes have maintained 55 miles per hour on average more than 99% of the time – all at an average trip cost under $8.

The 495 Express Lanes also introduced the first ridesharing, carpooling and bus transit incentive on the Capital Beltway that prioritized the movement of more people over more vehicles. The result has been the movement of an additional 50,000 people through the Springfield to Tysons segment each day and a 105% growth in both carpooling and bus use across the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes system.

Transurban has also committed to more than $15 million in annual funding from toll revenue to the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission’s (NVTC) Commuter Choice program to invest in transit along the 395/95 corridor. Through NVTC’s efforts, the toll revenues have funded expanded Park and Ride lots, new and enhanced bus routes, and associated bus fleet expansions. These investments in turn have reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 67% relative to driving alone for comparable trips and supported 1.4 million more trips through the 395/95 corridor by transit and other alternatives to driving alone since the program launched in 2019.

“NVTC’s innovative Commuter Choice program has demonstrated measurable reductions in the number of people driving alone and harmful vehicle emissions by providing incentives for people to find new ways to ride to where they want to go,” said Kate Mattice, executive director of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission. “Commuter Choice funded projects benefit the entire region by reducing traffic congestion and taking the stress out of navigating our busy roads and highways”

Transurban’s partnership with the Commonwealth has also helped deliver additional resources and infrastructure to meet important infrastructure priorities and accelerate the delivery of public infrastructure, including:

  • A new fourth regular lane on I-395 and upgrades to the transit center at the Pentagon through the 395 Express Lanes project.
  • Hundreds of millions of dollars in future revenue sharing brought forward from the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension (Fred Ex) project to help advance the Northbound Rappahannock River Bridge project and the Long Bridge rail project.
  • A three-mile bike and pedestrian trail for Fairfax County’s long-range plan will be delivered as part of the 495 North Extension project (495 NEXT), along with the restoration of Scott’s Run stream.

To further support local communities along its corridors, Transurban launched its Express Lanes Community Grant program more than a decade ago to reduce impacts of its projects and provide investments to improve the long-term health, vitality and sustainability of local neighborhoods. The grant program has provided funding to more than 350 local Northern Virginia non-profits. To celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the Lanes, Transurban last week announced a donation of $25,000 to create a dedicated military and veteran fund for Northern Virginia Community College’s (NOVA) Student Success Fund. The contribution will provide NOVA’s 4,000 veteran and military students along Transurban’s corridors with emergency grants and scholarships to support their continuous education. The donation builds on Transurban’s long-standing commitment to veterans, military and government employees across the region including organizations like the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial Fund, Virginia Star Quilts for Valor, and Workhouse Arts Center arts programs for wounded soldiers.

In commemoration of the Anniversary, Transurban has released a report detailing the significant impact the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes have had in transforming the region. In addition to the report, the annual State of the Lanes polling research that provides insights on how customers continue to value the expanded travel choices of the Express Lanes is being released. After an unprecedented shift to work-from-home, more area drivers are back on the road and the Express Lanes remain popular.

New research finds:

  • 76% overall customer satisfaction
  • Nearly 3 in 4 GWA drivers have used the Express Lanes, up from 62% in 2021
  • Nearly 7 in 10 drivers (69%) see a regional benefit from the Express Lanes
  • Drivers are more likely to say they have carpooled for free vs. paid a toll to travel the Lanes at least once a month in the last 6 months – 54% vs. 47%

Building on the success of the Express Lanes, Transurban and VDOT are currently progressing an additional 12.5 miles of Express Lanes extensions. Fred Ex will deliver an additional 10 miles to the nation’s longest reversible system of Express Lanes in the U.S. by late 2023. Fred Ex will provide 66% more capacity during peak periods and will move 30% more people and 23% more vehicles. Construction also recently began on a 2.5-mile extension of 495 NEXT that will deliver new and expanded connections to the Dulles Toll Road and the George Washington Memorial Parkway. 495 NEXT provides an option for faster, more reliable travel – reducing commuting times by 50% during rush hour for those who choose to use the Express Lanes. Transurban was recently selected by Maryland to advance predevelopment works for the New American Legion Bridge I-270 Traffic Relief plan Express Lanes, which is envisioned to extend the benefits of the Express Lanes across the I-270 corridor including the replacement of the aging American Legion Bridge.

As a roadway of firsts, Transurban continues to innovate to deliver the next generation of travel across its multidecade partnership with Virginia including the development of safer, more connected and automated infrastructure. Following a partnership with Federal Highway Administration to trial Connected and Autonomous Vehicles, Transurban is partnering with Robotics Research – a Maryland-based national leader in automated technology – to test how automated buses can interact with infrastructure. Using propriety software and Transurban’s data rich roadways, trials will provide buses expanded range of information beyond their sensors to travel safer and more efficiently with live demonstrations in 2023.

For more information and to download the report visit www.tenyearsofexpresslanes.com

New travel patterns to and from the 495 Express Lanes and I-66

November 14, 2022

The express version

  • To go from I-66 eastbound to the 495 Express Lanes, keep right to use the new exit ramp
  • To go from the 495 Express Lanes to the I-66 westbound regular lanes, keep right after taking the usual exit ramp

From I-66 east to 495 Express Lanes

Drivers on I-66 eastbound in northern Virginia who want to enter the 495 Express Lanes will begin using a new flyover ramp starting Tuesday night, Nov. 15.

The new ramp is located on the right side of I-66 after the Cedar Lane Bridge, about one mile after the Nutley Street exit. It will replace the long-standing entry ramp located on the left side of I-66 near the center of the I-66/I-495 interchange.

Visual of detour route

 

From the 495 Express Lanes to the I-66 west regular lanes

And, for customers on the northbound 495 Express Lanes heading to the regular lanes on I-66 westbound, a new configuration on the exit ramp will go into effect on Nov. 14. Take the usual exit ramp from the 495 Express Lanes to I-66, but keep to the right instead of the left. The new ramp will loop over I-66 to put travelers onto the westbound lanes.

As always, follow the on-road exit signs and remember to use extra caution as traffic patterns adjust to the new flow.  

Visual of detour route

 

 

 

 

 

Plan Ahead: New Vertical Clearance for American Legion Road Overpass in Stafford, VA Beginning September 26

September 22, 2022

Starting September 26, weather permitting, the American Legion Road Overpass will have a new, reduced vertical clearance of 15 feet 2 inches. The vertical clearance reduction is due to an upcoming traffic shift that is set to occur in the coming months. This change will only impact over-height vehicles traveling on I-95 South. 

Message boards will be posted next week to warn oversize vehicles of the new clearance and to access exit 140 (Courthouse Road) and travel on Route 1 to avoid a bridge strike. 

Crews are widening the general-purpose travel lanes near the American Legion Road overpass work zone to shift all southbound traffic to a new alignment. Once southbound traffic is shifted to the right of the existing lanes, the temporary height restriction will no longer be needed. The restriction is expected to be removed in early December.

About the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension Project

To make traveling through the I-95 corridor in Stafford County easier and faster, the Fredericksburg Extension (Fred Ex) will pick up where the 95 Express Lanes currently end and will extend 10 miles south near Fredericksburg, VA. The lengthened lanes will connect with the 395 Express Lanes to create a connected corridor spanning nearly 50 miles from the Fredericksburg area to the D.C. line.

This project will also offer new access points to the existing 95 Express Lanes, create new ramps that provide direct access to Quantico and Courthouse Road, and add seven new bridges. When the Fred Ex project is completed, it will connect with the 395 Express Lanes, offering drivers an uninterrupted Express Lanes corridor between the Potomac River and near the Rappahannock River.
 
More information on the Fred Ex project and 95 Express Lanes is available at www.expresslanes.com.

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