Starting this November, you’ll need an E-ZPass® to travel on the 395 Express Lanes
October 22, 2019
The express version
- All ramps that currently lead to the 395 HOV lanes will require an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex when the 395 Express Lanes open, including the ramps near South Eads St.
- Get your E-ZPass® before the Lanes open this fall for smooth travel
Starting this November, all drivers will need an E-ZPass to drive on the 395 Express Lanes
Starting when the 395 Express Lanes open, all drivers (except motorcyclists) will need an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex to use the Lanes. This means that all current 395 HOV lane entrance ramps will become Express Lanes entrances.
This includes the ramp from South Eads St. and the ramp from the northbound regular lanes near South Eads St.
Whether you’re driving alone or carpooling, you’ll need an E-ZPass® to use the Lanes. If you plan are carpooling with three or more people in your car, you’ll want an E-ZPass® Flex to travel for free.
If you have more questions about the 395 Express Lanes opening this November, head on over to our page here.
Get your E-ZPass® today to ensure a smooth journey once the 395 Express Lanes open
Head on over to the Virginia or Maryland E-ZPass® websites. To get an E-ZPass®, you’ll need your:
- Driver’s license number
- License plate number
- Credit card information
Live in Virginia? You can also get an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex at:
- AAA Mid-Atlantic locations
- Select Wegmans locations
- Select Giant Food Stores
- Select DMVs
- Tysons Corner Center
Toll revenue from the 395 Express Lanes to support mass transit and multimodal improvements in Northern Virginia
October 18, 2019
The express version
- $18.9 million from future 395 Express Lanes toll revenue has been earmarked for mass transit and multimodal improvements
- 10 projects will benefit from this first round of funding, which will help save commuters close to 89,000 hours of travel each year
Mass transit projects have $18.9 million coming their way thanks to the 395 Express Lanes
When the 395 Express Lanes open this November, the toll revenue will be used to help project new commuting options along I-95 and I-395. Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) just approved 10 transit and commuting projects in Northern Virginia that will be funded by the 395 tolls. That means $18.9 million dollars will be headed for programs that will improve commuting in the corridor.
These 10 projects are expected to move an additional 700 people through the I-395/95 corridor each day, and save commuters almost 89,000 hours each year.
Most of the first round of funding (around $17.5 million) will support new or enhanced bus services, with the rest going toward programs or services that encourage alternative travel modes, like carpooling.
The 395 Express Lanes will give $15M each year for transit and multimodal improvements. The first payment will offer new and enhanced bus service via DASH, OmniRide and Fairfax Connector – so hop on board.
This mass transit funding is part of a larger commitment by the Express Lanes to support commuters along I-95/395with $15 million in transit funding every year.
Interested in learning more about the 395 Express Lanes and these projects? Head to www.expresslanes.com/395 for more information
395 Express Lanes testing: Friday, October 18-Saturday, October 19
October 17, 2019
The express version
- Drivers can expect to see testing on the soon-to-open 395 Express Lanes starting this Friday night and into Saturday
- The testing will affect the 95 Express Lanes which will also be closed
- This activity will include tests designed to make sure drivers have a smooth experience once the Lanes open
Be prepared for lane closures for testing on October 18-19
To prepare for the 395 Express Lanes opening in November, we will be testing signs on the 395 HOV lanes on the night of Friday, October 18 and into Saturday, October 19. As per usual, the 395 HOV lanes will remain closed throughout the weekend. You can expect to see information displayed on the pricing signs on the 395 HOV lanes. No need to be alarmed, we’re just conducting some tests on the signs to make sure drivers have the best experience once we open the Express Lanes this November.
This testing will also cause closures on the 95 Express Lanes. The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will be adjusted this weekend due to testing. Due to the nature of the testing activities, the reversal schedule is subject to change and exact times are not available. Drivers should review on-road signs that indicate whether the Lanes are open or closed and should never attempt to enter the Lanes if an access point is closed.
Friday
- Southbound Lanes close around 11 p.m.
Saturday
- Remain closed until early morning
- Open northbound for a period of about 3 hours in the early morning
- Close for reversal
- Open southbound beginning mid-morning until 2 p.m.
- Close for reversal
- Open northbound around 4 p.m. and remain northbound throughout the weekend
From Friday night into Saturday, you should take extra care if you are traveling through the area. You can also sign up for e-newsletters and traffic alerts on the Contact Us page.
Safe Travels,
The Express Lanes Team
It begins: on-road testing starts on the 395 Express Lanes
September 12, 2019
The express version
- Drivers can expect to begin seeing testing activity on the soon-to-open 395 Express Lanes
- This activity will include tests designed to make sure drivers have a smooth experience once the Lanes open
- Drivers will see text displayed on the on-road signs
Drivers will begin to see some new activity on the soon-to-open 395 Express Lanes. The Express Lanes team is conducting a series of tests of the tolling technology on the Lanes designed to ensure a smooth ride and seamless experience for drivers:
- Dynamic message signs, that will eventually display pricing information, will start to show test messages this week
- Gates, used to open or close entry points to the Lanes depending on what direction traffic is flowing, will undergo expanded testing beginning this weekend, September 14. This includes new gates around the Eads Street interchange
- A small number of test vehicles will take trips on the Lanes during rush hour periods to ensure accuracy of the tolling technology
Drivers are eagerly anticipating the opening of 395 Express Lanes – in fact, nearly 7 in 10 drivers intend to use the Lanes at least occasionally and 9 out of 10 drivers want traffic improved, according to a summer 2019 survey* commissioned by the Express Lanes team. This testing is another step towards delivering new travel choices to the region. For more information on the 395 Express Lanes project, go here and check back later because the opening date of the 395 Express Lanes will be announced very soon.
*Online survey of 891 DC area drivers who regularly drive I-395 conducted by global opinion research group APCO Insight in May 2019
Labor Day weekend travel tips and 95 Express Lanes reversal
August 29, 2019
The express version
- Drivers who took the 95 Express Lanes last Labor Day weekend saved an average of 28 minutes during busy travel times.
- Find out the best times to drive this Labor Day weekend and what to expect when summer lane reversals end on September 3.
Whether you’re headed out of town or organizing the ultimate staycation, use the 95 Express Lanes to get where you’re going faster.
Check out these tips from the Express Lanes team before hitting the road – and see how lane reversals after Labor Day could impact your daily commute.
Know before you go
All you need to use the Express Lanes is an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex.
And it pays to plan ahead. Toll prices may be higher-than-normal during busy travel times. Live traffic updates and toll prices are available 24 hours, 7 days a week at ExpressLanes.com and on the Express Lanes mobile app (available for free at the Apple and Google Play app stores).
To keep the Express Lanes free-flowing and to give you a quicker trip, toll prices can change every 10 minutes during busy travel times. Drivers should also get prepared for the soon-to-be 395 Express Lanes, opening this fall.
What to expect and when to travel
If you’re traveling on I-95, here are the best times to drive:
- Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29: Before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Friday, August 30: Before 12 p.m. or after 8 p.m.
The road will likely be busiest from Wednesday, August 28 to Friday, August 30, based on travel patterns this time last year.
In 2018, more than 260,000 trips were taken on the 95 Express Lanes between Wednesday, August 29 and Monday, September 3. Drivers who took the 95 Express Lanes saved an average of 28 minutes during busy travel times – with some saving more than one hour – compared to those who took the regular lanes.
A heads up
The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will help make travel in the area easier. When you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to factor these in changes as the summer reversal schedule ends and normal traffic patterns pick back up on Monday, September 3:
- Monday, September 2: Lanes are northbound all day
- Tuesday, September 3: Southbound reversals start at 11 a.m. and end around 1 p.m.
Once you’re on the road, live traffic updates and toll prices will be available on overhead signs. Information will also be available on Twitter (@VAExpressLanes), but for your safety, don’t check your phone when you’re behind the wheel. Have someone in the car give you the latest or pull over for a quick pitstop.
Safe travels,
The Express Lanes team
Overnight closure on the ramp from 495 Express Lanes NB and SB to I-66 WB
August 6, 2019
The express version
- The ramp from 495 Express Lanes NB and SB to I-66 WB will be closed overnight starting
- This closure will be nightly from August 7-September 28
Due to bridge work for the I-66 Outside the Beltway project, both the ramp from the northbound and southbound 495 Express Lanes to I-66 westbound will be closed every night starting Wednesday, August 7 until Saturday, September 28.
Weather permitting, the closure will take place each night during the following times:
- Wednesday, August 7-Saturday, September 28: 9 p.m.-5 a.m.
If you’re trying to access I-66 westbound while the ramp is closed, we suggest these two routes:
- Northbound 495 Express Lanes: Drivers can use the exit from northbound 495 Express to I-66 eastbound, exit to westbound Route 7, then access the ramp returning to I-66 westbound.
- Southbound 495 Express Lanes: Drivers can exit at Gallows Road and turn left, then make another left turn to 495 regular lanes northbound, and access the ramp to I-66 westbound a short distance later.
When it comes to closures, it’s important to drive safely. If you’re travelling through the area during these times, just look out for the on-road signage and stay alert. You can also sign up for e-newsletters and traffic alerts on the Contact Us page.
Safe Travels,
The Express Lanes Team
395 Lane Closure Content – Week of August 5
August 5, 2019
The express version
- Weather permitting, there are upcoming closures on the I-395 HOV and regular lanes this week.
- Look out for detours and drive safely.
Be prepared for overnight and daytime HOV lane closures
Roadwork for the I-395 HOV lanes requires an overnight closure of the HOV lanes from near Edsall Rd. to the 14th St. Bridge. Weather permitting, the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along the I-395 HOV lanes may require daytime closures to accommodate project activities. Weather permitting, closures would potentially take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
There will be a full weekend HOV closure starting Friday, August 9, at 11 p.m. and concluding Monday, August 12, at 4 a.m.
Also be on the lookout for overnight and daytime closures on the regular lanes
Daytime closures in the I-395 south right regular lanes will occur during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Daytime closures in the I-395 north left regular lanes will occur during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Roadwork along King Street to I-395 south requires overnight closure of the King Street eastbound to I-395 south ramp. Detour info is below. Weather permitting, the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along the King Street will require overnight total closures of the King Street eastbound to I-395 north ramp. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 south will require overnight total closures of the I-395 SB exit ramp on to Duke Street (Exit 3A). A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 south will require overnight total closures of the I-395 SB exit ramp on to westbound Edsall Road (Exit 2B). A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 will require overnight closures of the South Glebe Road to I-395 north ramp. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 will require overnight closures of the eastbound Duke Street to I-395 south ramp. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 south will require an overnight, single-lane closure on the right regular lane. This may expand to a double-lane closure, if necessary. Weather permitting, closures may take place on the following nights:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 South will require an overnight, two-lane closure on the left regular lanes. This may expand to a double-lane closure, if necessary. Weather permitting, closures may take place on the following nights:
- Monday, August 5: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Friday, August 9: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Saturday, August 10: 12 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Roadwork along I-395 North will require an overnight, multi-lane closure on the right general purpose lanes between Glebe Road and Route 27. Weather permitting, closures may take place on the following nights:
- Monday, August 5: 12:00 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Tuesday, August 6: 12:00 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Wednesday, August 7: 12:00 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: 12:00 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Due to required overhead sign work, there will be a brief total stoppage of traffic on I-395 North in the area of Exit 8B. Traffic stoppage should not exceed 30 minutes. Weather permitting, these stoppages may take place on the following nights:
- Wednesday, August 7: between 12:00 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
- Thursday, August 8: between 12:00 a.m to 4:30 a.m.
Ramps will be narrowed at Duke Street and Seminary Road during the following times:
- Monday, August 5: 10 a.m to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
- Tuesday, August 6: 10 a.m to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
- Wednesday, August 7: 10 a.m to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
- Thursday, August 8: 10 a.m to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
Due to scheduled work for the 395 Express Lanes project, the I-395 north on-ramp at Shirlington Circle has been narrowed to one lane until work is completed in this area – currently anticipated in September 2019.
Scheduled bridge work on I-395 north in the areas of Braddock Road and Joyce Street will require multi-lane closures over the weekend. A single lane closure will be in effect starting 10:00 p.m. on August 9, until 5:00 a.m. on August 12. Weather permitting, multi-lane closures will be in effect at the following times:
- Saturday, August 10: 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.
Detour
To access I-395 south, drivers traveling east on King Street will need to take the I-395 exit ramp and turn left onto I-395 north, turn right onto Exit 6 Shirlington, follow the signs to Shirlington and then get back onto I-395 south.
Where to go
When it comes to closures, it’s important to drive safely. If you’re travelling through the area during these times, just look out for the on-road signage and stay alert. You can also sign up for e-newsletters and traffic alerts on the Contact Us page.
Safe Travels,
The Express Lanes Team
395 HOV lanes permanent ramp closure starting June 1
May 31, 2019
The express version
- A ramp connecting the HOV lanes to the regular lanes will be permanently closed
- There are new traffic patterns near the 14th Street Bridge
Starting June 1, the ramp connecting the HOV lanes to the regular lanes – just past the Pentagon on I-395 south – will be permanently closed. There will be new traffic patterns near the 14th Street Bridge, so please keep reading for info.
Here’s what to do
In the morning:
- If you’re driving the southbound I-395 lanes from D.C., and you’re in the HOV lanes, head back to the regular lanes immediately after crossing the 14th Street Bridge at the ramp near Boundary Channel Drive. Don’t wait to switch lanes until after you pass the Pentagon
- If you’re going to the Pentagon or Crystal City – or you missed the exit near Boundary Channel – take the exit at Eads Street. If you need to get back to the I-395 regular lanes, follow signs to Hayes Street and you can easily get back on the regular lanes. No need to worry
In the afternoon:
- If you’re an HOV driver traveling southbound from D.C., nothing changes. Your commute is the same
- If you’re a non-HOV driver, exit the HOV lanes near Boundary Channel Drive after crossing the 14th Street Bridge
- If you’re going to the Pentagon or Crystal City – or you missed the exit near Boundary Channel – take the exit at Eads Street. If you need to get back to the I-395 regular lanes, follow signs to Hayes Street
Getting to 395 from the Pentagon
- Take North Rotary Rd. to South Washington Blvd. where you can then get on the 395 southbound regular lanes
- Just take the ramp near the Pentagon to get directly onto the 395 HOV lanes
Why is this happening?
It’s part of a larger effort. Changes to the I-395 corridor offers benefits for drivers in the region. When the 395 Express Lanes open this fall, you’ll have more choices when it comes to daily commuting and leisure travel.
The 395 Express Lanes will deliver faster, safer and more predictable ways to travel to and from D.C. and points in Alexandria and Arlington – with direct access to the Pentagon, Pentagon City and Crystal City.
New and improved Pentagon South Parking Lot
May 22, 2019
The express version
- An improved Pentagon South Parking Lot is opening Thursday, May 23
- Improvements include new bus-only travel lanes and reconfigured HOV/commuter and slug lanes that were designed to help traffic flow, connectivity and safety
Have you heard, the new and improved Pentagon South Parking Lot is opening Thursday, May 23. Right now, more than 1,800 buses and about 3,400 sluggers on an average day pass through the South Parking Lot. Improvements include new bus-only travel lanes and reconfigured HOV/commuter and slug lanes that were designed to help traffic flow, connectivity and safety in this heavily traveled area of the Pentagon Reservation.
The enhancements to the South Parking Lot are part of the 395 Express Lanes Project, and will help with the bottleneck at the South Rotary Road and the Eads Street intersection. This is to prepare for the future connection to and from the 395 Express Lanes.
With nearly 25,000 employees, both military and civilian, the Pentagon Reservation is one of the region's busiest commuter locations and transit points for commuters. The South Parking Lot serves as the final destination point for many as well as a place to transfer for those that haven't reached their destination yet.
The Pentagon South Parking Lot's new, dedicated bus loop should help minimize incidents between drivers and buses. There's also new pedestrian sidewalks, new signage and pavement markings indicating the slug lanes, and new lighting for the bus loop, sidewalk and slug lanes.
The $480 million I-395 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project is being delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban. The Pentagon South Parking Lot improvements cost approximately $10 million, and are funded by a federal "Fast Lane" grant, as well as a combination of VDOT and federal funds. Under a contract with Transurban, Lane Construction is the builder of the overall project, and AECOM Engineering completed the project's design. The eight-mile 395 Express Lanes extension should open in fall 2019.
Memorial Day Weekend 2019 travel tips
May 21, 2019
The express version
- Last Memorial Day weekend, drivers who used the 95 Express Lanes saved an average of 40 minutes during busy travel times.
- Drivers can save as many as 75 minutes this Memorial Day by taking the 95 Express Lanes from May 23-27.
- The 95 Express Lanes summer reversal schedule starts over the holiday weekend and goes until Labor Day.
What to expect and when to travel
Traffic on I-95 is expected as early as Thursday, May 23. By taking the 95 Express Lanes, you can save as many as 75 minutes. So instead of sitting in traffic, you can start enjoying your long holiday weekend.
Last year, drivers took 245,000 trips on the 95 Express Lanes between Thursday, May 24 and Monday, May 28. Drivers who took the Lanes saved an average of 40 minutes during busy travel times, with some saving more than one hour compared to drivers who used the regular lanes.
This year, traffic will likely be heaviest on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. If you’re headed south, the best times to travel are:
- Thursday, May 23: before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
- Friday, May 24: before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m.
- Saturday, May 25: before 9 a.m. or after 12 p.m.
Toll prices may be higher than normal during busy travel times, so it pays to plan ahead. Check real-time toll prices and live traffic updates before you hit the road at ExpressLanes.com or the free Express Lanes mobile app (download at Apple App Store® or the Google Play Store®).
The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will be adjusted to make travel throughout the region easier.
- Thursday, May 23: Southbound opens around 12:30 p.m.
- Friday, May 24: Southbound opens around 12:30 p.m.
- Saturday, May 25: Normal reversal schedule. Open northbound around 4 p.m.
- Sunday, May 26: Open northbound all day. Due to the Rolling Thunder Event, the 95 Express Lanes will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. or until the event is finished.
- Monday, May 27: Open northbound all day.
How to stay updated
Once you’re on the road, pricing and traffic updates will be available on overhead signs. Updates will also be available online via Twitter (@VAExpressLanes). Please don’t use your phone while driving. Either have a road trip partner give you info or wait until you stop for gas or a snack.
Remember: you need an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex to use the 95 and 495 Express Lanes. If your out-of-town visitors accidently hop on the Lanes without an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex, don’t panic. They can simply head to ExpressLanes.com/pay or reach out to the customer service center at 1-855-497-9777 when they get to their destination.
Safe Travels,
Express Lanes team