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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

Something new coming to the 395 HOV lanes

March 29, 2019

You might notice some changes coming to the 395 HOV lanes. Weather permitting, crews will install tolling equipment on the gantries just north of Edsall Road on the 395 HOV lanes.

The equipment -- which includes E-ZPass readers, cameras, and HOV enforcement beacons -- will be used to manage traffic when the I-395 HOV lanes convert to express lanes this fall.  

During the spring and summer, we will continue to install and test technology on the remaining gantries on the 395 HOV lanes. 

Tolling doesn’t start until the 395 Express Lanes open in the fall, but why wait to get an E-ZPass? It’s still a good idea to get an E-ZPass if you don’t have one yet.

To prepare for the opening of the 395 Express Lanes, drivers should visit here to learn how the Lanes will work and get more information about E-ZPass here. 
 

Virginia and Transurban Sign Agreements to Invest More Than $1 Billion in Northern Virginia Transportation

January 29, 2019

RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia has signed agreements with private partner Transurban to deliver critical transportation solutions along Interstate 495 and Interstate 95. Months of close collaboration and negotiation between the Commonwealth and Transurban have resulted in a deal for four transportation infrastructure projects that will create significant value for citizens and businesses throughout Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg.

“My administration is committed to creating opportunity for Virginia families and businesses in every corner of the Commonwealth, and that requires having a safe, reliable transportation network,” said Governor Northam. “I am pleased to announce these four projects that will bring significant improvements to I-495 and I-95, easing congestion, enhancing safety, and driving economic growth.”

The projects are:

  • A 2.5-mile extension of the 495 Express Lanes north to the American Legion Bridge to reduce congestion. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban have signed a Project Development Agreement for the Capital Beltway Express Lanes Northern Extension (Project NEXT), which includes direct connections with the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Dulles Toll Road.  Four general purpose (GP) lanes and two new Express Lanes will run in each direction of the Capital Beltway starting from the current terminus near the Dulles Access Road and ending at the American Legion Bridge. With no public funding by the Commonwealth, the Express Lanes network will be extended to the Maryland border, helping address one of the worst bottlenecks in the region and reduce cut-through traffic in local McLean neighborhoods.
  • Addition of a new, reversible ramp connecting the existing 95 Express Lanes at Opitz Boulevard to provide improved access to Potomac Mills and Sentara Virginia Medical Center. The ramp will offer Express Lane drivers the option to exit directly onto Opitz Boulevard. Transurban will be responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and all associated costs, creating greater accessibility for the residents and business community.
  • Construction of a new southbound Occoquan auxiliary lane on Interstate 95 in Woodbridge to address the traffic bottleneck at the Occoquan Bridge. The Occoquan Auxiliary Lane will connect the southbound Route 123 ramp onto I-95 with the off-ramp at westbound Prince William Parkway. The Commonwealth and Transurban have agreed the improvements will not require any compensation payment to Transurban.  

“Transurban has a long history of working with the Commonwealth to collaboratively solve major transportation challenges,” said Transurban President Jennifer Aument. “With expanded capacity and new connections to commuter routes and commercial centers, we are committed to delivering transportation solutions that keep travelers moving faster and safer throughout Northern Virginia.”

VDOT is advancing required environmental studies to support these projects, and the partners will commence extensive engagement with the community and local stakeholders as they develop more detailed design plans. While the timeline for delivery of the improvements will continue to be refined, construction could begin as early as 2020. 

  • In addition, the proposal for the Fredericksburg Extension Project (Fred Ex), a project consisting of a 10-mile extension of the 95 Express Lanes to Fredericksburg, has been finalized and is on track for commercial close this spring. Since the project was initially announced in January 2018, contract negotiations, a competitive design-build procurement, and more favorable financing options have advanced the deal, enabling Transurban to deliver to the Commonwealth a payment of between $54 to 98 million to fund additional transportation improvements depending on final teams of TIFIA, a low interest federal loan. In addition to the existing three general purpose (GP) lanes, Fred Ex will provide two reversible Express Lanes of new capacity, which will be available at no charge to HOV 3+ and transit riders. The project is expected to increase capacity on this section of I-95 by 66 percent during peak periods. Construction is planned to begin later this year with the facility opening to traffic in the fall of 2022.

“These negotiations have resulted in a more than $1 billion investment in transportation infrastructure in these vital regions of Virginia,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “Working collaboratively, we are delivering on our commitment to reduce congestion, improve safety, and increase reliability for those we serve.”

In total, Transurban has committed more than $1 billion over the next five years to fund enhancements to the regional transportation network. Competitive design-build procurements are being used to further ensure best value for Virginia taxpayers.

“The I-95 bottleneck at the Occoquan Bridge has been a source of personal frustration and time stuck in traffic—valuable time that could be spent with family,” said Senator Jeremy McPike. “With funding now in place, VDOT will begin the design and construction that our community has sought for years. I applaud Governor Northam and Secretary Valentine for their commitment and leadership to making improvements and identifying funding to start this project immediately.”

“The Occoquan bottleneck is the worst traffic problem in Virginia and has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to represent Prince William County in 2015,” said Senator Scott Surovell. “I am ecstatic that Governor Northam’s administration and Transurban were able to negotiate a way to expedite construction on this critical improvement. Everyone wins in this deal.”

“I am delighted that Governor Northam and his team have found a way to expand capacity on I-495, heading up to the American Legion Bridge,” said Senator Barbara Favola. “This improvement demonstrates Virginia’s commitment to easing traffic throughout the region and provides further incentives for Maryland to help address congestion on the Bridge.”

By 2022, the Commonwealth of Virginia will have in place 90 miles of connected Express Lanes network throughout Northern Virginia and Fredericksburg. Together with general purpose (GP) lanes, rail, commuter rail, transit, ferries, and trails, these multimodal travel options are creating a future of more seamless mobility for residents, commuters, and businesses.

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Transurban Launches I-95 Corridor Community Grant Program

February 4, 2019

Alexandria, VA (February 4, 2019) – Today Transurban announced the launch of the 95 Express Lanes -Fredericksburg Extension (Fred Ex) Community Grant Program to provide organizations with up to $3,000 for projects that improve the community or environment in the greater Fredericksburg region.  Transurban is the operator of the 95, 495 and 395 Express Lanes in partnership with the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

The quarterly grant program supports the needs of direct-impact communities in the greater Fredericksburg area during the project’s construction phase. It provides organizations with grant awards to implement projects that sustain, enhance or protect residents, the community, and/or the environment along the project corridor.  

“Extending the 95 Express Lanes to Fredericksburg is a critical step in addressing one of the worst congestion hot spots in the nation. Fred Ex will give residents, commuters and all travelers a new travel option to get to their jobs and families faster and more safely,” said Jennifer Aument, President, Transurban North America. “But investing in physical infrastructure alone is not enough. We are committed to the long-term success of the I-95 Corridor and that means investing side-by-side with the community to improve neighborhoods and support residents.”

Since 2008, Transurban has been an active member of the local community through the Express Lanes Community Grant Programs. To date, more than $845,000 has been awarded to more than 200 organizations in Northern Virginia supporting initiatives like tree plantings, medical facilities in homeless shelters, meals on wheels, bicycle safety programs and other community initiatives. To learn more about the grant program, visit https://expresslanes.com/about#community-grant-programs. 

The program accepts applications and distributes grant awards each quarter. The first application deadline for the grant program is March 31, 2019. Interested organizations and community members can learn more and apply online at https://expresslanes.com/grant-application. 

About the 95 Express Lanes – Fredericksburg Extension (Fred Ex) project: 

The Fredericksburg Extension (Fred Ex) project will extend the existing 95 Express Lanes south 10 miles along the I-95 median. The extension will span from the current end of the Lanes, just past Route 610 in Stafford County, to the vicinity of Route 17.  The project will include new access points to the existing 95 Express Lanes, construction of new ramps for access to Quantico and Old Courthouse Road, and the addition of seven new bridges. When completed, the extension will operate together with the future 395 Express Lanes as a single, fully-integrated Express Lanes corridor between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. Construction is scheduled to begin in spring of 2019 and the extension is slated to open to travellers in late 2022. Visit expresslanes.com to learn more.

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Download press release here

Tysons and the 495 Express Lanes offer travel tips to navigate the Center’s most congested time of year

December 10, 2018

Tysons, Va. – Throughout December, millions of shoppers will descend on Tysons Corner Center, increasing traffic in a roughly one-square mile area packed with stores and dining. Tysons, the region’s largest mall and home to nearly 300 stores, is a popular destination for holiday shopping and seasonal events. 

“Educating our customers on the most convenient travel and parking options only improves the shopping experience. Less time in the car means more time in the Center to enjoy holiday shopping, spend time with family and friends, and get all of the items on your wish lists,” said Becca Willcox, Marketing, at Tysons Corner Center. 

“Shoppers driving to the mall can save time by taking the 495 Express Lanes and using Westpark Drive for direct access to Tysons Corner Center,” said Elisa Bell, Marketing Director, North America, Transurban, operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.

When to go:

  • The best time to shop, avoiding crowded parking lots and gridlocked roads, is before noon, Monday through Thursday, between December 10 and 20. 
  • Winter break for area school systems starts as early as December 21 and lasts until January 4 – expect even mornings to be crowded then. 

How to get there:

  • If driving, the quickest route is to access Garage E near Barnes and Noble using Westpark Drive from the 495 Express Lanes.
  • A new bridge opening on December 15 will make it even easier to get to Tysons. The Jones Branch Connector will provide a crossing over I-495 from Route 123 near the McLean Metro station to Jones Branch Drive, just north of Tysons.
  • The Tysons Corner metro stop lets you off on The Plaza at Tysons Corner Center, only a short walk to the Center.
  • If ridesharing, ask your driver to enter the Center near the entrances to Rt. 7 or International Drive off Fletcher Street to avoid time in traffic around the Center. 

Where to park:

  • If you want to get in and out quickly, take the 495 Express Lanes to Westpark Drive and use Garage E and park for free.
  • Valet parking is available for $12 near Coastal Flats outside of Garage E and Bloomingdale’s. This option offers the easiest parking experience, earns shoppers discounts at Tysons Corner Center retailers and restaurants, gives shoppers a free voucher for future valet parking and supports those in need. A portion of the valet proceeds will be donated to Northern Virginia Family Services. 
  • Front & Center Parking for $7 is located in Garage C. This conveniently located parking option is a great option if you are interested in parking yourself for a nominal fee.  Using this service, shoppers will earn discounts at Tysons Corner Center retailers and restaurants. 
  • Don’t mind a longer walk and want quick access to the roads to get out of Tysons, try the free parking towards the exits of the Center at Garage B or C.  

How to stay updated:

About Tysons Corner Center

One of the nation’s top-performing malls, the 2 million square-foot Tysons Corner Center is anchored by Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Macy’s, Lord & Taylor, L.L.Bean and a 16-screen AMC Theatres. The shopping center offers more than 300 specialty stores, including popular digitally native brands, plus restaurants, and attracts more than 25 million visitors annually.

About the Express Lanes operated by Transurban

The 95 and 495 Express Lanes provide drivers in Northern Virginia with faster and more predictable travel options. The Express Lanes stretch more than 40 miles from north of the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County. Thanks to a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the Express Lanes give drivers reliable travel choices on two of northern Virginia’s most congested roadways. For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.

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Traffic pattern changes for South Parking & Eads St. during AM & PM rush hour this Winter and Spring 2019

January 18, 2019

On or about Tuesday, January 22, 2019, construction will begin along the east side of Eads Street (existing northbound travel lanes). All traffic along Eads Street between South Rotary Road and Army Navy Drive will be re-opened to both sides of Eads Street with proper access to the I-395 HOV Ramps preserved. 

Existing traffic restrictions and detours during the AM Peak between 6:00am to 9:00am, the off-peak period from 9:00am to 3:00pm, and the PM Peak from 3:00pm to 8:00pm will continue to be in effect. Detours with signage will continue to be set up on Eads Street, South Rotary Road, as well as surrounding roadways such as Fern Street.

Click here for the AM detour
Click here for the PM detour

The temporary relocation of Route 610 Stafford and Mine Road slug stations will remain at the Kiss and Ride area on N. Rotary Road during the Eads Street construction. Please pay close attention to traffic control direction, signage and traffic signals as they will change to align with the new traffic patterns. Visit expresslanes.com/projects/395 for more information.

Drivers are advised to travel safely and pay attention to on-road signage if traveling in this area during construction. Visit expresslanes.com/projects/395 to view closure or travel alerts information.

For more information click here.
 

Travel lanes to shift at Eads St. near Petagon Monday

July 13, 2018

ALEXANDRIA, Va. - On or about Monday, July 16, all travel lanes on Eads Street between Army Navy Drive and South Rotary Road on the Pentagon Reservation will be shifted to the east side of Eads Street (existing northbound lanes). This shift, which includes narrowing lanes, is needed to allow construction to begin on the west side of Eads Street, and will be in place for approximately two months. Access to the I-395 HOV ramps will remain. Additionally, during nighttime hours and weekends, full closures and detours may occur on this stretch of Eads Street. Drivers are advised to use caution and stay alert to on-road signage if traveling in this area.


In fall 2018, work will switch to the east side of Eads Street, and all travel lanes will be shifted to the west side of the road for approximately two additional months.


These traffic shifts and lane closures are part of the effort to rebuild Eads Street between Army Navy Drive and South Rotary Road. Improvements include converting the South Rotary Road drop-off/pick-up lane to a right-turn Express Lane entrance ramp, installing gates along the South Rotary turn lane, and adding new traffic signals on Eads Street.


Work at Eads Street is part of the I-395 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project, a public-private partnership project between VDOT and Transurban that is extending the existing I-95/I-395 Express Lanes eight miles from Turkeycock Run near Edsall Road in Alexandria to the Washington, D.C. line. Improvements at Eads Street will be in place when the 395 Express Lanes open in late 2019.
For more information about the 395 Express Lanes Project, please visit https://www.395.espresslanes.com.


(END)

 

View press release here

Eads Street & South Parking PM Detour alternative

October 1, 2018

Afternoon Departure from Pentagon South Parking Area toward I-395 South HOV via VA 27

Typical route: Exit from North Rotary Road (Kiss & Ride/Temp Slug Stations), turn left to proceed to S. Rotary and take ramp to I-395 South HOV via Eads Street

Alternate route: Exit from North Rotary Road (Kiss & Ride/Temp Slug Stations). Turn right onto VA-27. Take exit to 110/North Parking. Take the next two left turns. Follow the road towards the bridge to VA-27 South. I-395 South HOV On-Ramp will be on your left.

Learn more here

Afternoon Departure from Pentagon South Parking Area toward I-395 South HOV via VA 27

Typical route: Exit from Pork Chop/Slug Lot, turn left onto Eads St, and take ramp to I-395 South HOV.

Alternate route: Exit from Pork Chop/Slug Lot. Go straight on North Rotary Road and turn right on Connector Road. Turn left on Boundary Channel Drive. Follow the road towards the bridge to VA-27 South. I-395 South HOV On-Ramp will be on your left.

Learn more here

New slug lines at the Staffordboro commuter lot

November 5, 2018

New slug lines to Rosslyn and DC will be added at the Staffordboro commuter lot. Existing line will primarily be used by the Pentagon and other NoVA destinations. Drivers are expected to enter through the north entrance to pick up riders (preferably three) and exit through the south. Learn more here

Temporary Relocation of Rt. 610 Stafford and Mine Rd. Slug Stations at the Pentagon

July 9, 2018

  • July 23rd, Rt. 610 Stafford and Rt. 610 Mine Road slug stations will be temporarily relocated from Fern Street to N. Rotary Road Kiss & Ride for Afternoon slugging pick-ups due to construction on Eads St.
  • Rt. 3 Fredericksburg and Rt. 17 Stafford will remain in the same location near Fern St. and the Motorcycle Lot.
  • Drivers should review the new locations shown below, and pay attention to signs for wayfinding.

Learn more here

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