Traffic pattern changes for South Parking & Eads St. during PM rush hour
October 1, 2018
New! Major traffic pattern changes. Travel lanes shifting during PM rush hour. The new traffic pattern begins mid-October 2018 for South Parking & Eads St.
Temporary Rt. 610 slug stations remain at Kiss & Ride area.
Construction continuing on Eads Street this Fall and Winter. Expect delays and consider alternative options.
Learn more about the Eads St. PM Detour
Traffic pattern changes for South Parking & Eads St. during AM rush hour
October 1, 2018
New! Major traffic pattern changes. Travel lanes shifting during AM rush hour. The new traffic pattern begins mid-October 2018 for South Parking & Eads St.
Temporary Rt. 610 slug stations remain at Kiss & Ride area.
Construction continuing on Eads Street this Fall and Winter. Expect delays and consider alternative options.
Learn more about the Eads Street AM Detour
395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program Awards Funding to the Bright Resilient Youth Committed to Enrichment and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program
March 28, 2017
Alexandria, Va. – Transurban, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s partner on the 395 Express Lanes project, today announced that the Bright Resilient Youth Committed to Enrichment (BRYCE) and the Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP)’s SoberRide each received a $5,000 grant this quarter through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program.
The BRYCE project is an enrichment program designed to engage young women in activities that develop their social and emotional skills. The participants learn the values of the community and give back by doing random acts of kindness as individuals and in groups. BRYCE encourages friendship, diversity, and individuality and plants the seed at an early age of the importance of education.
“The BRYCE Project was pleased to receive a grant from the 395 Express Lanes grant program,” said LaVon Curtis, Founder, BRYCE Project. “As an all-volunteer organization, these funds allow us to continue our work in providing community, leadership, and mentoring to young women as they prepare for adulthood. One of our upcoming events supported by this grant is a career event which provides young women the chance to hear real-life lessons from professional women and engage in networking.”
The WRAP is a non-profit focused on using effective education, innovative programs, and targeted advocacy to end alcohol-impaired driving and underage drinking in the Washington, D.C. metro area. It is best known for its free taxi service, SoberRide, which discourages drunk driving and has provided more than 65,000 free rides to would-be impaired drivers in the Greater Washington Area. The program is credited with keeping the area’s alcohol related traffic deaths lower than the national average.
“This 395 Express Lanes grant is helping improve safety for the region, through WRAP’s assistance to those enjoying drinks on holidays to know they have the option to get home without getting behind the wheel…we will continue to partner on four other holidays this year, due to the generous support by our sponsors including Transurban,” said Kurt Erickson, President and CEO, WRAP.
“As part of the Northern Virginia community, Transurban cares about the wellbeing and safety of the communities in which we operate and seeks opportunities to address the needs of our neighbors and community partners,” said Mike McGurk, spokesman, Transurban. “We are excited to support the BRYCE project and WRAP’s SoberRide program in their efforts to improve the wellbeing of our neighbors through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program.”
The next application deadline for the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program is March 31, 2017. Applications are accepted and grants are awarded on a quarterly basis. Interested organizations and community members can learn more by reading the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program Overview and Guidelines and apply online by completing a short application at 395ExpressLanes.com/grant-application.
About the 395 Express Lanes
The 395 Express Lanes project will convert the I-395 HOV lanes to Express Lanes to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will extend the Express Lanes network and add a third lane along the project corridor. The 395 Express Lanes will span from Edsall Road to the vicinity of the Eads Street Interchange. The improvements will be delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban. For more information, please visit 395ExpressLanes.com.
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Governor McAuliffe Announces Major Transportation Improvements to the I-95 Corridor in the Fredericksburg and Northern Virginia Regions
November 24, 2015
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced major projects to improve transportation on one of the most heavily traveled corridors in the country – I-95 and I-395 in Northern Virginia. Improvements are planned for both ends of the 95 Express Lanes to ease the traffic bottleneck in Stafford County in the southern end and to extend the express lanes to the DC line in the northern end.
“These are significant transportation improvements that will move more people and commerce through an interstate corridor, and a critical jobs corridor,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In working with our private sector partner Transurban and local governments, we will fix the bottleneck on the southern end in Stafford County, and travelers will have the choice of taking an express trip from south of Garrisonville Road all the way up to the DC line. This represents a true multi-modal solution offering commuters a reliable trip so they can reach their destination faster in one the most congested regions of the country.”
Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne added, “The projects are the result of the Commonwealth’s engagement with our private-sector partner, the public and local officials to come up with the right transportation solutions that address the greatest needs and can be reasonably executed. There is no one magic fix that resolves all problems. It takes a combination of additional capacity, express lanes and multi-modal improvements to move more people efficiently and safely.”
I-95 Express Lanes Southern Terminus
- The project will extend 95 Express Lanes by approximately 2 miles past the point where the current flyover carries southbound traffic to Exit 143/Garrisonville Road in Stafford County. A reversible single lane would be built, eventually splitting into northbound and southbound merge ramps.
- Southbound traffic in 95 Express Lanes will be able to continue driving past Exit 143 at Garrisonville Road. Southbound traffic will merge back into the mainline I-95 southbound lanes approximately 1,500 feet beyond the Garrisonville Road on-ramp to I-95 southbound. Traffic will merge into the left lane of I-95. This spacing will balance local and express lanes traffic entering I-95 southbound.
- Northbound traffic can enter the 95 Express Lanes sooner. The new northbound entrance will be located approximately 1,000 ft. before the I-95 northbound off-ramp at Exit 143 to Route 1 at Aquia. Northbound traffic will merge into express lanes from the left lane.
- Construction is estimated to begin in 2016 and take two years to complete. Work will primarily take place within the median and within the existing right-of-way. No personal or business property should be affected.
I-395 Express Lanes Extension
- The project will extend the 395 Express Lanes for eight miles north to the DC line. The project will convert and expand the existing HOV lanes on I-395 from Turkeycock Run north to the district to dynamically tolled express lanes.
- An additional express lane will be built, providing three express lanes in the corridor.
- There will be dedicated funding for new and enhanced transit services and carpooling incentives.
- The work will be done by Transurban under the existing contract it has with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
- Construction is expected to begin in 2017, with the extended lanes opening to traffic in 2019.
- Vehicles with three or more people will continue to use the express lanes for free. Solo drivers will have the choice to take general purpose lanes for free or use the express lanes for a variable toll.
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395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program Launching Today
February 16, 2016
Alexandria, Va. – Transurban, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s partner on the 395 Express Lanes project, announced today the launch of the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program. The quarterly grant program seeks to respond to the needs of direct-impact communities within the I-395 corridor during the project’s development and construction phase. It will provide organizations with grant awards ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to implement projects that sustain, enhance or protect residents along the project corridor.
“Transurban cares about the wellbeing of the areas in which we operate,” said Jennifer Aument, group general manager of Transurban, North America. “The 395 Express Lanes will provide an opportunity for new travel choices, expanded capacity and dedicated transit funding. The project will also enhance the network of Express Lanes that serves more than 2 million customers today.”
“We recognize that the construction of this project will affect local residents. The 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program demonstrates our commitment to being good neighbors and long-term community partners in the Northern Virginia community.”
The 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program will award grants in the following categories:
- Community – projects that support the health, development or well-being of communities within the corridor
- Environment – projects that enhance or protect the environment within the 395 Express Lanes corridor
- Safety – projects that support safety initiatives within the corridor
Since 2008, Transurban has been active in the local community through the Express Lanes Community Grant Program. To date, more than $560,000 has been awarded to organizations in Northern Virginia supporting initiatives like neighborhood clean-ups, vegetable gardens, rain barrel systems, safety lights for bicycles and community landscaping.
The program accepts applications and distributes grant awards each quarter. Application deadlines for the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program are March 31, 2016, June 30, 2016, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016.
About the 395 Express Lanes
The 395 Express Lanes project will convert the I-395 HOV lanes to Express Lanes to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will extend the Express Lanes network and add a third lane along the project corridor. The 395 Express Lanes will span from Edsall Road to the vicinity of the Eads Street Interchange. The improvements will be delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban. Construction could begin as soon as spring 2017.
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Studies Show That Converting from HOV to Express Benefits Transit
February 4, 2016
A December 2015 report from the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials shows that transit benefits from Express Lanes. Across the U.S., transit ridership and speeds increase when HOV goes HOT.
Converting the I-395 HOV lanes to Express Lanes will offer dedicated transit funding, tools to manage congestion and a greater incentive to travel by bus. The experiences in other metropolitan areas demonstrate the possibilities.
See the results below from major cities that converted to Express Lanes. Critically, across these cities on average, one third of new transit riders previously drove alone.
Miami 
- Average bus travel speed increased from 18 to 55 mph on the I-95 Express Lanes
- Travel time decreased from 25 to 8 minutes
- Average weekday ridership increased 57 percent from 2008-2010 to August 2011
- 53 percent of riders said tolling affected their decision to use transit
Los Angeles
- On-time performance increased for bus rapid transit on I-110 Metro ExpressLanes
- Average daily peak period ridership increased by 52 percent in the AM peak and 41 percent in the PM peak after USDOT-funded service was added
- Ridership increased again by 29 percent in the AM peak and 25 percent in the PM peak after tolling began
Minneapolis
- Bus speeds increased and bus travel times decreased after I-35W converted to HOT lanes
395 Express Lanes Design-Build Procurement Industry Outreach
March 1, 2016
Transurban is currently in negotiations with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to extend the 95 Express Lanes along 395 approximately 8 miles from Edsall Road to the 14th Street Bridge. This project will require the procurement of a design-build contractor for the following scope:
- Reconfiguration and reconstruction of the two existing HOV lanes to three HOT lanes between Turkeycock Run (current terminus of the 95 Express Lanes) and the vicinity of Eads Street interchange, including traffic control, pavement modifications, signing, pavement markings and lighting;
- Construction of modified entry and exit connections to the HOT lanes at Eads Street;
- Installation of a comprehensive Traffic Management System (TMS), including lane use management signals, variable speed limit signs, dynamic message signs, microwave vehicle detectors, closed circuit television cameras, automated incident detectors and supporting infrastructure (e.g., fiber optic communications network, power, controllers, cabinets, etc.); and
- Installation of an electronic toll collection system (Tolling System), including gantries and tolling equipment, and supporting infrastructure (e.g., fiber optic communications network, power, controllers, cabinets, etc.).
Transurban is hosting an Industry Outreach meeting on March 23, 2016. If your company is interested in attending, please complete the 395 Express Lanes Industry Registration Form.
Procurement Timeline (subject to change):
- Industry Outreach – March 2016
- RFQ – May 2016
- RFP – July 2016
- Contractor Selection – December 2016
For questions about the 395 Express Lanes design-build procurement, please contact Sean Mallipudi at 571-527-8395 or smallipudi@transurban.com.
395 Express Lanes Award Community Grants to Alexandria Police Foundation and Carpenter’s Shelter
September 19, 2016
Alexandria, Va. – Transurban, the Virginia Department of Transportation’s partner on the 395 Express Lanes project, today announced that the Alexandria Police Foundation’s Community Oriented Policing Section (COPS) program and the clinic at Carpenter’s Shelter each received a $5,000 grant through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program.
“The 395 Express Lanes community grant is helping the Alexandria Police Department engage directly with many of our at-risk youth and their families throughout the City of Alexandria,” said Willem Polak, chairman, Alexandria Police Foundation. “Thanks to the support of Transurban, our Community Oriented Policing Section programs will continue to develop young role models and help build trust between officers and the Alexandria community.”
The COPS program supports Alexandria Police Department officers working with at-risk youth and families in the City of Alexandria to foster an atmosphere of communication and cooperation. Under the program, officers engage directly with youth through community projects, acknowledgement of academic achievement and recreational activities.
as Through its clinic, Carpenter’s Shelter provides medical attention to homeless in need of care. Under the volunteer leadership of Dr. William Rogers, Carpenter’s Clinic is able to provide quality medical care to uninsured clients.
“Carpenter’s Shelter is pleased to receive a grant from the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant program,” said Mary-Parker Lamm, deputy director, Carpenter's Shelter. “These grant funds will support our Carpenter’s Clinic and its work providing professional care and treatment to uninsured, homeless clients at our facility in Alexandria. The funds will provide more than 225 clinic visits for clients throughout the region and continue our nearly 30-year effort to improve the health and safety of the homeless.”
“As a part of the Northern Virginia community, Transurban cares about the wellbeing of our region,” said Mike McGurk, spokesman, Transurban. “Through the 395 Express Lanes Community Grant Program, we seek opportunities to address the needs of our neighbors and community partners within the I-395 corridor. We are excited to support the Alexandria Police Foundation and Carpenter’s Shelter in their efforts to strengthen community partnerships and provide for the homeless.”
About the 395 Express Lanes
The 395 Express Lanes project will convert the I-395 HOV lanes to Express Lanes to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will extend the Express Lanes network and add a third lane along the project corridor. The 395 Express Lanes will span from Edsall Road to the vicinity of the Eads Street Interchange. The improvements will be delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban. Construction could begin as soon as spring 2017.
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Governor McAuliffe Announces Acceptance of Private Sector Proposal to Deliver I-395 Express Lanes Extension
February 28, 2017
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced that the Commonwealth has accepted a proposal from Transurban to deliver an eight-mile extension of the I-395 Express Lanes from Turkeycock Run near Edsall Road in Alexandria to the Washington, D.C. line.
“This acceptance is the latest step in our ongoing effort to move more people and provide more travel choices in one of the most congested corridors of the country,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The agreement we have reached with Transurban clearly meets the Commonwealth’s requirements and will give Virginia travelers and taxpayers the value they deserve for a project of this scope.”
Plans to extend the Express Lanes began in November 2015 under a Framework Agreement in accordance with the 95 Express Lanes Comprehensive Agreement between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, its private partner and operator of the 95 and 495 Express Lanes. After meeting specific project-delivery and financial criteria, including a competitive procurement for a design-build partner, and yearly payment of $15 million (to be escalated annually) for transit improvements and traffic demand strategies in the corridor, the Commonwealth has approved Transurban’s proposal to finance, design, build, maintain and operate the 395 Express Lanes extension.
Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne added, “Under Governor McAuliffe’s leadership, we followed a process allowing our 95 Express Lanes partner 120 days to develop their financial and technical plans on this critical improvement project. Working together, we were able to ensure that the Commonwealth’s commitment to provide a $15 million annual payment for transit could be met while shifting key project risks to the private sector and enabling timely project delivery.”
“Transurban is pleased to begin delivery of the I-395 Express Lanes project, which will provide a historic investment in regional transit,” said Jennifer Aument, group general manager, Transurban. “Our proposal represents the best value to the Commonwealth and we are committed to delivering the project safely, on-time and on-budget.”
In addition to the annual transit investment by Transurban, other project components include:
- Converting and upgrading the existing High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes to express lanes from the current Express Lanes northern terminus at Edsall Road to the D.C. line
- Adding a third reversible lane from Edsall Road to just south of Eads Street near the Pentagon
- Improving the Eads Street Interchange and transit and carpool access at the Pentagon
- Adding a fourth regular southbound lane on I-395 between Duke Street and Edsall Road
- Rehabilitating five bridges over I-395
- New sound walls to protect neighboring communities
Design and construction of the project is anticipated to cost approximately $500 million, through combination of private and public funds. The project is one element of the Commonwealth’s Atlantic Gateway program, a series of major improvements to the I-95/I-395 corridor. Project construction will generate local jobs, economic activity and opportunities for both disadvantaged business enterprises and small, women and minority-owned businesses.
Construction is expected to begin this summer and scheduled to be complete by fall 2019. As early as this week, crews will begin preliminary work such as geotechnical investigations and surveying. Construction will occur largely within VDOT’s right-of-way; some work such as sound walls may require access to areas adjacent to the project corridor.
For more details on the project, visit www.virginiadot.org/395express and www.395expresslanes.com.
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395 Express Lanes Project Team Beings "Early Works" Activities
March 3, 2017
FAIRFAX - Next week the 395 Express Lanes project team will begin preliminary work, or "early work" to prepare for project construction to kick off this summer. Early works activities will help the project meet its aggressive schedule and will include efforts performed both in-the-field and remotely.
Early works activities include geotechnical investigations and surveying, and may require crews to access areas adjacent to the project corridor. Other activities such as preliminary design and drawing submittals also will occur, but will not require crews to work in the project corridor.
To support this work, the I-395 HOV lanes from the Edsall Road area to Boundary Channel Drive will be closed during late-night periods next week, weather permitting, as follows:
- March 8 to March 10 beginning at 8 p.m. until 4 a.m.
- March 10 to March 12 beginning at 11 p.m. until 10 a.m. on March 11 and 12, and until 4 a.m. on March 13
During these hours, all motorists traveling northbound on the 95 Express Lanes will be routed off to the regular lanes near Edsall Road. Southbound motorists in the I-395 HOV lanes will be routed off to the regular lanes near Boundary Channel Drive. There will be no access to and from the HOV lanes via the Eads Street interchange during these closures. The 95 Express Lanes south of the Edsall Road area will remain open and operating under the standard reversal schedule.
What area drivers and residents near the I-395 corridor should expect during the 395 Express Lanes Project early works phase:
- Any necessary lane closures will take place outside of rush hours and will be communicated to the traveling public in advance
- Project officials will provide information about early works activities to keep residents informed
- Permanent construction activities will not begin until summer 2017
- Drivers should travel with caution and remain vigilant for construction crew members both on I-395 and within nearby residential communities
The 395 Express Lanes project will extend the 95 Express Lanes for eight miles north on I-395 to the border of Washington, D.C. The project will convert the two high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to three high-occupancy or toll Express Lanes, allowing non-HOV travelers the option to pay a toll to access the roadway while maintaining free travel for transit and HOV-3 carpools. The project will also deliver additional corridor improvements including:
- A fourth southbound regular lane between Duke Street and Edsall Road
- Rehabilitation of five bridges over I-395
- Enhancements to the south Pentagon parking area to improve transit access and circulation
Project construction is scheduled to begin in summer 2017 with the Express Lanes opening in fall 2019. More information about the project is available at: www.virginiadot.org/395express and www.395expresslanes.com.
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