April 2, 2015
On March 21, 2015, over 20,000 drivers showed their support for area fire and rescue organizations by taking the 495 or 95 Express Lanes and participating in Drive to Donate – a program that gives back to local fire and rescue heroes who put their lives on the line to keep the communities surrounding the Express Lanes safe – both on and off the road.
In total, Transurban donated more than $78,000. Each of the following organizations received more than $26,000:
On April 3, 2015, Fire and Rescue officials from each county joined Transurban for a check presentation. Check out photos from the Drive to Donate check presentation.
Thank you to all the drivers who chose to travel on the Express Lanes on March 21. We depend on local law enforcement and fire and rescue organizations to keep us safe, especially in the localities where the Express Lanes operate – thank you for helping us support a great cause.
March 31, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – Today, Transurban announced the results of Drive to Donate, aprogram designed to give back to local fire and rescue heroes who put their lives on the line to keep us all safe – both on and off the road. Over 20,000 drivers participated by traveling and paying tolls on the 495 or 95 Express Lanes on Saturday, March 21, 2015. Transurban, the operator of the 495 and 95 Express Lanes, donated the value of all tolls collected to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Prince William County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Fire and Rescue. Each of the three organizations received more than $26,000.
“We are pleased that so many drivers chose to travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes on March 21 to help us support a great cause,” said Jennifer Aument, North American Group General Manager, Transurban. “As safety is the top priority on the Express Lanes, it was important to us to support our local fire and rescue organizations. This donation is one way we can thank our local heroes for keeping the communities surrounding the Express Lanes corridor safe each and every day.”
Local fire and rescue organizations and law enforcement are a critical component to keeping the Express Lanes safe. Drive to Donate was created to underscore Transurban’s commitment to the community and support those in the localities near the corridor. In total, the Express Lanes donated more than $78,000. Each fire and rescue organization plans to use the donation for programs to help better serve the community.
"The Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue is grateful for the support provided by those drivers who traveled the Express Lanes on March 21 and to Transurban for supporting both driver safety and local fire and rescue departments through the Drive to Donate program," said Prince William County Assistant Chief, Lance McClintock.
"I am incredibly grateful to the Express Lanes team and to everyone who drove the Lanes on Saturday,” said Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association President, Mike Wendt. Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief, Richard Bowers continued, “The donated funds are appreciated and will be specifically invested in life-saving fire, rescue and emergency medical services equipment that will support incident operations. Thank you for the contributions that will make a difference in the lives of our residents and those that pass through our community on a daily basis.”
"Thanks to the Drive to Donate campaign, we believe we will be able to provide a warm coat to every Stafford County student who needs one this coming fall and winter,” said Stafford County Fire and Rescue Chief, Mark Lockhart, who plans to use the donation for their Operation Warm Coats for Kids program. “This incredible donation will move us closer to that goal. Every child should have a coat to keep them warm; we are grateful that the Drive to Donate program will help us take care of Stafford’s children.”
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County. Delivered through 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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March 19, 2015
Alexandria, Va.– The 95 Express Lanes today announced that according to new research, while 95 Express Lanes customers are experiencing clear benefits from traveling on the 95 Express Lanes, some area drivers remain confused about the basic rules of the road and how to use E-ZPass.
Drivers are largely positive about the 95 Express Lanes. Seventy-five percent of 95 Express Lanes customers – drivers who have taken the Lanes and paid a toll at least once – report a positive impression of the Lanes. Both 95 Express Lanes toll-paying customers (82 percent) and non-users (74 percent) think the 95 Express Lanes benefit the region. According to 95 Express Lanes customers, time savings average 15 minutes.
95 Express Lanes customers have a good understanding of how to use the road and its benefits, such as where to enter (82 percent) and where to exit (78 percent), that the 95 Express Lanes can save them time (84 percent) and that the Lanes help them avoid traffic on alternative routes (72 percent).
“We are pleased that drivers are experiencing the benefits of the 95 Express Lanes, such as faster travel, less congestion and more reliable travel times,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “Using the Express Lanes is easy but some drivers still have questions about how the Lanes work and how to properly use E-ZPass. We encourage all drivers with questions to visit our website – ExpressLanes.com – or to contact our customer service center at 1-855-495-9777.”
Non-95 Express Lane users need pricing and access information:
Drivers who haven’t yet traveled on the 95 Express Lanes can seek information and educational tools online. Travelers can find detailed maps of the entry and exit points and learn the cost of their trip using the trip planning tool at Expresslanes.com/map-your-trip. The 95 Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin just north of Edsall Road on I-395. The HOV requirements on I-395 are in effect from 6 to 9 a.m.
Many toll-paying 95 Express Lanes customers don’t know important E-ZPass information:
Customers should follow the instructions that come with their E-ZPass and keep it funded, mounted properly and linked to their vehicle’s license plate. Mounting the E-ZPass correctly helps ensure the E-ZPass signal can be read by tolling equipment at highway speeds. If the E-ZPass cannot be read due to improper mounting, toll facility operators can locate and charge the E-ZPass account if the vehicle’s license plate has been linked to the account. Drivers who travel with no available funds can receive an unpaid toll invoice for their trip.
The research is based on an online survey conducted in February 2015 of 1,266 drivers in the Washington, D.C. metro area.
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on the Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for more than 40 miles from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County. Delivered through 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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March 3, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the 495 and 95 Express Lanes announced Drive to Donate, a program designed to give back to local fire and rescue organizations that put their lives on the line to keep the communities surrounding the Express Lanes safe – both on and off of the road. The Express Lanes will donate the value of all tolls collected on Saturday, March 21, 2015 to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue, Prince William County Fire and Rescue and Stafford County Fire and Rescue. To participate and give back to area first responders, all drivers need to do is drive on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass® properly mounted in their vehicle on March 21.
“As safety is a top priority on the Express Lanes, we want to give back and support those who keep us safe each and every day,” said Jennifer Aument, North American Group General Manager, Transurban. “We strive to be a good neighbor and long-term partner to our customers and the community, and we believe in supporting those who impact our lives for the better. We hope drivers choose to travel on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes on March 21 to help us support those who keep us safe on and off the roads.”
Drivers should remember to travel with their E-ZPass or E-ZPass® FlexSM properly mounted in their vehicle. To help increase donations to a good cause, drivers who typically travel HOV-3+ on the Express Lanes can consider paying a toll on March 21 by switching their E-ZPass Flex from HOV mode to toll mode.
“Drive to Donate reminds everyone to drive safely,” said Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief, Richard Bowers, “The program will help emergency response personnel provide safety equipment, safe response and scene operations.” Mike Wendt, president of Fairfax County Volunteer Fire and Rescue Association, continued, “Donations from the Express Lanes will help us purchase critical equipment that has been proven to save lives. The career and volunteer personnel of the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department depend on partnerships with organizations like Transurban to provide the best possible service to the community.”
Prince William County Fire and Rescue Chief Kevin McGee commented, "We are grateful to Transurban for the opportunity to participate in this program; and we are grateful to the members of the community who will help donate to the Fire Department by taking the Express Lanes that day. The donations we receive will go towards purchasing items that allow us to continue to pursue innovation and provide service to our community, while protecting and keeping our community safe. And that's what our mission is all about."
“These donations will serve to protect our first responders, and assist with our community outreach programs,” shared Mark Doyle, Assistant Chief, Stafford County Fire and Rescue. “We greatly appreciate all drivers who take the Express Lanes on March 21, as well as the Express Lanes whose generosity will directly contribute to driver and first responder safety.”
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Toll Road to Stafford County. Delivered through 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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January 25, 2015
The 95 Express Lanes began tolling in December 2014 and introduced new options for faster, more predictable trips on the one of the most congested stretches of highway in Northern Virginia.
During the first few weeks of operations, the 95 Express Lanes consistently provided a reliable trip at highway speeds to our customers and extended the benefits of HOV-3+ travel. Additionally, many customers are traveling with an E-ZPass® and E-ZPass® FlexSM properly mounted in their vehicle and taking advantage of the direct connection to the 495 Express Lanes.
The 95 Express Lanes are off to a strong start, with traffic and revenue figures in-line with expectations. Here are some key statistics on the Lanes performance between December 29, 2014 and January 31, 2015:
* Workdays only, includes exempt vehicles
** The first quarterly traffic and revenue report with 95 Express Lanes data will be issued in April 2015
To ensure a smooth experience on the Express Lanes, drivers should remember these simple tips when using E-ZPass on the Lanes:
The Express Lanes seek to provide customers with a consistent option for safe and reliable trips on I-495 and I-95. We continue to monitor customer feedback during the early days of the 95 Express Lanes and ask drivers to submit any feedback about the Express Lanes at: CustomerCare@ExpressLanes.com.
January 14, 2015
Alexandria, Va.– The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes today announced the completion of its program to help ease carpoolers’ transition to the 95 Express Lanes. Approximately 600 customers took advantage of the carpool transition program, which gave regularcarpoolers the opportunity to register for a week of HOV only, toll-exempt travel on the 95 Express Lanes if they had ordered their E-ZPass® FlexSM but had not yet received it. Carpoolers who still need an E-ZPass Flex have just two days left to register for the program before it officially closes Friday, January 16 at 5 p.m.
“We’re pleased that carpoolers have benefited from this program and are glad to see so many of the region’s carpoolers were ready with their E-ZPass Flex on December 29,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “Getting an E-ZPass Flex is an important first step if you carpool, but drivers also need to make sure they correctly use their transponder – this includes properly mounting the E-ZPass Flex and ensuring it’s switched to the correct mode before the trip begins.”
Since the 95 Express Lanes opened for tolling on December 29, most drivers have been traveling with a correctly mounted E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, between March 1, 2014 and January 3, 2015, there have been more than 156,900 E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex transponders issued in Northern Virginia near the 495 and 95 Express Lanes corridors. Consistent with the robust carpooling network in the region, many drivers are opting for the E-ZPass Flex that gives HOV-3 carpoolers an option for a free trip. The majority of transponders distributed during the last few months have been from retail locations.
All drivers need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex (carpoolers) to use the Express Lanes. Drivers should follow these E-ZPass tips to avoid toll invoices and fees:
Carpoolers who still need an E-ZPass Flex for immediate use are advised to visit one of 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores, Tysons Corner Center or E-ZPass Customer Service Centers. E-ZPass is also available online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824.
The 95 Express Lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HOV-3 and tolling rules are in effect all the time. Drivers traveling alone or with one passenger can access the Lanes even during rush hour by paying a toll. Dynamic pricing is used to keep traffic free flowing on the Lanes and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95. Motorcycles do not need an E-ZPass. Vehicles with more than two axles and cars towing trailers cannot use the Express Lanes.
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Road Toll to Stafford County. Delivered through 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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January 2, 2015
Alexandria, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes today announced that as the first work week of operations comes to a close, travelers have been safely accessing and using the Lanes. Monday, January 5 marks the first rush hour with tolling and new rules in effect outside of the holidays. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant as traffic volumes on the I-95 corridor are expected to increase, travel with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex in their vehicle and continue to pay attention to the new traffic patterns. Tolling and the new rules will continue to be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Since tolling went into effect on December 29, the 95 Express Lanes have seen many early adopters trying the new Lanes, even during the holiday season. Drivers have been using the new nine-mile extension for trips to and from Stafford County. Carpoolers have been using E-ZPass Flex and taking advantage of the toll-free ride and drivers have been paying attention to the new traffic patterns and movements.
“We’re seeing safe driving behavior from travelers on the 95 Express Lanes and we need that to continue during this major transition,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “As we prepare for the first rush hour after the holiday season, we ask all drivers to continue to pay attention to new traffic patterns, the E-ZPass requirement and the rules of the road.”
While the 95 Express Lanes are easy to use, it is important that all drivers know the rules of the road before taking their first trip:
• The Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin on I-395 just north of Edsall Road. The rules on the I-395 HOV lanes are the same. For more information about this transition area, visit: ExpressLanes.com/transition
• Drivers should remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor as they adjust to new traffic patterns. Drivers can learn more about the new access points, signage, safety tips and rules of the road at ExpressLanes.com
• Only two-axle vehicles and buses are permitted to use the Express Lanes. 18-wheelers and drivers towing trailers may not use the Lanes
• The 95 Express Lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HOV-3 and tolling rules are in effect all the time. Drivers traveling alone or with one passenger can access the Lanes even during rush hour by paying a toll
• Drivers with questions about the Express Lanes or concerns with billing may contact customercare@expresslanes.com or visit the Customer Care section on the Express Lanes website
The Express Lanes use dynamic pricing to keep the Lanes free-flowing. As traffic increases, the toll price goes up to manage demand and keep traffic moving at highway speeds. Drivers on the 95 Express Lanes may pay more than one toll to use the Lanes. Drivers will see signs in advance of Express Lanes entry points that display the price to travel to upcoming exits. When a driver passes under a pricing sign, they lock in the toll rate until the last exit shown on the sign and may see additional overhead pricing signs when traveling on the 95 Express Lanes. These signs display the costs to travel to exits farther down the road and provide an opportunity for drivers to decide if they want to pay an additional toll to continue on the Express Lanes or exit back to the regular lanes.
The Express Lanes operator will report usage data on a quarterly basis for both the 495 and 95 Express Lanes. Reports are issued in January, April, July and October. The first report to include details on 95 Express Lanes usage will likely be released in April 2015.
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Road Toll to Stafford County. Delivered through 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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December 30, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes today announced a new extra care customer service program designed to help drivers with the transition from HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes. The Express Lanes represent a major change for I-95 drivers with the introduction of new traffic patterns, new rules and a new E-ZPass requirement. To help ensure a smooth trip on the Express Lanes, the 95 Express Lanes team will work with customers during the opening period to offer first-time forgiveness to new customers who receive toll invoices, help customers address E-ZPass issues and educate drivers on how to use the Lanes.
“The 95 Express Lanes will be easy to use but we understand they are a major change for drivers and we want to do what we can to ensure all customers have a good experience,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “Customers who have questions or concerns about how to use the Lanes or a recent trip should not hesitate to contact us. We are here to help and work with customers to make sure they have a good Express Lanes experience – both during their trip and after.”
The extra care program will take care of first-time violators who contact the Express Lanes via the website, phone at 1-855-495-XPRS (9777) or via email at customercare@expresslanes.com. The customer service center will work with new customers on one-time fee removal from invoices and educate them on how to properly use the Lanes. To ensure a smooth trip on the 95 Express Lanes, customers should travel with an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex properly mounted in their vehicles. Carpoolers can travel toll-free on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode and three or more people in the car.
Customers who travel the Lanes accidentally or travel without an E-ZPass can avoid a toll invoice by visiting ExpressLanes.com and clicking “Missed a Toll?” to pay their toll. Drivers with questions about a toll invoice they receive via mail should contact the Express Lanes customer service center immediately. Delay in contacting the Express Lanes to resolve a toll invoice can result in escalating fees.
All drivers must have an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex (carpoolers) to use the Express Lanes. Drivers should follow these E-ZPass tips to avoid toll invoices and fees:
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, Tysons Corner Center, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824.
The 95 Express Lanes operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. HOV-3 and tolling rules are in effect all the time. Drivers traveling alone or with one passenger can access the Lanes even during rush hour by paying a toll. The Lanes use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95. Vehicles with more than two axles and cars towing trailers cannot use the Express Lanes.
About the Express Lanes
The 495 and 95 Express Lanes operate on I-495/Capital Beltway and I-95 to provide drivers with faster and more predictable travel options in Northern Virginia. Together the 495 and 95 Express Lanes create a region-wide network of free-flowing lanes for nearly 40 miles from the Dulles Road Toll to Stafford County. Delivered through 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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May 8, 2014
Alexandria, VA – Today, Transurban-Fluor and AAA Mid-Atlantic released the second annual report on distracted drivers on I-95 in Northern Virginia, which found that despite major construction, distracted driving is a growing problem on the heavily traveled corridor. The report, part of Orange Cones. No Phones., a campaign focused on reducing distracted driving in the 95 Express Lanes construction zone, found that the number of frequent I-95 drivers likely to use their cell phone while driving has increased from 56 percent in 2013 to 62 percent in 2014.
Not only is distracted driving dangerous – it leads to accidents on the road. According to the report, based on a survey of 1,023 drivers who live in Northern Virginia and frequently travel the 95 Express Lanes project corridor, the number of distracted drivers on I-95 who have had a traffic incident or near-miss as a result of their behavior has increased from 24 percent in 2013 to 31 percent in 2014. Texting while driving is exceptionally dangerous – drivers who text while driving are three times more likely to experience a traffic incident or near miss versus non-texters.
“Distracted driving is dangerous under the best conditions – it is even more dangerous in a work zone,” said Aubrey Layne, Virginia Secretary of Transportation. “Transportation safety and the safety of those who report to work each day to improve Virginia’s infrastructure is our top priority. Drivers can make our roads significantly safer by taking one simple step – put down the phone while behind the wheel.”
Work demands may increase distracted driving. More than half (54 percent) of all distracted drivers on I-95 say they are at least occasionally responding to a work-related issue. These work responders are 10 percent more likely than non-work responders to have an incident or near miss behind the wheel. Work responders are also more likely than non-work responders to read texts, write texts and read/respond to emails. The top reasons distracted drivers respond to work-related issues on I-95 include:
Despite the dangers of distracted driving, just 18 percent of area drivers say their employer has a policy regarding the use of cell phones while driving. Recognizing that work demands are a leading cause of distracted driving on I-95, Transurban-Fluor and AAA Mid-Atlantic are working with area chambers of
commerce to take a stand against distracted driving. To kick off the initiative, today, leadership from area chambers signed a pledge, promising to raise awareness about the dangers of distracted driving and discourage cell phone use while driving among their members.
“The issue of distracted driving in Virginia starts and ends with this: if you’re driving distracted, you’re dangerous to everyone on the road,” said Mahlon G. “Lon” Anderson, AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman. “Employers must actively work to change their culture and discourage employees from driving distracted
by changing policy. When it comes to distracted driving, being passive won’t work. Changing behavior to save lives demands aggressive action.”
The 95 Express Lanes corridor is currently an active construction zone with approximately 1,500 people reporting to work in the 29-mile project corridor each day. Despite major construction activities, just 18 percent of I-95 drivers have specifically opted to not read or write texts or emails in the I-95 construction
zone. Only 11 percent say that they no longer talk on a cell phone in the construction zone.
“Driving distracted anytime, anywhere on the highway particularly in a work zone puts everyone at risk – from the motorist to highway workers to our public safety professionals,” said Major Lenmuel S. Terry, Deputy Director for the Bureau of Field Operations, Virginia State Police. “With our increased visibility within the I-95 work zone, if our troopers observe any unsafe driving behaviors then rest assured we will enforce the law. Eliminating distracted driving begins with the driver because no text message is worth someone’s life.”
During the remainder of 2014, crews will continue to conduct the work necessary to complete the 95 Express Lanes including installing and testing new overhead signs, tolling gantries and traffic management equipment. As there will be frequent lane closures and reduced shoulders this summer, drivers should plan to leave early or plan alternate routes to ensure as smooth a trip as possible. In order to safely complete the critical work required for the 95 Express Lanes, drivers should remember to:
“Safety is – and will remain – the partners’ top priority as we progress road construction,” said Walter J. Lewis III, Project Director, Fluor-Lane 95. “Drivers will need to remain focused as we finish construction and prepare to move into operations,” continued Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “When the 95 Express Lanes open, drivers will see new traffic patterns, new signage and new rules of the road, all of which will require their attention and focus.”
The 95 Express Lanes are on schedule to open in early 2015. Reversible like the HOV lanes today, the 95 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The 95 Express Lanes will use dynamic tolls to keep traffic flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95 between Route 610 in Stafford County to just north of the Capital Beltway. Drivers with three or more people in the vehicle will be able to travel toll-free with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Other drivers will need an E-ZPass to pay a toll for a faster, more reliable trip on I-95. For customized information on how to prepare and safely make the transition from HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes, drivers are encouraged to visit 95ExpressLanes.com/MakeAPlan.
The Orange Cones. No Phones. campaign was launched in 2009 to spread awareness of the dangers of driving distracted during construction of the 495 Express Lanes. The campaign transitioned to the I-95 corridor in the spring of 2013 to cut down on distracted driving in the 95 Express Lanes work zone. For additional information on the Orange Cones. No Phones. campaign, please visit www.orangeconesnophones.com.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes are high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that will operate on I-95 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The project will add capacity and extend and improve the performance of the existing HOV lanes. The 95 Express Lanes will operate from I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the 95 Express Lanes will give drivers the freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 29, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– 95 Express Lanes today announced that tolling, E-ZPass requirements and new rules of the road are now in effect 24/7 along the 29-mile stretch of lanes on I-95. Drivers planning to take advantage of the Express Lanes need an E-ZPass® and are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new rules of the road before their first trip. All drivers are urged to use caution and be alert to the new traffic patterns and signage.
“Area drivers now have a faster, more reliable travel option to get them to their destinations on time,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “For the first time, anyone stuck in rush-hour gridlock on I-95 can now take advantage of a quicker trip on the Express Lanes. We encourage all drivers to exercise caution and keep the rules of the road in mind as they take their first trip on the Express Lanes.”
Beginning today, all drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel frequently with three or more people in their vehicle need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free.
For a smooth trip on the Express Lanes, drivers should make sure that their E-ZPass is correctly mounted in their car and that it's linked to their license plate. Drivers should also check that they have sufficient funds in their account and that their address is updated and correct with the DMV.
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores; at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824. Virginia E-ZPass customers can exchange their standard E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex by calling Virginia E-ZPass or by visiting www.ezpassva.com/EZPages/Get-Flex.aspx.
Safety Tips
Drivers should keep the following safety tips in mind before traveling on the Express Lanes:
95 Express Lanes End/I-395 HOV Lanes Begin
The 95 Express Lanes end and the I-395 HOV lanes begin on I-395 just north of Edsall Road. The rules on the I-395 HOV lanes have not changed – on weekdays, the HOV-3 only restriction is in effect on the northbound I-395 HOV lanes from 6-9 a.m. and the southbound I-395 HOV lanes from 3:30-6 p.m. There is no HOV restriction on the weekends.
When the weekday HOV-3 restriction is in effect, northbound 95 Express Lanes drivers traveling alone or with one passenger will need to exit from the Express Lanes to avoid entering the I-395 HOV lanes. For more information about the transition area, please visit: ExpressLanes.com/transition.
Drivers should remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor as they become acclimated with the new traffic patterns. Speed limit, seat belt, driving under the influence (DUI) and all other traffic laws still apply to the Express Lanes and will be enforced by the state police at all times. Drivers can plan their trip, learn how to safely use the lanes, and learn more about E-ZPass at ExpressLanes.com.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes opened on December 29 to provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. The 95 Express Lanes operate on I-95 near Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the vicinity of Edsall Road on I-395 in Fairfax County (approximately 29 miles). The 95 Express Lanes were delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban. For more information, please visit ExpressLanes.com.
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