December 15, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– 95 Express Lanes today announced that the 29-mile corridor of new express lanes opened to traffic on Sunday, December 14 with tolling to begin December 29. The 95 Express Lanes were completed early and are open so drivers can benefit from the additional capacity and have the opportunity to try the new lanes before tolling begins. Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour – with the exception of holidays – until tolling begins on December 29. Outside of HOV hours, anyone can try the new Lanes for free.
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.
“The next two weeks provide drivers with an opportunity to try out the Express Lanes outside of rush hour,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “As there are new traffic patterns in effect, we encourage all drivers to do their homework before taking their first trip on the Express Lanes by visiting 95ExpressLanes.com to learn about the new access points, signage, safety tips and rules of the road. And remember to be ready by December 29.”
The 95 Express Lanes will be reversible. The entry and exit points will open and close depending on which direction traffic is flowing; drivers should not attempt to enter the lanes if gates are blocking access to an entry point. Gate transition time on the HOV and Express Lanes facilities is expected to temporarily increase due to the nine mile southern extension and new gates. Ultimately, the gate transition will return to standard times experienced today.
Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour until tolling begins on December 29 – at which point the Express Lanes rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beginning Monday, December 29, all drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel frequently with three or more people in their vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free.
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.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 starting on December 29 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 12, 2014
Alexandria, Va.–The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes are reminding drivers to remain alert and exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor in the coming days as the new lanes, traffic patterns and access points will open to traffic on Sunday, December 14.
Roadway improvements for the 29-mile corridor of new express lanes have been completed early. The added capacity and new entries/exits are opening to traffic to allow drivers to try the new roadway during the holiday season and become acclimated with the new traffic patterns. Standard HOV rules will be in effect during rush hour until the Express Lanes transition from non-tolled lanes to tolled lanes on December 29.
Transitioning the existing HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes will bring new options, as well as fundamental changes for drivers. All drivers need to remain cautious, alert and aware when traveling on the new additions to the roadway including the nine-mile extension and new entry and exit points.
Drivers should keep the following safety tips and rules of the road in mind before traveling on the Express Lanes:
“Safety is – and will remain – the top priority for the 95 Express Lanes,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “We’re glad travelers can benefit from the additional capacity during the holiday season without having to a pay a toll, and encourage travelers to try the Express Lanes over the next two weeks to become familiar with the new lanes and entry and exit points. Drivers who plan to take advantage of the Express Lanes when they open for tolling on December 29 need to obtain an E-ZPass®or E-ZPass®FlexSMand ensure they’re familiar with the rules of the road.”
Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour until tolling begins on December 29 – at which point HOV/tolling rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beginning Monday, December 29, all drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel frequently with three or more people in their vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free 24/7.
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.
Beginning today, December 12 through Sunday, December 14, we will unveil all Express Lanes signage. All HOV lanes will be closed starting the evening of Friday, December 12 until the evening of Sunday, December 14. Throughout the weekend there will also be mobile lane closures on I-95 to complete work to open the 95 Express Lanes.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes will open on December 14 and tolling will begin on December 29. The 95 Express Lanes will 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 10, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– The 95 HOV lanes on I-95 will transition to Express Lanes with tolling and new rules in effect starting Monday, December 29. Roadway improvements have been completed early and the new ramps and lanes on I-95 will open Sunday, December 14 to allow travelers to benefit from the additional capacity during the holiday season without having to a pay a toll. Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour until tolling begins on December 29.
Drivers are urged to use caution when traveling new portions of the road including the nine-mile extension and new entry and exit points. Outside of HOV hours, all travelers can try the Express Lanes for free to get familiar with the new capacity and entry and exits points.
Starting Monday, December 29, all travelers must have an E-ZPass or an E-ZPass Flex (for carpools) to use the 95 Express Lanes, and HOV/tolling rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
“Safety remains our top priority as we prepare to open the new capacity and implement tolling,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Drivers need to remain alert as new traffic patterns will be introduced on December 14. We encourage drivers to travel safely.”
Key Dates
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Sunday, December 14 |
In the evening, the new ramps and lanes on I-95 open to traffic. |
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Sunday, December 14 to Sunday December, 28 |
Standard HOV rules will continue to be in effect during rush hour, with the exception of holidays. No tolling on the 95 Express Lanes and lanes open to all traffic outside rush hours. |
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Monday, December 29 |
Starting with morning rush hour, full Express Lanes rules will be in place 24/7:
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Travelers Need to Prepare
Over the next few weeks, travelers will see the transition of the HOV lanes to the 95 Express Lanes. All drivers need to:
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes will operate on I-95 starting on December 29 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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November 19, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced that according to new research, Northern Virginia drivers are not ready for the opening of the 95 Express Lanes. The Express Lanes will bring new rules of the road and a new E-ZPass requirement. However, despite the approaching opening, many I-95 drivers are unprepared for the Express Lanes.
While many drivers are unprepared for the Express Lanes, they do see the benefits of the new lanes. When open, the 95 Express Lanes will provide faster, more predictable travel on I-95 in Northern Virginia. The new lanes will add new choices, length and capacity; making long, unpredictable trips along the I-95 corridor a thing of the past. Nearly 80 percent of travelers think the 95 Express Lanes will be good for the region.
The research is based on an online survey conducted in October 2014 of 1,200 Northern Virginia drivers including 858 drivers who travel on I-95 at least a couple of days per month.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open in December 2014, the 95 Express Lanes 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 23, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced a new program to help ease the transition for carpoolers as the 95 HOV lanes are converted to the 95 Express Lanes. Tolling will begin on the 95 Express Lanes on Monday, December 29 and all carpoolers need an E-ZPass Flex to use the lanes toll-free. The carpool transition program will give regular carpoolers the opportunity to register for a week of HOV only, toll-exempt travel on the 95 Express Lanes if they have taken the necessary step of ordering their E-ZPass® FlexSM but have not yet received their transponder.
It can take up to seven days for carpoolers to receive their E-ZPass Flex when they order online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824. Carpoolers who indicate that they plan to carpool with three or more people on the 95 Express Lanes can register to be added to a seven-day HOV, toll-exempt travel list to ensure they can use the Express Lanes while they wait for their E-ZPass Flex to arrive. Carpoolers may designate up to one license plate for each E-ZPass Flex transponder ordered. Customers who order an E-ZPass Flex by 5 p.m. will have their license plates registered for HOV only use on the 95 Express Lanes by 6 a.m. the following business day.
Carpoolers who wish to have their E-ZPass Flex in-hand sooner can visit one of 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores, Tysons Corner Center or at E-ZPass Customer Service Centers.
The toll exemption applies to the 95 Express Lanes only – the 495 Express Lanes and other area toll roads are not part of this program.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open to tolling on December 29, the 95 Express Lanes 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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December 26, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – 95 Express Lanes today issued a reminder that tolling will begin on Monday, December 29 and all drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the new lanes. Carpoolers, sluggers or those who travel with three or more people in their vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to travel toll-free. When tolling begins on December 29, the Express Lanes rules will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Due to the project’s early completion, the new lanes and access points opened to traffic on Sunday, December 14, giving drivers the opportunity to try the new lanes and benefit from the additional capacity.
“Drivers have had the opportunity to practice their route before tolling begins, but now they need to prepare for December 29,” said Nic Barr, Vice President, Operations, Transurban. “When tolling begins all drivers will need an E-ZPass, carpoolers need an E-ZPass Flex, and the new rules will be in effect 24/7. This means all travelers can take advantage of the 95 Express Lanes any time. We encourage drivers who don’t have an E-ZPass to get one today.”
All drivers – including carpoolers and hybrids – must have an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes. E-ZPass Flex works like a standard E-ZPass but allows carpoolers to switch between HOV and toll-paying modes. The switchable E-ZPass Flex lets the Express Lanes operator know which vehicles are HOV-3+ so that they aren’t charged a toll. E-ZPass Flex works like a standard E-ZPass on all other Virginia toll roads and wherever E-ZPass is accepted – regardless of the position of the switch.
E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at the following locations including:
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.
Before their first trip on the Express Lanes, drivers should remember these key tips:
The 95 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All eligible vehicles can use the 95 Express Lanes at any time, not just during rush hour. The lanes will use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on I-95. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.
About the 95 Express Lanes
The 95 Express Lanes provide travelers with faster, more predictable travel options. The 95 Express Lanes 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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October 30, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced that select sign unveiling will start over the next few weeks in preparation for the opening of the Express Lanes, currently on schedule to open in December. The new Express Lanes signs will serve as a visual reminder of the changes coming and the new E-ZPass requirement that will go into effect when the Express Lanes open in December. The Express Lanes signs will be uncovered in a priority order with a focus on safety first and ensuring the HOV system continues operating.
“We want drivers to be aware that they will start to see new signage but to remember that it is business as usual – and HOV rules still apply – until the Express Lanes open,” said Susan Shaw, PE, Director of VDOT’s Northern Virginia Megaprojects. “We need to unveil some Express Lanes signs in advance of opening given the volume of new signage for the Express Lanes and to help drivers become familiar with the new rules of the road as well as remind them to take the necessary steps to prepare for the changes by getting an E-ZPass.”
Some Express Lanes signs, such as those in the new nine-mile segment of the Express Lanes where there is no traffic, have already been uncovered. The remainder of the Express Lanes signs will be uncovered in phases – with the first major unveiling beginning November 1. Uncovering signage will gradually continue until the road’s opening in December. HOV regulatory signs will still be in place and visible until the HOV system converts to the 95 Express Lanes. The remaining signage will be unveiled in the final days before opening.
“As we work to convert the existing HOV lanes to Express Lanes, safety is our top priority,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Drivers will see an increasing number of Express Lanes signs on the road throughout the coming weeks. These signs are a signal that changes are coming to I-95 in Northern Virginia. We encourage all drivers to prepare for the 95 Express Lanes by visiting 95ExpressLanes.com to ensure they’re educated on the rules of the road and ready to benefit from the lanes when they open.”
Approximately 300 signs need to be uncovered before the 95 Express Lanes open including*:
*Note that not all of these signs will be uncovered in the coming weeks. Some of these signs will remain covered until the date the Express Lanes open.
All drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes. E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores or at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at (877) 762-7824.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open in December 2014, the 95 Express Lanes 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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October 15, 2014
Alexandria, Va.– Today, the 95 Express Lanes announced that drivers who open a new Virginia E-ZPass account using the “95Express” promotional code between October 15 and November 15 will receive one toll-free week of travel on the 95 Express Lanes in early 2015. Alldrivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes when they open this December.
The toll-free week program is part of an educational campaign to prepare I-95 drivers for the new travel option. The 95 Express Lanes will provide I-95 drivers with a faster, more predictable trip, but will also mean new rules of the road. Drivers will need an E-ZPass to use the 95 Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers will travel toll-free on the 95 Express Lanes with three or more people in the vehicle and an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode.
“We are on track to open the 95 Express Lanes this December, so it’s important that drivers get an E-ZPass now so they can take advantage of the Express Lanes when they open,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “By getting an E-ZPass now, you not only receive the benefits of E-ZPass, you’ll also get one toll-free week of travel to try out the 95 Express Lanes.”
To be eligible to receive the toll-free week of travel, drivers must sign up for a new E-ZPass account between October 15 and November 15, 2014 using the promotional code, “95Express.” The free week will take place in early 2015 and registrants will be notified by the 95 Express Lanes of the exact dates of free travel in advance. Certain restrictions apply. Promotion is limited to the first 5,000 registrants. For complete rules and details, visit 95ExpressLanes.com/offer.
Drivers can get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select DMVs and Giant Food Stores or at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at (877) 762-7824. Drivers who pick up an E-ZPass at a retail location such as AAA, Giant or Wegmans, will need to register their E-ZPass on the E-ZPass website by November 15, 2014 and enter the promotional code “95Express” to claim their toll-free week. If customers call to apply for a new account or to register a retail E-ZPass, they need to provide the Customer Representative with the “95Express” promotional code.
The 95 Express Lanes will convert the existing I-95 high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lanes, bringing new choices, length and capacity. Reversible like the current I-95 HOV lanes, the 95 Express Lanes rules of the road will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.
About the 95 Express Lanes
On schedule to open in December 2014, 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). The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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October 9, 2014
ALEXANDRIA – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes today announced that the 29 miles of high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on I-95 spanning from Garrisonville Road in Stafford County to the Edsall Road area on I-395 will open as early as December. Drivers are encouraged to learn how to use the 95 Express Lanes now and obtain an E-ZPass so that they can benefit from the lanes when they open.
“The 95 Express Lanes are on track for an early opening which means drivers should start preparing now,” said VDOT Commissioner Charlie Kilpatrick. “The conversion from the existing HOV lanes to Express Lanes will mean changes in traffic patterns, rules of the road and an E-ZPass requirement. The new Express Lanes will impact all drivers who travel on I-95 so it’s important that everyone educate themselves on how the 95 Express Lanes will work.”
When the 95 Express Lanes open, all drivers will need an E-ZPass or an E-ZPass® FlexSM to travel on the lanes. Carpools with three or more people can travel toll-free on the Express Lanes with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Other drivers may pay a toll for a faster, more predictable trip. Drivers are encouraged to obtain an E-ZPass in advance of the opening of the 95 Express Lanes.
“All drivers will be able to benefit from the 95 Express Lanes when they open later this year, but it’s important to learn about the new travel option before your first trip,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. “Drivers should make sure that they are equipped with an E-ZPass and learn about the Express Lanes via the resources on our website 95ExpressLanes.com – so they can take advantage of a faster, more predictable trip when the lanes open.”
There are resources available to help drivers prepare for the 95 Express Lanes. Before the lanes open, drivers should:
Get an E-ZPass
Plan Their Trip
The 95 Express Lanes rules of the road will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving.
The 95 Express Lanes are being delivered through a public-private partnership between VDOT and Transurban with Fluor-Lane 95, LLC leading construction. For more information, please visit www.95ExpressLanes.com. For up to date construction information please visit www.vamegaprojects.com.
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September 15, 2014
Alexandria, Va. – The 95 Express Lanes team has started testing the 95 Express Lanes’ tolling and traffic management system through a series of “test drives” and will continue conducting drives throughout the fall. Drivers traveling on I-95/I-395 might notice vehicles labeled as test vehicles in the HOV lanes and are advised that the 95 Express Lanes are not yet open.
The test drives are part of a series of system tests currently underway to ensure that the 95 Express Lanes’ tolling and traffic management equipment and systems function properly and can manage traffic in the Express Lanes. System tests will examine technology both on the roadway and at the Express Lanes Operations Center in Alexandria.
“The 95 Express Lanes will use technology to deliver new transportation options and keep drivers moving on I-95 in Northern Virginia,” said Kevin Ginnerty, Transurban’s Director of Project Delivery. “Testing the tolling and traffic management system is an important step in the delivery of the 95 Express Lanes and providing a faster trip to customers.”
What to Expect:
Technologies and Equipment Undergoing Testing:
What Drivers Need to Know Before the Express Lanes Open:
About 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 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). Operated through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, the 95 Express Lanes will offer drivers a new option for a reliable trip on I-95 in Northern Virginia. For more information, please visit 95ExpressLanes.com.
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