495 Express Lanes Employer Toolkit
February 19, 2013
The 495 Express Lanes provide a faster, more predictable option on the Capital Beltway. For commuters who travel on the Beltway in Virginia, this means spending less time in the car and fewer traffic headaches. Use our Employer Toolkit to help your employees and colleagues learn how the Express Lanes can make their commute faster, more reliable and help them get to meetings throughout the workday.
The free Toolkit provides you with the tools you need to ensure your employees are educated and equipped to take advantage of the Express Lanes.
On the Toolkit site, you will find valuable information about the Express Lanes to share with your employees, including:
- Intranet copy explaining how the Express Lanes work and how employees can get more information about the Express Lanes
- Materials to share with employees such as maps, fact sheets and brochures
- Detailed information about Express Lanes bus routes
The 495 Express Lanes can change how your employees and colleagues travel on the Capital Beltway. Start educating your employees about the 495 Express Lanes today.
495 Express Lanes: Project Snapshot
December 4, 2012
The 495 Express Lanes are providing new transportation choices for Northern Virginia. At the November 13 ribbon cutting event, we displayed project boards – with images and interesting facts – to highlight these key elements of the project:
Partnership
Safety
Construction
Community
Check out the boards now to learn more about the work that brought a faster, more predictable trip to the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia.
495 Express Lanes Reinforces E-ZPass® Requirements, Rules of the Road
November 28, 2012
Alexandria, Va. – After one full week of operations, the 495 Express Lanes operator is reiterating key reminders essential to a smooth trip on the 14-mile stretch of new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway.
The 495 Express Lanes opened one month early on November 17 and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. While the 495 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 have limited access points. All drivers should visit 495ExpressLanes.com to learn where they can get on and off the Express Lanes.
- The Express Lanes include new access points and traffic patterns. Drivers should make sure they know where they can get on and off the Express Lanes to take advantage of the quickest route.
- Stay alert as the Express Lanes have introduced new traffic patterns. Be safe and do not stop or reverse on the lanes.
All drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpools with three or more people in the vehicle need an E-ZPass® FlexSM set to HOV mode to ensure a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes. Before traveling on the Express Lanes, drivers should keep these important E-ZPass requirements in mind:
- Properly mount the E-ZPass to the vehicle’s windshield. If the E-ZPass is not mounted and the driver waves it or holds it up to the windshield when traveling under the toll gantries, they could be charged twice for their trip.
- Travel with only one E-ZPass at a time in the vehicle. Drivers that travel with two E-ZPass tags in the vehicle could be charged twice.
- Select the travel mode on an E-ZPass Flex before you get in the Express Lanes.
- Ensure that all E-ZPass account information is up-to-date, including credit card information and license plate numbers. Drivers can do this online at the Virginia or Maryland E-ZPass websites.
- Drivers that accidentally travel on the Express Lanes without an E-ZPass can pay their toll on the Missed a Toll page on the Express Lanes website. There is a $1.50 per trip administrative fee. Drivers should never reverse on the lanes to avoid toll payment
- If the 495 Express Lanes has to send a driver an unpaid toll invoice, the administrative fee goes up to $12.50 per trip. If the first invoice is not paid then that fee escalates to $25.00 per trip. Ignoring multiple toll invoices will result in debt collection and could ultimately end up in the court system.
“We need all drivers – even those who don’t plan to use the lanes regularly – to remain alert and be aware of their surroundings when driving the Express Lanes corridor,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project. “We want all drivers to have a smooth, predictable commute on the Express Lanes so we need drivers to be aware of the rules of the road and to make sure they are using their E-ZPass correctly.”
18-wheelers and vehicles with three or more axles (including trailers) are prohibited on the Express Lanes. If vehicles with three or more axles enter the Express Lanes, they could be ticketed by the Virginia State Police.
Drivers with questions about the Express Lanes or concerns with billing may contact customercare@expresslanes.com or visit the Customer Care section on the 495 Express Lanes website.
About 495 Express Lanes
The 495 Express Lanes are new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that operate on the I-495/Capital Beltway to provide drivers faster and more predictable travel options on I-495. The two new HOT lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway are from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles). Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the Express Lanes give drivers more freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
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Santa Takes the 495 Express Lanes to his Workshop
November 16, 2012
Everyone in Northern Virginia can benefit from a faster, more predictable trip on the Capital Beltway – including Santa Claus, one of the first to take the 495 Express Lanes.
On Friday, November 16, the day before the 495 Express Lanes opened to the public, Santa took an inaugural ride from Braddock Road to the new Express Lanes exit at Westpark Drive to get directly to his winter wonderland house inside Tysons Corner Center. Santa took the 495 Express Lanes to make sure he arrived at his first day of work on time.
"It was a smooth ride – wonderful," said Santa, when he arrived at the Westpark Bridge ramp near the Tysons Corner Center. "It didn't take but 10 minutes... Almost as good as a sleigh."
In place of his reindeer, Santa got a lift on the lanes in a model 2.5 Tesla Roadster convertible.
Check out photo of Santa on the new Express Lanes.
495 Express Lanes Now Open
November 19, 2012
Alexandria, Va. – 495 Express Lanes today announced that the 14-mile stretch of new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway opened early and on budget on November 17. Drivers planning to take advantage of the new travel option are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new aspects of the road and obtain an E-ZPass® before they take their first trips. All drivers are urged to use caution and be alert to changing traffic patterns, signage and new traffic signals.
“Beltway drivers were already out there this weekend trying out faster and more direct trips on the new Express Lanes,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project. “Traveling on the Express Lanes is easy, but there are new ramps, signage, signals and traffic patterns that drivers should prepare for to ensure a safe trip. We encourage all travelers to visit www.495ExpressLanes.com to plan their trip and learn the rules of the road. It’s also more important than ever to stay alert and avoid distracted driving.”
The 495 Express Lanes have resources available to help drivers get ready for the new traffic solution. Before using the Express Lanes, drivers should:
- Learn how to safely use the lanes: The Express Lanes will be easy to use and get drivers where they need to go. However, there are some new aspects of the road that are worth learning about. To learn how to safely use the lanes, drivers should visit www.495expresslanes.com/staying-safe
- Get an E-ZPass: All drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass® FlexSM to use the 495 Express Lanes. To learn more about E-ZPass options and find out how to get an E-ZPass, please visit: www.495expresslanes.com/using-ezpass
- Plan their trip: The 495 Express Lanes will include three new Beltway entry and exit points, meaning a more direct route to popular locations in Tysons Corner and Merrifield. The Express Lanes are a limited access highway so drivers should plan their new route and learn how to access and exit the Express Lanes now on the 495 Express Lanes website: www.495expresslanes.com/using-the-lanes
- Get answers to questions: For more information on tolling and operations, drivers should visit the 495 Express Lanes FAQs web page – www.495expresslanes.com/faqs
The Express Lanes project includes new traffic signals at most access points – including new access points at Jones Branch Drive, Westpark Drive and Route 29/Lee Highway. Travelers are encouraged to stay alert and use caution on the secondary roads and highways around Express Lanes access points, which also include the Dulles Toll Road, Route 7, I-66, Gallows Road and Braddock Road.
The 495 Express Lanes are the first road of its kind in the region to provide HOV service on the Capital Beltway – as well as the option for travelers to pay a toll for a faster and more predictable trip. All drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpools with three or more people in the vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode to ensure a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes. Drivers should ensure that they travel with only one E-ZPass per vehicle and that the E-ZPass device is properly mounted.
The 495 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lanes will use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on the Beltway. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. Drivers will lock in their rate when they enter the lanes.
About 495 Express Lanes
The 495 Express Lanes are new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that operate on the I-495/Capital Beltway to provide drivers faster and more predictable travel options on I-495. The two new HOT lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway are from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles). Delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the Express Lanes give drivers more freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
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495 Express Lanes Reminds Drivers to Remain Cautious
November 19, 2012
Alexandria, Va. – After the first weekday commute on the new roadway, 495 Express Lanes are reminding drivers to remain alert and to exercise caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor. Drivers planning to take advantage of the new travel option are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new aspects of the road and obtain an E-ZPass® before they take their first trips. All drivers are urged to use caution and be alert to changing traffic patterns, signage and new traffic signals.
- Added additional colored reflectors to the channelizing posts (white barriers)
- Changed digital messages on electronic signs to read: “new traffic pattern” and “use caution” and “two left lanes express lanes only”
- Extend merge area and alert drivers sooner to the Express Lanes entrance:
- Heading north from Springfield Interchange, begin transitional striping (dotted line) in the area where the Springfield Interchange ramps meet the Beltway – this is nearly one mile south of current Express Lanes entrance; this striping more clearly indicates to drivers that the two left lanes will soon turn into Express Lanes
- Heading north from Springfield Interchange, begin solid line warning drivers not to merge lanes approximately 700 feet sooner (further south) than where the solid line begins today
- Add new pavement markings saying “E-ZPass” approximately one mile and “E-ZPass Only” one half mile before Express Lanes entrance
- Further enhance channelizing posts in the area of the entrance
495 Express Lanes to Open Tomorrow
November 16, 2012
Alexandria, Va. – 495 Express Lanes today announced that the 14-mile corridor of new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway will open tomorrow, November 17, at approximately 2 a.m. The nearly $2 billion, 14-mile project is opening early and on-budget.
The 495 Express Lanes will provide drivers, carpoolers and bus riders with a new transportation option to navigate the heavily congested Northern Virginia area. Tonight, 495 Express Lanes crews will unveil new Express Lanes road signage, turn on the traffic management system, unveil new traffic signals and open all Express Lanes ramps.
“The opening of the 495 Express Lanes will fundamentally change travel in Northern Virginia and provide travelers with more transportation options,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project. “We are not just opening a road – we are providing an opportunity for consistent congestion relief on one of Virginia's busiest roadways. We are excited to open the 495 Express Lanes ahead of schedule so drivers can start seeing the benefits of a faster, more predictable commute.”
The opening of the Express Lanes will bring new traffic movements, ramps and arterial traffic signals along the project corridor. The project includes new traffic signals at most access points – including new access points at Jones Branch Drive, Westpark Drive and Route 29/Lee Highway. Travelers are encouraged to stay alert on the secondary roads and highways around Express Lanes access points, which also include the Dulles Toll Road, Route 7, I-66, Gallows Road and Braddock Road.
All drivers must have an E-ZPass® to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpools with three or more people in the vehicle will need an E-ZPass® FlexSM set to HOV mode to ensure a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes.
The 495 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lanes will use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on the Beltway. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. Drivers will lock in their rate when they enter the lanes.
The 495 Express Lanes are opening after four years of construction which required 350 overnight closures of I-495 and more than 8.5 million work hours as of September 2012. Construction on the 495 Express Lanes supported more than 16,000 jobs in Virginia and generated nearly $3.5 billion of economic impact statewide. Key infrastructure highlights of the project include:
- Replacement of more than $260 million of aging infrastructure
- 58 new bridges and overpasses, including bicycle and pedestrian access across every new bridge
- 12 key interchanges rebuilt or upgraded
- New access points at Route 29/Lee Highway, Jones Branch Drive and Westpark Drive; providing increased access to Tysons Corner and Merrifield
- Replacement of existing sound walls and construction of 80,000 linear feet of new sound walls to double existing noise reduction tools for surrounding neighborhoods
- New connectivity for buses and improved transportation service to Virginia’s largest employment centers and retail destinations
The 495 Express Lanes are the product of a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, the Federal Highway Administration and Transurban-Fluor. The $2 billion project was made possible by an innovative financing strategy that incorporated public funding, federal financing tools and private investment. Fluor, an experienced infrastructure developer, partnered with Lane Construction to design and build the 495 Express Lanes. Transurban, an experienced toll road operator, will operate the lanes through a concession agreement with VDOT. VDOT will continue to own and oversee the road.
Key statistics regarding 495 Express Lanes road usage will be released quarterly.
About 495 Express Lanes
The 495 Express Lanes are new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that will operate on the I-495/Capital Beltway to provide drivers faster and more predictable travel options on I-495. The two new HOT lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway are from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles). Being delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the Express Lanes will give drivers the freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
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495 Express Lanes and AAA Mid-Atlantic Encourage Drivers to Get an E-ZPass®
November 7, 2012
Alexandria, Va. – With less than 12 days until opening, the 495 Express Lanes and AAA Mid-Atlantic encourage drivers to get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass® FlexSM now so they are prepared to use the Express Lanes on November 17, 2012. All drivers must have an E-ZPass to use the 495 Express Lanes – two new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway.
The 495 Express Lanes will provide new options for a faster, more predictable trip on the Capital Beltway and give drivers more control over how and when they get to their destinations. All drivers will need an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers with three or more people in the vehicle will need an E-ZPass Flex to ensure a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes. To learn more about E-ZPass options, visit www.495expresslanes.com/using-ezpass.
“Very soon Northern Virginia drivers will have a new solution to traffic gridlock – the 495 Express Lanes,” said Mahlon G. (Lon) Anderson, AAA Mid-Atlantic’s Managing Director of Public and Government Affairs. “To take advantage of this great new option, drivers will need an E-ZPass. There is no time to wait. If you want to take the Express Lanes when they open on November 17, you need to get your E-ZPass now.”
Drivers can get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex online from Virginia at www.ezpassva.com or from Maryland at www.ezpassmd.com. Drivers can also call Virginia E-ZPass at 877-762-7824 and Maryland E-ZPass at 888-321-6824.
Travelers can also walk into the following Virginia retail locations and pick up an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex:
- AAA Mid-Atlantic stores in Northern Virginia
- Select Wegmans in Northern Virginia
- Select Giant Food Stores in Northern Virginia
- E-ZPass Customer Service Centers
- Tysons Corner DMV
For more details on where you can get an E-ZPass please visit: www.ezpassva.com/EZPages/Retail-Locations.aspx.
Drivers with a standard E-ZPass can swap out for an E-ZPass Flex in Virginia or Maryland. There are several ways for a current Virginia E-ZPass customer to exchange a standard E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex:
- Online at www.ezpassva.com
- Call the Customer Service Center (1-877-762-7824)
- Visit one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers or the E-ZPass counter at the Tysons Corner Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) location. Go to www.ezpassva.com to find the Customer Service locations.
For more information on swapping out your existing E-ZPass for an E-ZPass Flex, please visit: www.495expresslanes.com/using-ezpass.
“We want all drivers to benefit from the Express Lanes, but you cannot do so without an E-ZPass. Now is the time for drivers to take the first step toward improving their commutes by getting an E-ZPass,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project. “The opening of the 495 Express Lanes is right around the corner. By getting an E-ZPass, drivers are making travel on the 495 Express Lanes – and ensuring their faster, more predictable trip – a reality.”
The 495 Express Lanes are on schedule to open on November 17, 2012 and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lanes will use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on the Beltway. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. Drivers will lock in their rate when they enter the lanes and pay tolls electronically with E-ZPass.
About 495 Express Lanes
The 495 Express Lanes are new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that will operate on the I-495/Capital Beltway to provide drivers faster and more predictable travel options on I-495. The two new HOT lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway are from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles). Being delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the Express Lanes will give drivers the freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
About AAA Mid-Atlantic
AAA Mid-Atlantic advocates on behalf of its nearly four million members in the District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. It provides a wide range of personal insurance, travel, financial and automotive services through its 50-plus retail branches, regional operations centers, and the Internet. For more information, please visit www.AAA.com.
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495 Express Lanes to Open as Early as Nov. 17
October 31, 2012
495 EXPRESS LANES TO OPEN AS EARLY AS NOV. 17
Drivers Urged to Prepare Now for the New Transportation Options, Changing Traffic Patterns
Fairfax, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and 495 Express Lanes today announced that the 14-mile corridor of new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway will open as early as November 17. Drivers are encouraged to prepare to use the Express Lanes now to be able to use them when they open. 495 Express Lanes travelers will need an E-ZPass® and an understanding of how the lanes work before they can take advantage of the lanes.
“The 495 Express Lanes are on track to open earlier than expected in November which means drivers must take steps now to prepare to use the new lanes,” said VDOT Commissioner Greg Whirley. “This facility will have a regional impact on all travelers. We need drivers to be prepared for the changes in traffic patterns and new rules of the road. If you plan to use the Express Lanes, make sure you are equipped with an E-ZPass.”
The 495 Express Lanes are two new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway. Drivers will need an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers will need the new E-ZPass® FlexSM to permit a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes. To find out where you can get an E-ZPass, visit www.495ExpressLanes.com.
“The 495 Express Lanes will be easy to use, but this is the first road of its kind in the region,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project. “Drivers need to educate themselves on how to use the lanes and make sure they are equipped with an E-ZPass so they can take advantage of a faster, more predictable trip. We have developed a number of resources to help drivers learn about the lanes and strongly encourage all Northern Virginia drivers to take advantage of these tools.”
The 495 Express Lanes have resources available to help drivers get ready for the new traffic solution. Before the lanes open, drivers should:
- Get an E-ZPass: All drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPassFlex to use the 495 Express Lanes. To learn more about E-ZPass options and find out how to get an E-ZPass, please visit www.495expresslanes.com/using-ezpass
- Plan their trip: The 495 Express Lanes will include three new Beltway entry and exit points, meaning a more direct route to popular locations in Tysons Corner and Merrifield. The Express Lanes are a limited access highway so drivers should plan their new route and learn how to access and exit the Express Lanes now by mapping their trip on the 495 Express Lanes website, www.495expresslanes.com/map
- Learn how to safely use the lanes: The Express Lanes will be easy to use and get drivers where they need to go. However, there are some new aspects of the road that are worth learning about. To learn how to safely use the lanes, drivers should visit www.495expresslanes.com/staying-safe
- Get answers to questions: For more information on tolling and operations, drivers should visit the 495 Express Lanes FAQs web page – www.495expresslanes.com/faqs
The 495 Express Lanes will operate 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 14-mile Express Lanes will be free for carpoolers with three or more people with an E-ZPass Flex, buses, motorcycles and emergency vehicles. Other drivers may pay a toll for a faster, more predictable trip. Drivers will lock in their rate when they enter the lanes and pay tolls electronically with E-ZPass.
About 495 Express Lanes
The 495 Express Lanes are new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that will operate on the I-495/Capital Beltway to provide drivers faster and more predictable travel options on I-495. The two new HOT lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway are from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles). Being delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the Express Lanes will give drivers the freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
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Major Traffic Changes Ahead: Beltway Drivers Urged to Prepare for Safe Travel on the 495 Express Lanes
October 22, 2012
Alexandria, Va. – The 495 Express Lanes – set to open later this year – will be easy to use and provide Beltway drivers with a faster, more predictable trip. However, the 495 Express Lanes will bring new traffic movements and traffic signals. It’s important drivers learn about what’s coming to make sure they are prepared to safely use the Express Lanes. To help drivers understand how to safely use the lanes, 495 Express Lanes encourages drivers to use the online tools available on the 495 Express Lanes website at 495ExpressLanes.com/staying-safe.
“The 495 Express Lanes will deliver new choices on the Capital Beltway for Northern Virginians,” said John Lynch, VDOT's regional transportation program director. “Along with these choices come changes to travel patterns, new signals and the need for drivers to know before they go. We urge all travelers to learn about the 495 Express Lanes so they know what to expect when they open later this year.”
Drivers can watch the 495 Express Lanes Safety video available on the 495 Express Lanes website: 495expresslanes.com/video/378. The video, featuring Captain Susan Culin from the Fairfax County Police Department and Captain Michael A. Spivey from the Virginia State Police, outlines how drivers can plan for a safe trip in the Express Lanes. Drivers can also visit the Staying Safe page on the website to read about how to safely travel in the Express Lanes: 495ExpressLanes.com/staying-safe.
“Knowing the rules of the road and how to safely use the Express Lanes is critical to ensuring a smoother, more predictable trip,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project. “With the Express Lanes set to open later this year, we encourage all drivers to familiarize themselves with the new aspects of the road so they are prepared to take advantage of the new travel option.”
To stay safe in the 495 Express Lanes, drivers should:
- Pull to the Left: To stop for any reason while traveling on the Express Lanes, drivers should pull to the left to access the shoulder.
- Mind the Barrier: The 495 Express Lanes are separated from the regular lanes by a barrier of channelizing posts. Drivers should never cross the barrier – it is dangerous and illegal.
- Avoid Distractions: Drivers should keep their eyes on the road when traveling on the Express Lanes or any other road. Distracted driving increases the risk of an accident four-fold.
Drivers should also be on the lookout for new traffic flows as the Express Lanes will bring new traffic signals, ramps and traffic patterns. It is important that drivers visit 495ExpressLanes.com to plan their trip before accessing the lanes. While on the road, drivers should follow the signage to arrive safely.
Enforcing the rules of the road and protecting drivers is a priority for the 495 Express Lanes. Virginia State Police will patrol the lanes and enforce the HOV-3+ rules. All drivers will need an E-ZPass® to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers will need the new E-ZPass® FlexSM for a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes. Additionally, if a driver breaks down while traveling, 495 Express Lanes will dispatch its dedicated safety service patrol, Express Assist, to get them safely back on their way.
The 495 Express Lanes are two new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway. The 14-mile Express Lanes will be free for carpoolers with three or more people, buses, motorcycles and emergency vehicles. Other drivers may pay a toll for a faster, more predictable trip.
The 495 Express Lanes are on schedule to be completed in late 2012 and will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The lanes will use dynamic pricing to keep traffic free flowing and provide a more predictable travel option on the Beltway. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. Drivers will lock in their rate when they enter the lanes and pay tolls electronically with E-ZPass.
In addition to providing drivers with an option for a more predictable trip, the 495 Express Lanes will include three new Beltway entry and exit points meaning a safer and more direct route to popular locations in Tysons Corner and Merrifield.
About 495 Express Lanes
The 495 Express Lanes are new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes that will operate on the I-495/Capital Beltway to provide drivers faster and more predictable travel options on I-495. The two new HOT lanes in each direction on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway are from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road (approximately 14 miles). Being delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban-Fluor, the Express Lanes will give drivers the freedom to control how and when they arrive at their destination. For more information, please visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
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