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It begins: on-road testing starts on the 395 Express Lanes

September 12, 2019

The express version

  • Drivers can expect to begin seeing testing activity on the soon-to-open 395 Express Lanes
  • This activity will include tests designed to make sure drivers have a smooth experience once the Lanes open
  • Drivers will see text displayed on the on-road signs

Drivers will begin to see some new activity on the soon-to-open 395 Express Lanes. The Express Lanes team is conducting a series of tests of the tolling technology on the Lanes designed to ensure a smooth ride and seamless experience for drivers:

  • Dynamic message signs, that will eventually display pricing information, will start to show test messages this week
  • Gates, used to open or close entry points to the Lanes depending on what direction traffic is flowing, will undergo expanded testing beginning this weekend, September 14. This includes new gates around the Eads Street interchange 
  • A small number of test vehicles will take trips on the Lanes during rush hour periods to ensure accuracy of the tolling technology

Drivers are eagerly anticipating the opening of 395 Express Lanes – in fact, nearly 7 in 10 drivers intend to use the Lanes at least occasionally and 9 out of 10 drivers want traffic improved, according to a summer 2019 survey* commissioned by the Express Lanes team. This testing is another step towards delivering new travel choices to the region. For more information on the 395 Express Lanes project, go here and check back later because the opening date of the 395 Express Lanes will be announced very soon. 

*Online survey of 891 DC area drivers who regularly drive I-395 conducted by global opinion research group APCO Insight in May 2019
 

Labor Day weekend travel tips and 95 Express Lanes reversal

August 29, 2019

The express version

  • Drivers who took the 95 Express Lanes last Labor Day weekend saved an average of 28 minutes during busy travel times.
  • Find out the best times to drive this Labor Day weekend and what to expect when summer lane reversals end on September 3.

Whether you’re headed out of town or organizing the ultimate staycation, use the 95 Express Lanes to get where you’re going faster. 

Check out these tips from the Express Lanes team before hitting the road – and see how lane reversals after Labor Day could impact your daily commute.

Know before you go

All you need to use the Express Lanes is an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex.

And it pays to plan ahead. Toll prices may be higher-than-normal during busy travel times. Live traffic updates and toll prices are available 24 hours, 7 days a week at ExpressLanes.com and on the Express Lanes mobile app (available for free at the Apple and Google Play app stores). 

To keep the Express Lanes free-flowing and to give you a quicker trip, toll prices can change every 10 minutes during busy travel times. Drivers should also get prepared for the soon-to-be 395 Express Lanes, opening this fall.

What to expect and when to travel

If you’re traveling on I-95, here are the best times to drive:

  • Wednesday, August 28 and Thursday, August 29: Before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
  • Friday, August 30: Before 12 p.m. or after 8 p.m. 

The road will likely be busiest from Wednesday, August 28 to Friday, August 30, based on travel patterns this time last year. 

In 2018, more than 260,000 trips were taken on the 95 Express Lanes between Wednesday, August 29 and Monday, September 3. Drivers who took the 95 Express Lanes saved an average of 28 minutes during busy travel times – with some saving more than one hour – compared to those who took the regular lanes.

A heads up

The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will help make travel in the area easier. When you’re planning a trip, don’t forget to factor these in changes as the summer reversal schedule ends and normal traffic patterns pick back up on Monday, September 3:

  • Monday, September 2: Lanes are northbound all day 
  • Tuesday, September 3: Southbound reversals start at 11 a.m. and end around 1 p.m. 

Once you’re on the road, live traffic updates and toll prices will be available on overhead signs. Information will also be available on Twitter (@VAExpressLanes), but for your safety, don’t check your phone when you’re behind the wheel. Have someone in the car give you the latest or pull over for a quick pitstop. 

Safe travels,

The Express Lanes team
 

Overnight closure on the ramp from 495 Express Lanes NB and SB to I-66 WB

August 6, 2019

The express version

  • The ramp from 495 Express Lanes NB and SB to I-66 WB will be closed overnight starting
  • This closure will be nightly from August 7-September 28

Due to bridge work for the I-66 Outside the Beltway project, both the ramp from the northbound and southbound 495 Express Lanes to I-66 westbound will be closed every night starting Wednesday, August 7 until Saturday, September 28. 

Weather permitting, the closure will take place each night during the following times:

  • Wednesday, August 7-Saturday, September 28: 9 p.m.-5 a.m. 

If you’re trying to access I-66 westbound while the ramp is closed, we suggest these two routes:

  • Northbound 495 Express Lanes:  Drivers can use the exit from northbound 495 Express to I-66 eastbound, exit to westbound Route 7, then access the ramp returning to I-66 westbound.  
  • Southbound 495 Express Lanes:  Drivers can exit at Gallows Road and turn left, then make another left turn to 495 regular lanes northbound, and access the ramp to I-66 westbound a short distance later.

When it comes to closures, it’s important to drive safely. If you’re travelling through the area during these times, just look out for the on-road signage and stay alert. You can also sign up for e-newsletters and traffic alerts on the Contact Us page.

Safe Travels,
The Express Lanes Team

395 Lane Closure Content – Week of August 5

August 5, 2019

The express version

  • Weather permitting, there are upcoming closures on the I-395 HOV and regular lanes this week.
  • Look out for detours and drive safely.

Be prepared for overnight and daytime HOV lane closures

Roadwork for the I-395 HOV lanes requires an overnight closure of the HOV lanes from near Edsall Rd. to the 14th St. Bridge. Weather permitting, the closure will take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 8 p.m. to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along the I-395 HOV lanes may require daytime closures to accommodate project activities. Weather permitting, closures would potentially take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

There will be a full weekend HOV closure starting Friday, August 9, at 11 p.m. and concluding Monday, August 12, at 4 a.m.

Also be on the lookout for overnight and daytime closures on the regular lanes

Daytime closures in the I-395 south right regular lanes will occur during the following times: 

  • Monday, August 5: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Daytime closures in the I-395 north left regular lanes will occur during the following times: 

  • Monday, August 5: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  

Roadwork along King Street to I-395 south requires overnight closure of the King Street eastbound to I-395 south ramp. Detour info is below. Weather permitting, the closure will take place during the following times: 

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along the King Street will require overnight total closures of the King Street eastbound to I-395 north ramp. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 south will require overnight total closures of the I-395 SB exit ramp on to Duke Street (Exit 3A). A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 south will require overnight total closures of the I-395 SB exit ramp on to westbound Edsall Road (Exit 2B). A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 will require overnight closures of the South Glebe Road to I-395 north ramp. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 will require overnight closures of the eastbound Duke Street to I-395 south ramp. A detour will be in place. Weather permitting the closure will take place during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 south will require an overnight, single-lane closure on the right regular lane. This may expand to a double-lane closure, if necessary. Weather permitting, closures may take place on the following nights:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 South will require an overnight, two-lane closure on the left regular lanes. This may expand to a double-lane closure, if necessary. Weather permitting, closures may take place on the following nights:

  • Monday, August 5: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Friday, August 9: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Saturday, August 10: 12 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Roadwork along I-395 North will require an overnight, multi-lane closure on the right general purpose lanes between Glebe Road and Route 27. Weather permitting, closures may take place on the following nights:

  • Monday, August 5: 12:00 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Tuesday, August 6: 12:00 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Wednesday, August 7: 12:00 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: 12:00 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Due to required overhead sign work, there will be a brief total stoppage of traffic on I-395 North in the area of Exit 8B. Traffic stoppage should not exceed 30 minutes. Weather permitting, these stoppages may take place on the following nights:

  • Wednesday, August 7: between 12:00 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.
  • Thursday, August 8: between 12:00 a.m  to 4:30 a.m.

Ramps will be narrowed at Duke Street and Seminary Road during the following times:

  • Monday, August 5: 10 a.m  to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
  • Tuesday, August 6: 10 a.m  to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
  • Wednesday, August 7: 10 a.m  to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound
  • Thursday, August 8: 10 a.m  to 3 p.m. if northbound; 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. if southbound

Due to scheduled work for the 395 Express Lanes project, the I-395 north on-ramp at Shirlington Circle has been narrowed to one lane until work is completed in this area – currently anticipated in September 2019.

Scheduled bridge work on I-395 north in the areas of Braddock Road and Joyce Street will require multi-lane closures over the weekend. A single lane closure will be in effect starting 10:00 p.m. on August 9, until 5:00 a.m. on August 12. Weather permitting, multi-lane closures will be in effect at the following times:

  • Saturday, August 10: 10 p.m. until 8 a.m.

Detour

To access I-395 south, drivers traveling east on King Street will need to take the I-395 exit ramp and turn left onto I-395 north, turn right onto Exit 6 Shirlington, follow the signs to Shirlington and then get back onto I-395 south.

detour

Where to go

When it comes to closures, it’s important to drive safely. If you’re travelling through the area during these times, just look out for the on-road signage and stay alert. You can also sign up for e-newsletters and traffic alerts on the Contact Us page.

Safe Travels,
The Express Lanes Team

395 HOV lanes permanent ramp closure starting June 1

May 31, 2019

The express version

  • A ramp connecting the HOV lanes to the regular lanes will be permanently closed
  • There are new traffic patterns near the 14th Street Bridge

Starting June 1, the ramp connecting the HOV lanes to the regular lanes – just past the Pentagon on I-395 south – will be permanently closed. There will be new traffic patterns near the 14th Street Bridge, so please keep reading for info.

Here’s what to do 

In the morning:

  • If you’re driving the southbound I-395 lanes from D.C., and you’re in the HOV lanes, head back to the regular lanes immediately after crossing the 14th Street Bridge at the ramp near Boundary Channel Drive. Don’t wait to switch lanes until after you pass the Pentagon
  • If you’re going to the Pentagon or Crystal City – or you missed the exit near Boundary Channel – take the exit at Eads Street. If you need to get back to the I-395 regular lanes, follow signs to Hayes Street and you can easily get back on the regular lanes.  No need to worry
slip ramp closure AM

In the afternoon:

  • If you’re an HOV driver traveling southbound from D.C., nothing changes. Your commute is the same
  • If you’re a non-HOV driver, exit the HOV lanes near Boundary Channel Drive after crossing the 14th Street Bridge
  • If you’re going to the Pentagon or Crystal City – or you missed the exit near Boundary Channel – take the exit at Eads Street. If you need to get back to the I-395 regular lanes, follow signs to Hayes Street
slip ramp closure PM

Getting to 395 from the Pentagon

  • Take North Rotary Rd. to South Washington Blvd. where you can then get on the 395 southbound regular lanes
  • Just take the ramp near the Pentagon to get directly onto the 395 HOV lanes 
slip ramp closure Pentagon

Why is this happening? 

It’s part of a larger effort.  Changes to the I-395 corridor offers benefits for drivers in the region. When the 395 Express Lanes open this fall, you’ll have more choices when it comes to daily commuting and leisure travel.

The 395 Express Lanes will deliver faster, safer and more predictable ways to travel to and from D.C. and points in Alexandria and Arlington – with direct access to the Pentagon, Pentagon City and Crystal City. 
 

New and improved Pentagon South Parking Lot

May 22, 2019

The express version

  • An improved Pentagon South Parking Lot is opening Thursday, May 23
  • Improvements include new bus-only travel lanes and reconfigured HOV/commuter and slug lanes that were designed to help traffic flow, connectivity and safety

Have you heard, the new and improved Pentagon South Parking Lot is opening Thursday, May 23. Right now, more than 1,800 buses and about 3,400 sluggers on an average day pass through the South Parking Lot. Improvements include new bus-only travel lanes and reconfigured HOV/commuter and slug lanes that were designed to help traffic flow, connectivity and safety in this heavily traveled area of the Pentagon Reservation.
 
The enhancements to the South Parking Lot are part of the 395 Express Lanes Project, and will help with the bottleneck at the South Rotary Road and the Eads Street intersection. This is to prepare for the future connection to and from the 395 Express Lanes. 
 
With nearly 25,000 employees, both military and civilian, the Pentagon Reservation is one of the region's busiest commuter locations and transit points for commuters. The South Parking Lot serves as the final destination point for many as well as a place to transfer for those that haven't reached their destination yet.
 
The Pentagon South Parking Lot's new, dedicated bus loop should help minimize incidents between drivers and buses. There's also new pedestrian sidewalks, new signage and pavement markings indicating the slug lanes, and new lighting for the bus loop, sidewalk and slug lanes.
 
The $480 million I-395 Express Lanes Northern Extension Project is being delivered through a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban. The Pentagon South Parking Lot improvements cost approximately $10 million, and are funded by a federal "Fast Lane" grant, as well as a combination of VDOT and federal funds. Under a contract with Transurban, Lane Construction is the builder of the overall project, and AECOM Engineering completed the project's design. The eight-mile 395 Express Lanes extension should open in fall 2019. 

Memorial Day Weekend 2019 travel tips

May 21, 2019

The express version

  • Last Memorial Day weekend, drivers who used the 95 Express Lanes saved an average of 40 minutes during busy travel times.
  • Drivers can save as many as 75 minutes this Memorial Day by taking the 95 Express Lanes from May 23-27.
  • The 95 Express Lanes summer reversal schedule starts over the holiday weekend and goes until Labor Day.

What to expect and when to travel

Traffic on I-95 is expected as early as Thursday, May 23. By taking the 95 Express Lanes, you can save as many as 75 minutes. So instead of sitting in traffic, you can start enjoying your long holiday weekend.

Last year, drivers took 245,000 trips on the 95 Express Lanes between Thursday, May 24 and Monday, May 28. Drivers who took the Lanes saved an average of 40 minutes during busy travel times, with some saving more than one hour compared to drivers who used the regular lanes.

This year, traffic will likely be heaviest on Thursday, May 23 and Friday, May 24. If you’re headed south, the best times to travel are:

  • Thursday, May 23: before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m.
  • Friday, May 24: before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. 
  • Saturday, May 25: before 9 a.m. or after 12 p.m.

Toll prices may be higher than normal during busy travel times, so it pays to plan ahead. Check real-time toll prices and live traffic updates before you hit the road at ExpressLanes.com or the free Express Lanes mobile app (download at Apple App Store® or the Google Play Store®).

The 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will be adjusted to make travel throughout the region easier.

  • Thursday, May 23: Southbound opens around 12:30 p.m.
  • Friday, May 24: Southbound opens around 12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, May 25: Normal reversal schedule. Open northbound around 4 p.m.
  • Sunday, May 26: Open northbound all day. Due to the Rolling Thunder Event, the 95 Express Lanes will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. or until the event is finished.
  • Monday, May 27: Open northbound all day. 

How to stay updated

Once you’re on the road, pricing and traffic updates will be available on overhead signs. Updates will also be available online via Twitter (@VAExpressLanes). Please don’t use your phone while driving. Either have a road trip partner give you info or wait until you stop for gas or a snack.

Remember: you need an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex to use the 95 and 495 Express Lanes. If your out-of-town visitors accidently hop on the Lanes without an E-ZPass® or E-ZPass® Flex, don’t panic. They can simply head to ExpressLanes.com/pay or reach out to the customer service center at 1-855-497-9777 when they get to their destination. 

Safe Travels,

Express Lanes team

Something new coming to the 395 HOV lanes

March 29, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

January 29, 2019

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

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

The projects are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

# # #

Transurban Launches I-95 Corridor Community Grant Program

February 4, 2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Download press release here

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