Updates from Virginia Megaprojects Newsletter

495 Express Lanes Offers Two Weeks Toll-Free

As part of an educational campaign for the 495 Express Lanes, drivers who open a new E-ZPass account and get an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex in September will receive two toll-free weeks of travel on the Express Lanes. “When the Express Lanes open later this year they will provide the first real relief from Beltway traffic gridlock,” said Tim Steinhilber, Transurban’s general manager for the project.  “We want all drivers to be prepared to take advantage of the new travel option and the first step is to get an E-ZPass.”  Drivers must register at 495ExpressLanes.com/offer and purchase a new E-ZPass in September to be eligible for two weeks of toll-free travel.  Details on where to get an E-ZPass can be found at ezpassva.com. To read the full news release, click here.  

New I-95 Park and Ride Lot Opens in Prince William County  

On Thursday, September 6, Phase I of a new VDOT Park and Ride lot opened at Telegraph Road in Prince William County, expanding commuting options for motorists along the heavily traveled I-95 corridor. The completed lot will ultimately provide 729 parking spaces, bike racks and lockers, bus shelters and bus pick up lanes. 

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Dulles Access Ramp Opened To I-495 Capital Beltway

A new ramp and flyover bridge connecting the eastbound Dulles International Airport Access Highway to I-495 opened to traffic Saturday, September 8. The ramp provides a direct connection to I-495 Capital Beltway north and south, improving safety and convenience. Drivers on the Access Highway will no longer need to exit to the Dulles Toll Road and cross multiple lanes of traffic to reach the Beltway. New overhead signage on the Access Highway will direct drivers to the new ramp. Airport traffic destined for Route 123 or the 495 Express lanes (opening later this year) will continue using the existing ramp to the eastbound Dulles Toll Road near the main toll plaza. 

Hybrids Not Exempt on Express Lanes

Hybrid drivers must obtain an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to ride in the new 495 Express Lanes for free. For more information visit ezpassva.com

Car Free Day, Spetember 22

Commuter connections, a regional commuter transportation network, welcomes divers to pledge to go Car Free or Car-lite this Saturday, September 22. Pledging is easy and free at www.carfreemetrodc.org.

I-66 East HOV Ramp Closure

Motorists be aware; the I-66 east HOV ramp to I-495 north will continue to be closed weekdays. from 9:45 a.m. (after HOV morning rush hour) until the following morning at 5 a.m. This will allow crews to finish work on the future Express Lanes entrance ramp, including paving, striping and delineator installation. While closed, traffic will be directed to use the right general purpose exit to access I-495 north. This closure will be in place until late fall when it will close completely to the traveling public, to re-open in Decmeber as a dedicated HOV-3, 495 Express Lanes access ramp.