Drivers on Interstate 95 north are slowing in the mornings and are looking up to see what’s ahead.
New purple signs directing drivers to the newly built 95 Express Lanes are unveiled. With black tarps removed from the overhead signs, drivers can now see they will need to queue up in the left lane to enter the lanes, and they’re warned that an EZ Pass is required to use them.
The 29-mile stretch of express lanes will run from Route 610 in Stafford to Edsall Road in Alexandria. New lanes have been built from Route 610 to Dumfries, and HOV lanes form Dumfries to Edsall Road will now be express lanes.
When the lanes open in December, single drivers will be able to EZ Pass or EZ Pass Flex pay a toll to use the lanes while carpoolers with three or more occupants must have an EZ Pass Flex to use the lanes.
“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.”
Here’s more information about what the signs say:
· Regulatory Signs: These signs reinforce key Express Lanes information, such as:
– All drivers need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass® FlexSM to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash
– Carpoolers 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
– Buses and two axle vehicles may use the lanes. Vehicles with three or more axles may not use the lanes at any time
· Entry/Exit Signs: These signs guide drivers on and off the Express Lanes:
– Entry signs have a purple banner with an E-ZPass logo and “EXPRESS ONLY”
– Exit signs have white letters on a green background
· Pricing Signs: The 95 Express Lanes will use dynamic tolls to provide drivers with a predictable trip:
– Drivers will see overhead pricing signs before all entrances to the Express Lanes or anytime they have a choice to use the Express Lanes or take the regular lanes
– The displayed prices change to reflect the current toll prices. Drivers lock in their rate when they pass under a pricing sign
· Express Lanes End/HOV Lanes Begin Signs: Drivers will see special regulatory signs at the Express Lanes/HOV lanes transition point near Edsall Road:
– When traveling northbound, the Express Lanes end and the HOV lanes begin on I-395 north near Edsall Road:
· To continue onto the I-395 HOV lanes, drivers must comply with HOV rules
· Drivers that do not have three people in their car or an applicable clean fuel plate vehicle when the occupancy restriction is in effect on the I-395 HOV lanes should follow signs to exit onto the I-395 northbound regular lanes
– When traveling southbound, the I-395 HOV lanes end and the Express Lanes begin on I-395 near Edsall Road:
· Drivers traveling in the HOV lanes should not enter the Express Lanes without an E-ZPass
A total of 300 signs will need to be uncovered prior to the opening of the lanes. EZ Passes are being sold at various retail locations in our area as well as online.
