WASHINGTON — A new survey from the Virginia Department of Transportation
and Transurban finds that many drivers are still not ready for the 95 Express
Lanes to open next month.
The 29 miles of toll lanes will run
from Garrisonville Road to north of Edsall Road in Alexandria. The specific
opening date is expected to be announced soon.
According to the survey, only 32 percent of carpoolers who travel along the
Interstate 95 portion of the express lanes have an E-ZPass Flex, which they’ll
need to use the lanes for free.
Carpoolers and sluggers must purchase an E-ZPass Flex and switch it into HOV
mode to receive the free trip. Drivers can purchase an E-ZPass Flex at
Wegmans, Giant, AAA Mid-Atlantic or E-ZPass service
centers. You can also get one online.
Tolling timing
Nearly a quarter of commuters traveling I-95 believe the tolling requirements
will only be in effect during the rush hour. That is incorrect.
Currently, the HOV restrictions are lifted after the morning and afternoon
rush hours end. However, once the 95 Express Lanes open, vehicles with fewer
than three people in the car must pay a toll regardless of the time of day or
day of the week. That means no more free rides after rush hour.
HOV in Arlington
Also, the survey finds that fewer than 25 percent of commuters know what will
happen to the existing HOV lanes north of Edsall Road along Interstate 395. At
Turkeycock Run, the 95 Express Lanes will end and the standard HOV lanes
you’re familiar with will continue on to the 14th Street Bridge.
During the morning rush, drivers who paid a toll but have fewer than three
people must exit the Express Lanes near Edsall Road or risk getting a ticket.
During the afternoon rush, vehicles with fewer than three people cannot enter
the HOV lanes in Arlington, but must wait until Edsall Road. Outside the rush
hours, anyone can use the HOV lanes between Edsall Road and the 14th Street
Bridge.
Motorcycles and hybrid plates
In addition to HOV users, motorcyclists will be able to ride the Express Lanes
for free. Drivers with the special hybrid plates will not be able to ride for
free in the 95 Express Lanes, but they can use the HOV lanes anytime north of
Edsall Road.
Reversible Remains
Like the HOV lanes, the Express Lanes will be reversible. Drivers can see the
schedule of what direction the lanes will flow on the Express Lanes’ website. Or see
a map of the new lanes on an access map.
Motorists with questions about the 95 Express Lanes can ask WTOP Ticketbuster.
Send an email with your question to ticketbuster@wtop.com.
Related Stories:
- Drivers could pay up to $24 to drive I-95 Express
Lanes - Drivers will have to pay to use 95 Express Lanes’
HOV lanes - 95 Express lanes launch coming up next month
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