WASHINGTON — It’s a new year with new rules for the road when it comes to the 95 Express Lanes. You’ll need an E-ZPass 24/7 to use the lanes.
Mike McGurk, a Transurban spokesman, says, “You’ll see at least two of those signs, it’ll say E-ZPass required.”
The only way to ride free is to have an EZ Pass Flex and three or more people in your car. Other than that, you now have to pay the tolls to use the lanes at all times.
The times at which the lanes reverse remain the same as when they were HOV lanes.
McGurk says right now it’s been taking a little longer to actually flip the lane direction, but he says they’re getting closer. For example, he says, instead of 1 p.m. the lanes opening southbound for the afternoon rush, they might open heading south between 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. on weekdays.
“For drivers, if you see the gates closed, if you see the sign that says gate closed do not enter, don’t attempt to enter the lanes until it’s safe.”
Also, three-axle vehicles are not allowed on the express lanes. That means if you add a trailer to your car, you’ve become a three or more axle vehicle and you are illegal. McGurk says, “No trailers, I think is the biggest thing for drivers.”
If you have questions about the Express Lanes, join WTOP online or on 103.5FM on Monday at 10 a.m. for our “Ask the Traffic Experts” show.
