95 Express Lanes Signage to Begin Unveiling in Coming Weeks |
By PIO Bill Kennedy | |
October 30, 2014 | |
New Travel Option Opening in December; Drivers Encouraged to Get Ready Alexandria, Va. - Today, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and the 95 Express Lanes announced that select sign unveiling will start over the next few weeks in preparation for the opening of the Express Lanes, currently on schedule to open in December. The new Express Lanes signs will serve as a visual reminder of the changes coming and the new E-ZPass requirement that will go into effect when the Express Lanes open in December. The Express Lanes signs will be uncovered in a priority order with a focus on safety first and ensuring the HOV system continues operating. "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." Some Express Lanes signs, such as those in the new nine-mile segment of the Express Lanes where there is no traffic, have already been uncovered. The remainder of the Express Lanes signs will be uncovered in phases - with the first major unveiling beginning November 1. Uncovering signage will gradually continue until the road's opening in December. HOV regulatory signs will still be in place and visible until the HOV system converts to the 95 Express Lanes. The remaining signage will be unveiled in the final days before opening. "As we work to convert the existing HOV lanes to Express Lanes, safety is our top priority," said Kevin Ginnerty, Director of Project Delivery, Transurban. "Drivers will see an increasing number of Express Lanes signs on the road throughout the coming weeks. These signs are a signal that changes are coming to I-95 in Northern Virginia. We encourage all drivers to prepare for the 95 Express Lanes by visiting 95ExpressLanes.com to ensure they're educated on the rules of the road and ready to benefit from the lanes when they open." Approximately 300 signs need to be uncovered before the 95 Express Lanes open including*: * Note that not all of these signs will be uncovered in the coming weeks. Some of these All drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to use the Express Lanes. E-ZPass and E-ZPass Flex are available at 75 convenient Northern Virginia retail locations including Wegmans, select Virginia DMVs and Giant Food Stores or at one of the E-ZPass Customer Service Centers; online or by calling Virginia E-ZPass at (877) 762-7824. About the 95 Express Lanes |
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