Light Poles Erected as Part of I-95 Express Lanes Project

New poles have been erected along Interstate 95 as part of the Express Lanes Project.

More than 40 poles have been strung along a stretch of HOV lanes between Prince William Parkway and their current terminus in Dumfries. They’ll be used to light the highway facility, said a project spokeswoman.

As crews work to extend the existing HOV lanes from Dumfries to Garrisonville Road in North Stafford and convert them to toll lanes, even more light poles have already been erected. A total of 85 light poles will be erected in Stafford County as part of the project.

When the Express Lanes open in 2015, they’ll provide drivers with three or more occupants inside their cars to ride free, and single drivers with an option to pay a toll using an E-ZPass or E-Z Pass Flex transponder. The tolls will be all electronic, and the lanes will be tolled at all hours of the day. Much like the Express Lanes on the stretch of the Capital Beltway from Springfield to Dulles Toll Road, the toll rate will vary depending upon the amount of cars using the lanes – the more cars, the higher the tolls.

When a driver enters the Express Lanes, they will be locked in at the set toll rate being charged at the time they enter the lanes and the distance they travel.

The 95 Express Lanes will take drivers from Garrisonville Road to Edsall Road in Alexandria. Drivers without three or more occupants in their cars will have to exit the lanes at Edsall Road onto I-395 to continue their trip. The same as they do now, the lanes will be reversible and will allow drivers to travel south during weekday evening commutes.