FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — New express lanes on the Capital Beltway between Springfield and Tysons Corner are slated to open Nov. 17 – earlier than expected, according to Virginia transportation officials.
Those same officials now urge drivers to get familiar with those lanes and how they work, and to know what you’ll need to use the tolled lanes for a faster commute.
More in a press release from the Virginia Megaprojects office:
The 495 Express Lanes are two new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes in each direction from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway. Drivers will need an E-ZPass to use the Express Lanes – there are no toll booths or options to pay cash. Carpoolers will need the new E-ZPass® FlexSM to permit a toll-free trip on the Express Lanes. To find out where you can get an E-ZPass, visit 495ExpressLanes.com.
The 495 Express Lanes have resources available to help drivers get ready for the new traffic solution. Before the lanes open, drivers should:
• Get an E-ZPass: All drivers will need an E-ZPass or E-ZPassFlex to use the 495 Express Lanes. To learn more about E-ZPass options and find out how to get an E-ZPass, please visit www.495expresslanes.com/using-ezpass
• Plan their trip: The 495 Express Lanes will include three new Beltway entry and exit points, meaning a more direct route to popular locations in Tysons Corner and Merrifield. The Express Lanes are a limited access highway so drivers should plan their new route and learn how to access and exit the Express Lanes now by mapping their trip on the 495 Express Lanes website, www.495expresslanes.com/map
• Learn how to safely use the lanes: The Express Lanes will be easy to use and get drivers where they need to go. However, there are some new aspects of the road that are worth learning about. To learn how to safely use the lanes, drivers should visit www.495expresslanes.com/staying-safe
• Get answers to questions: For more information on tolling and operations, drivers should visit the 495 Express Lanes FAQs web page – www.495expresslanes.com/faqs
The 495 Express Lanes will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Dynamic pricing based on real-time traffic conditions manages the demand for the lanes, keeping the Express Lanes moving. The 14-mile Express Lanes will be free for carpoolers with three or more people with an E-ZPass Flex, buses, motorcycles and emergency vehicles. Other drivers may pay a toll for a faster, more predictable trip. Drivers will lock in their rate when they enter the lanes and pay tolls electronically with E-ZPass.
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