There’s a new look and name for the E-ZPass Express Lanes on Interstates 95 and 495.
Transurban, the Australian-based company that operates the Express Lanes on Interstates 95 and 495, is freshening up the look of its website.
Out are the common monikers Express Lanes or High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. The company re-branded the tolled facilities “95 ex” and “495 ex.”
When the company first opened these lanes in 2012, they were the first of their kind in the state, featuring dynamic tolling where the toll rates change depending on the number of vehicles in the lanes. The more vehicles using the lanes, the higher the price.
Six years have passed since then, and other companies like TransCore have opened new express lanes in other parts of the state. More E-ZPass Express toll lanes coming to Interstate 66 outside the Capital Beltway in 2022.
To stand out from the pack, Transurban began the process earlier this year of changing look and tone of their website to be more user-friendly. Transurban used social media to spread the word out as these changes debuted.
The new website will help commuters to learn about the lanes, plan trips, help with payments, keep commuters up to date with news and alerts, and provide customer service to those with other questions.
“As part of its commitment to help drivers better manage their busy lives, Transurban recognized an opportunity to better help customers distinguish between the different roads and demonstrate the quality service and on and off-road experience drivers experience in the lanes they operate,” said Tanya Sheres, a Transurban spokeswoman.
The 495 E-ZPass Express Lanes run from the Springfield to just north of the Dulles Toll Road. It was a public/private project between the Virginia Department of Transportation and Transurban, and the Fluor Corporation when it opened in 2012, an engineering and construction firm headquartered in Irvine, Texas.
The I-95/395 E-ZPass Express Lanes have also been operated by Transurban since December 2014. Those lanes begin at Route 610 in Stafford and run just north of Edsall Road and in Alexandria.
The non-tolled High Occupancy Vehicle lanes between Edsall Road and the Pentagon in the process of being converted to toll lanes.
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The Prince William Board of County Supervisors voted Tuesday to cancel the long-debated Route 28 Bypass Project, ending years of planning and millions of dollars in studies and design work. The decision, which passed with a 5-3 vote, came after a contentious debate over the feasibility and cost of the project.
Initially estimated to cost more than $200 million, the road would have connected with Route 28 at a signalized intersection north of Bull Run Stream in Fairfax County. The plan to build the road, Alternative 2B, was the top recommendation from the 2017 Route 28 Corridor Feasibility Study. The project had received $89 million in funding from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) as part of a broader effort to improve the county’s transportation infrastructure.
County transportation director Rick Canizales confirmed that the estimated cost had grown beyond available funding, requiring an additional $80–$100 million to proceed. “After taking all this into consideration and doing all the design work that we’ve done at this point, we come to the board and let you know that as staff, we believe that alternative 2B is not viable because we don’t have enough money and we don’t have enough support in some of the challenges we’re facing,” Canizales said.
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Get the full story in tomorrow’s edition—only on Potomac Local News. Stay tuned!
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Travel to French soil and join us for a night filled with two of the most beloved French traditions—no plane ticket required! ?
On January 25th, we invite you to experience the magic of Galette des Rois, a 700-year-old tradition celebrated across France throughout the entire month of January (and even beyond!). This sweet, almond-filled puff pastry topped with a golden crown isn’t just a treat—it’s a celebration! The lucky person who finds the fève (a porcelain charm hidden in one of the slices) becomes the King or Queen for the Day, and don’t worry—there will be plenty of royalty to go around! ??
But that’s not all! In France, Les Voeux (New Year’s wishes) continue throughout January, often accompanied by Champagne and good cheer. We’re bringing that festive spirit to you, with a lively evening packed with French food, wine, and music.
What’s in store:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra,
this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
