US state of Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes to open as early as 17 November

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says the 495 Express Lanes -the 14-mile corridor of new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway - will open as early as November 17, 2012. Drivers are being advised by VDOT that they will need an E-ZPass to use the 495 Express Lanes and an understanding of how they work before they can take advantage of them. “The 495 Express Lanes are on track to open earlier than expected in November which means drivers must take steps
November 7, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
The 5131 Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) says the 495 Express Lanes -the 14-mile corridor of new high occupancy toll (HOT) lanes on the Virginia side of the Capital Beltway - will open as early as November 17, 2012.

Drivers are being advised by VDOT that they will need an E-ZPass to use the 495 Express Lanes and an understanding of how they work before they can take advantage of them. 
 
“The 495 Express Lanes are on track to open earlier than expected in November which means drivers must take steps now to prepare to use the new lanes,” said VDOT commissioner Greg Whirley. “This facility will have a regional impact on all travellers. We need drivers to be prepared for the changes in traffic patterns and new rules of the road. If you plan to use the Express Lanes, make sure you are equipped with an E-ZPass.”

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 as 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.

“The 495 Express Lanes will be easy to use, but this is the first road of its kind in the region,” said Tim Steinhilber, 891 Transurban’s general manager for the 495 Express Lanes Project.  “Drivers need to educate themselves on how to use the lanes and make sure they are equipped with an E-ZPass so they can take advantage of a faster, more predictable trip.  We have developed a number of resources to help drivers learn about the lanes and strongly encourage all Northern Virginia drivers to take advantage of these tools.”

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