The Commonwealth of Virginia and private company Transurban have officially partnered on a series of projects to reduce congestion and improve transportation along I-495 and I-95, investing more than $1 billion into the effort over the next five years.
The deal was signed this week and will result in projects throughout Northern Virginia. A 2.5-mile extension of I-495’s express lanes will carry north to the American Legion Bridge, hopefully reducing congestion by completing with four general purpose lanes and two new express lanes. The express lanes will stretch all the way to the Maryland border. Additionally, a new, reversible lamp will connect the existing I-95 express lanes providing access to Potomac Mills and Sentara Virginia Medical Center.
Further, a new southbound Occoquan auxiliary lane will be built on I-95 to fix a traffic bottleneck plaguing Occoquan Bridge. A proposal for the 10-mile extension of the I-95 Express lanes to Fredericksburg, Virginia was also finalized this week. Three general purpose lanes will remain, but two reversible express lanes of new capacity will be added.
“Transurban has a long history of working with the Commonwealth to collaboratively solve major transportation challenges,” Transurban President Jennifer Aument said. “With expanded capacity and new connections to commuter routes and commercial centers, we are committed to delivering transportation solutions that keep travelers moving faster and safer throughout Northern Virginia.”
The Virginia Department of Transportation also announced the advancement of environmental studies required to support these projects. Construction could begin as early as next year. By 2022, the Commonwealth of Virginia intends to have 90 miles of connected express lanes throughout the region.