VA/95 Express Lanes see beginning of construction

The Transurban/Fluor concessionaire project on 29 miles of I-95 in northern Virginia is into construction. Initial clearing of brush and small trees is reported in the far southern segment where there is a 9 mile extension planned. Much of the existing 2-lanes reversible HOV further north will be widened to 3 lanes and ramps and off-line bus stations or park-&-rides added.

Most of the work is in the median of I-95.

This follows a groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday morning attended by the state governor Robert F McDonnell, transport secretary Sean Connaughton and other local bigs and the media.

July 31 they did a financial close and master contract on the concession.

The rebuild and extension plus conversion HOV to HOT Lanes is due for completion in late 2014 at a cost close to $1 billion in investor money. Dynamic pricing will be used to maintain free flow conditions.

The same Transurban/Fluor partnership is due to open a 14 mile 2x2 toll lanes project (HOV3+ free) in the Capital Beltway from Tysons Corner south later this year. The projects will meet at the Springfield interchange.

TOLLROADSnews 2012-08-09