The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in the US is set to begin tolling the 64 Express Lanes from 10 January.

Once opened, motorists will be required to obtain an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex to access the 8.4-mile stretch of Reversible Roadway between the I-264 Interchange and I-564.

The passes will be applicable during operating hours starting from 5am to 9am for the westbound motorists and from 2pm to 6pm for the eastbound motorists, from Monday through Friday.

Excluding operating hours, the selected lanes will remain free and open for use by all motorists.

In addition, motorists who wish to ride toll-free during operating hours are required to meet the high occupancy vehicle (HOV-2+) requirement and have an E-ZPass Flex transponder switched to ‘HOV ON’.

“The 64 Express Lanes will offer solo drivers the choice to use the lanes, while still encouraging carpooling.”

Solo drivers could use a standard E-ZPass transponder or an E-ZPass Flex with ‘HOV ON’ while paying the variable toll during operating hours.

VDOT secretary Aubrey Layne said: “We can’t pave our way out of congestion.

“We want travellers to get the most out of the highway space we have available, and our data shows that the current HOV lanes aren’t the best way to do that in Hampton Roads.

“The 64 Express Lanes will offer solo drivers the choice to use the lanes, while still encouraging carpooling.”

Currently, the 64 Reversible Roadway has only been open to HOV-2+ compliant motorists during peak hours.

The 64 Express Lanes are built to offer additional choices for travellers and to increase the efficiency of the corridor for all drivers.