Transurban
Transurban to expand four highways in northern Virginia to ease traffic congestion. Credit: MPD01605.

Australian toll road operator Transurban has signed contracts to invest $1bn in four road projects along Interstate 495 and Interstate 95 in northern Virginia, US.

The four projects are expected to cut traffic congestion and improve connectivity on I-495 and I-95, including the Occoquan Auxiliary Lane.

Virginia Governor Ralph Northam said: “My administration is committed to creating opportunity for Virginia families and businesses in every corner of the Commonwealth, and that requires having a safe, reliable transportation network.

“I am pleased to announce these four projects that will bring significant improvements to I-495 and I-95, easing congestion, enhancing safety, and driving economic growth.”

Under the contracts, Transburban will be responsible for the design and construction of the roads.

“These four projects will bring significant improvements to I-495 and I-95, easing congestion, enhancing safety, and driving economic growth.”

In the first project, Transburban will complete a 2.5-mile extension of the 495 Express Lanes north to the American Legion Bridge to reduce congestion. Four general purpose lanes and two new Express Lanes will be constructed in each direction of the Capital Beltway.

As part of the second project, a ramp will be added that will link the I-95 Express Lanes at Opitz Boulevard to provide better access to Potomac Mills and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center.

The third project will involve construction of a new southbound Occoquan auxiliary lane on Interstate 95 in Woodbridge to deal with the traffic bottleneck at the Occoquan Bridge.

In addition, Virginia has finalised with Transurban the proposal for the Fredericksburg Extension Project (Fred Ex). Under this, a ten-mile extension of the I-95 Express Lanes to Fredericksburg will be completed.

Work is scheduled to start later this year on two reversible express toll lanes, which is intended to increase capacity on this section of I-95 by 66% during peak hours. The lanes are expected to open for traffic by 2022.