The US state of Virginia has reached a deal to extend 95 Express Lanes south toward Fredericksburg in a bid to improve travel along the 95 Corridor.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced the project, stating that the commonwealth has accepted Transurban’s proposal for the extension.

McAuliffe said: “This deal will not require any upfront taxpayer investment for construction, and will provide $277m by the time the express lanes are open that will be invested in the corridor to advance critical transportation projects.”

This upgrade project forms a part of the Atlantic Gateway initiative that aims to enhance travel along the 95 Corridor.

The project will include addition of ten miles of new two-lane reversible Express Lanes from the existing southern terminus at Route 610 to Route 17 North and about 1.5 miles of an additional reversible Express Lane within the existing 95 Express Lanes.

Other key features include new Express Lanes access points and seven new bridge structures.

“Expanding the Express Lanes 10 miles south will bring much-needed relief from the existing bottlenecks along the I-95 corridor.”

With the latest announcement, the initiative will now also encompass the Northbound Rappahannock River Crossing, an important location in the Fredericksburg region.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne said: “Expanding the Express Lanes 10 miles south will bring much-needed relief from the existing bottlenecks along the I-95 corridor, improve reliability for commuters and freight, enhance road safety and set up the regional economy for future growth.”

The 95 Express Lanes, along with the 395 Express Lanes, will offer uninterrupted travel for 50 miles in the congested region.

Additionally, they will serve as a link to the larger regional network of Express Lanes in Northern Virginia on the 495 and 66 corridors.

Construction works are expected to begin in the first half of next year, with the opening set to take place in 2022.