WTOP Traffic sometimes refers to these lanes are “E-ZPass Lanes” to better convey the requirement for drivers to have an E-ZPass transponder to use the lanes. Vehicles with more than two axles are prohibited. Motorcycle drivers are also allowed to use the lanes for free. With an E-ZPass Flex device, carpools with three or more people can use the lanes for free. The lanes comprise an all-electronic toll road for solo drivers and carpools alike. On I-95 and the Beltway, the express lanes are sandwiched between the northbound and southbound mainline highways.ĭrivers who use these HOT lanes must have an E-ZPass or E-ZPass Flex properly mounted on their windshield. The express lanes on the Beltway extend from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road in McLean. The express lanes extend along I-395 as well. The all-electronic express lanes on Interstate 95 in Virginia extend from northern Stafford County to just north of the Capital Beltway in Springfield. In a region inhabited by more than 6 million people, not to mention countless daily visitors passing through, every modicum of throughput helps. The price increases during busier times of the day to manage the amount of traffic in the lanes, a measure designed to keep traffic moving without delay. Solo drivers are not allowed in the lanes during rush hours. HOT facilities are a form of toll road, for which the cost to use the lanes changes based on demand and the distance traveled. HOV lanes are roadways that are restricted to carpools with two or more people. In both cases, these lanes are geared toward carpools, van pools, buses and motorcycles - modes capable of moving more people in less time. In Virginia, the term “express lanes” can refer to High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes and High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes. The term “express lanes” is a catchall for a set of limited-access lanes on a highway. In the Washington area, not all express lanes are created equal. In effect at all times Express Lanes explained Route 50 HOV-2 (left lane in Prince George’s County) I-270 HOV-2 (left lane in Montgomery County) I-66 HOT-2 (all lanes inside the Beltway) The reversal times during summer months and getaway weekends varies. The express lanes along Interstate 95 and Interstate 395 are closed for about two hours during reversals. Two lanes inbound, one lane outboundĢ:45 p.m. Weekdays except some observed federal holidaysĬanal Road between Foxhall Road and Arizona AvenueĬhain Bridge and Canal Road between Chain Bridge and Arizona AvenueĦ:15 a.m. Weekdays except observed federal holidaysĬlara Barton Parkway between Chain Bridge and Glen EchoĦ:15 a.m. area.īelow you’ll find the rules of the road and turn-around times for the high-occupancy highways and reversible parkways across the region. WASHINGTON - On top of the daily traffic congestion and crashes, there are a dizzying array of reversible, restricted and controlled-access highways across the D.C. Business & Finance Click to expand menu.

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