I-95 express lanes could be expanded, turned 2-way in Northern Virginia

A major change could be coming to the far-reaching express lane network in Northern Virginia.

News4 has learned that a study is now underway to transform the I-95 express lanes into a two-way operation at all times, instead of just the one direction the lanes go now.

There could also be another expansion of those express lanes to the south, past Fredericksburg.

Unlike other express lanes around Northern Virginia, I-95 is only inbound in the morning and outbound in the afternoon.

For years, Jeff McKay, the chair of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, has called that a problem. But he’s happy with this news that the I-95 express lanes could go both ways at all times.

“This is as close as we’ve ever been to fixing what shouldn’t have been built this way to begin with, and I believe we can do it,” McKay said.

He said he’s been in touch with Gov. Abigail Spanberger about the plan, which McKay said can largely be accomplished within the roadway that’s there now.

The change starts at the Mixing Bowl with a new two-lane northbound connector. Then from the Franconia-Springfield Parkway to the Prince William Parkway, three lanes in each direction. From the Prince William Parkway all the way down to U.S. Route 17 near Fredericksburg, two lanes in each direction. And finally, from Route 17 to the Spotsylvania Parkway, a new extension with two lanes in each direction.

The Virginia Department of Transportation confirmed to News4 that it’s now studying this.

For commuters, this is not a one-way street.

Commuter Luis said he likes the idea.

“Yeah, because it’s fast,” he said, adding he’d be willing to pay for a faster trip.

But commuter Juliana said, “You know, everything is already expensive. Why do I want to pay for extra stuff? That’s the world we live in.”

It’s important to note that the project is likely years away from happening, but the wheels are now in motion.

There’s no word on cost for this project, but with express lanes, a private company builds, maintains and operates the road in exchange for collecting toll revenue.