New I-95 Express Lanes Ramp To Open On Opitz Boulevard In Mid-November

Traffic & Transit

New I-95 Express Lanes Ramp To Open On Opitz Boulevard In Mid-November A project fully funded by Express Lanes operator Transurban provides a new direct access ramp and widening of the bridge.

WOODBRIDGE, VA — One of the Interstate 95 exits in Woodbridge is getting new access to the Express Lanes.

The new ramp from Opitz Boulevard to the I-95 Express Lanes will open around 10 p.m. on Nov. 14, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation and Express Lanes operator Transurban. It will be open for use in the northbound direction for morning rush hour on Nov. 15.

"In one of the busiest corridors in the Commonwealth, we are proud to deliver yet another way for drivers to get where they need to go with our partners at Transurban and Shirley," said Michelle Shropshire, megaprojects director of VDOT's Northern Virginia District. "The new connection between Opitz Boulevard and the 95 Express Lanes will provide new access for drivers coming from Prince William County and points south, helping to relieve congestion locally and on I-95."

The $70 million project was fully funded by Transurban. It provides a reversible, south-facing ramp to access the I-95 Express Lanes. It will have northbound access to Opitz Boulevard during morning commutes and southbound access from Opitz Boulevard during afternoon commutes. A new signal on the bridge manages traffic.

Along with the new ramp, the project repaired and widened the Opitz Boulevard bridge over I-95, which includes the left-turn lanes in both directions and a new sidewalk for pedestrian and bicyclist use.

"The Opitz Boulevard Project is a great example of Transurban's commitment to improving mobility in collaboration with our partners at VDOT," said Beau Memory, president at Transurban North America. "We are always looking for more ways to provide faster, more reliable trips—Consistently enhancing and innovating along our roads is one way we build connections throughout our communities—Opitz being the fourth on the 95 Express Lanes since opening in 2014."

Amid the ramp opening, drivers can register and use the ramp with an EZ Pass between Nov. 16 and 24 for a chance to win a $1,000 gift card.

VDOT and Transurban hope the project will provide faster, more reliable access to the I-95 Express Lanes as well as help traffic flow along Opitz Boulevard. The road provides a connection between I-95, Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Potomac Mills mall and more key areas.