Project Overview
The $2 billion I-495 Capital Beltway High-Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes project expanded and improved a 14-mile section of the Capital Beltway (I-495) in Fairfax County, Virginia. In addition to adding four new managed HOT lanes (two in each direction) and reconstructing the existing general-purpose lanes, the project included the replacement of over 50 bridges and overpasses, the reconfiguration of six interchanges and the construction of three new interchanges providing direct access to the HOT lanes. |
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Advanced traffic management technology is being used to ensure that both the HOT lanes and the adjacent general-purpose lanes operate at maximum efficiency. Prices charged to use the HOT lanes change in real time to regulate demand and ensure that a dependable, high level of service is maintained at all times. Travelers may choose to pay for a dependable travel time on the HOT lanes, or they may elect to travel in the free general-purpose lanes, where they may experience a less predictable trip. Buses, emergency vehicles and vehicles with three or more occupants can all access the HOT lanes at no cost. Vehicles eligible for free use of the road must declare their HOV status using an E-ZPass Flex® transponder switched to the "HOV" setting. All motorists in the HOT lanes are required to have an E-ZPass electronic toll payment transponder. Tolls are collected at highway speeds and deducted from customers' pre-paid E-ZPass toll accounts. The Virginia State Police enforce vehicle occupancy requirements on the lanes, ensuring that motorists that declare HOV status with their transponder have three or more people in the vehicle.