Prince William Reporter

FREDERICKSBURG, Va. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger today attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate an extension of the I-95 Express Lanes, which will span from the current end of the lanes near Route 610 in Stafford County to near Route 17 (I-95 Exit 133).

The 10-mile extension in Virginia’s Seventh District will join the existing I-95 and I-395 Express Lanes to operate as a single, fully integrated Express Lanes corridor between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers. The new Express Lanes are estimated to provide 66 percent more capacity during peak periods, move 30 percent more people and 23 percent more vehicles, and generate more than $1 billion in economic activity.  

During her remarks, Spanberger touted the Fredericksburg Extension’s promise to reduce congestion in Virginia Seventh’s District, boost economic growth, and promote safer commutes for Virginia drivers.

“Today marks the completion of a project that has been in the works for years, across various levels of government and public-private partnerships. As someone who frequently drives on I-95, I can attest that this extension will make a tremendous difference in the lives of families and workers here in Virginia – especially those I represent who live and work in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Stafford, Caroline, and Prince William,” said Spanberger. “I-95 is not just a vital economic artery for the region, but also for our country. This highway connects our communities, moves goods, and promotes tourism — and I want to thank Transurban and VDOT for recognizing the importance of tackling this corridor’s traffic challenges.”

According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the 10-mile extension will open late Thursday, August 17, 2023. Click here for additional information from VDOT on the extension project and new traffic patterns.

At today’s ceremony, Spanberger was joined by U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) officials, VDOT Commissioner Stephen Birch, Stafford County Board of Supervisors Chair Pamela Yeung, Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sheppard “Shep” Miller III, leadership from Transurban North America, and local leaders.

Original source can be found here.