I-395 HOV Ramp To Seminary Road Converting To Toll Ramp In Alexandria

ALEXANDRIA, VA — The conversion of the Interstate 395 ramp to Seminary Road in Alexandria from high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) to high-occupancy toll (HOT) lane will happen on Sept. 9.

The change applies to the south-facing, reversible HOV ramp that connects the I-395 Express Lanes to Seminary Road. Even when the I-395 Express Lanes opened in November 2019, the ramp was HOV-3, which means only buses and carpooling vehicles with three or more people can use the ramp between I-395 Express Lanes and Seminary Road. It was the only ramp in the I-395 Express Lanes corridor closed to toll-paying customers.

When it is converted to a toll ramp, vehicles with less than three people can use it by paying a toll. Vehicles with three people in the vehicle and an EZ Pass Flex set to HOV mode can avoid the toll on the ramp, as well as buses and motorcycles. Dynamic message signs on Seminary Road will display real-time toll prices starting Sept. 9.

The ramp conversion was sought by Transurban, the private operator of the I-95, I-395 and I-495 Express Lanes. Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board gave approval to the ramp conversion in January.

As the ramp conversion nears, temporary lane closures and shifts will be in place to update signage and pavement markers. Overnight work along the Express Lanes corridor will start the week of Aug. 26, and a temporary traffic shift on Seminary Road will happen on Aug. 29 and 30.

The change does not impact the I-395 regular lanes, as there are different exits to the I-395 Express and regular lanes.

The I-395 Express Lanes, like the I-95 Express Lanes, are reversible. That means they are typically open in the northbound direction weekday mornings until approximately 10:30 a.m. The lanes typically close for reversal from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and open in the southbound direction from 12:30 p.m. to the end of the day. On Saturdays, the lanes are southbound from 12 a.m. to 2 p.m., closed for reversal from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and open northbound from 4 p.m. to the end of the day. On Sundays, the lanes are northbound all day.

For more information, visit www.expresslanes.com.