Photo: VDOT
Prince William County drivers who have watched the I-95 Express Lanes carry traffic the other way may one day get access in both directions. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is studying whether the reversible lanes can be converted to bi-directional operation, with express service in both directions 24 hours a day.
Krishna Potturi, VDOT's Northern Virginia District Megaprojects Director, presented the concept to the Prince William Board of County Supervisors at its Oct. 20 meeting. VDOT and Transurban, which operates the I-95 Express Lanes, are studying it together. The project is still in the feasibility stage, and feasibility has not been determined.
How the lanes work now
The express lanes currently run in one direction at a time, and the direction changes on a weekday and weekend schedule. Drivers headed the opposite way can't use them.
What VDOT is studying
The study covers about 45 miles of the I-95 Express Lanes, from near the Springfield Interchange in Fairfax County to Spotsylvania County. Under the concept presented to the Board, three express lanes would operate in each direction from the Franconia-Springfield Parkway area to Prince William Parkway. South of Prince William Parkway, two express lanes would run in each direction, including an extension of roughly 10 miles south of U.S. 17.
Preliminary layouts for the Prince William portion looked at ramp changes and access improvements to replace reversible ramps where needed, with access points shown at Russell Road, Joplin Road, Dumfries Road, Dale Boulevard, Opitz Boulevard, Prince William Parkway and Gordon Boulevard. The study will also consider OmniRide, whose commuter buses now save time only when traveling in the same direction as the express lanes.
What isn't known yet
Potential impacts on property, traffic, road configuration, ingress and egress, and the environment all need further study. The schedule and construction timeline remain uncertain, pending the study results, necessary approvals and a commercial agreement. VDOT is collecting field data and conducting preliminary engineering and environmental studies. VDOT's presentation shows a feasibility and project decision targeted for fall 2028, with commercial and financial close in 2029.
An early assessment indicated that much of the work could happen within existing rights-of-way, though some additional property may be needed in certain places. VDOT says its goal is to minimize property impacts.
How residents can weigh in
VDOT plans public information meetings in 2027 and 2028 while planning and environmental analysis continue, followed by a public hearing in 2028. The meetings are meant to inform residents, businesses and other stakeholders and to gather input.
To see the VDOT presentation, visit the Board of County Supervisors webpage.
Sources: Prince William County Department of Transportation and Capital Construction, Oct. 30, 2026; VDOT presentation to the Board of County Supervisors, Oct. 20, 2026.
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