Transurban and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) have reached agreement on a development framework which will provide a structure to progress the 395 Express Lanes project in Northern Virginia, USA.

Transurban has progressed a framework to extend the 95 Express Lanes for 11 kilometres north to the I-395 and Washington DC border. Potential project scope includes:

• 11 kilometre Express Lanes extension to I-395 north
• increased capacity by converting two high occupancy vehicle lanes to three Express Lanes
• extend current dynamic tolling and traffic management system
• transit subsidy to fund public transport in the local area
• improved travel in regular lanes
• estimated capital cost between US$200 to $250 million
• approximate two-year construction period

Financial close on the project is expected in early 2017.

Transurban CEO Scott Charlton said the 395 Express Lanes would significantly reduce congestion in the I-395 corridor and increase capacity by adding an additional HOV lane to make three reversible lanes on I-395. He stated:

"This project is another example of Transurban working with our network partners to provide benefits for road users. This framework provides us with a clear path forward to agree commercial arrangements to fund this much needed enhancement to the Virginia network."