Commuters on I-95 have struggled for years with long, unpredictable commutes. The Commonwealth of Virginia recognized the need for congestion relief, better HOV lane performance and new travel choices in the 95 corridor. The 95 Express Lanes are the result of nearly a decade of public input and environmental review.
Key Milestones Include:
- Clark/Shirley and Transurban-Fluor submit competing proposals to improve I-95/395 under the Virginia Public-Private Transportation Act
- Under Governor Mark Warner, an independent review panel reviews the proposals, solicits public comment and recommends Transurban-Fluor's proposal
- Under Governor Tim Kaine, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) signs interim agreement with Transurban-Fluor to advance required preliminary work
- Environmental studies commence
- The Transportation Planning Board votes to include the 95 Express Lanes in the region's Financially Constrained Long-Range Plan
- VDOT hosts formal citizen information meetings
- Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation completes transit study
- VDOT and Federal Highway Administration complete documentation for environmental review process
- VDOT hosts formal public hearings along the corridor
- VDOT suspends environmental studies after filing of lawsuit
- Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton announces new 95 Express Lanes
- VDOT commences environmental assessment for the project
- VDOT hosts formal design public hearings on project
- U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) awards project TIGER TIFIA grant
- FHWA Finding of No Significant Impact to conclude formal federal environmental review process
- Governor Bob McDonnell announces agreement on key business terms
- Design and financing activity begins
- U.S. DOT invites project to apply for TIFIA credit assistance
- Governor McDonnell announces partnership contract has been finalized
- Project completes financing
- Construction begins