I-95 Express Lanes Eyed for Two-Way Access

Northern Virginia drivers on a 45-mile stretch of I-95 may someday use express lanes in both directions around the clock.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Electric Vehicles

Flat-color editorial illustration of a bare steel overhead gantry spanning an empty multi-lane highway with a solid median barrier, rendered in navy and cream. — Virginia transportation officials are studying whether 45 miles of Interstate 95 express lanes in Northern Virginia could operate around the clock in both directions. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Should Virginia expand the I-95 express lanes to run in both directions?

The Virginia Department of Transportation is studying bi-directional, around-the-clock express lanes on approximately 45 miles of Interstate 95 in Northern Virginia, a concept that remains in the feasibility stage. The Prince William Board of County Supervisors received an informational presentation on the feasibility study on October 20.

Why it matters

The current I-95 reversible express lanes run in only one direction at a time, which means drivers heading the opposite way cannot use them under the existing setup. The study is examining whether round-the-clock access in both directions is practical for commuters across the corridor.

The study covers roughly 45 miles of I-95 and proposes three express lanes in each direction from Franconia-Springfield Parkway to Prince William Parkway, then two lanes per direction farther south, including an approximately 10-mile extension beyond U.S. 17. Feasibility has not been determined and no construction timeline has been set.

The players

Virginia Department of Transportation

The state agency that builds and maintains Virginia's highways, including the I-95 Express Lanes, and is leading the feasibility study.

Prince William Board of County Supervisors

The elected governing body of Prince William County that received the informational presentation on the study.

The details

Under the concept, express lanes would operate around the clock in both directions, replacing the current arrangement in which lanes run one way at a time. The Virginia Department of Transportation is currently collecting field data and conducting preliminary engineering and environmental studies. A preliminary assessment indicated that much of the work could proceed within existing rights-of-way, which could limit the land acquisition needed for the project.

October 20, 2026: Prince William supervisors received the feasibility presentation.
2027: Public information meetings are planned to begin.
2028: Further public information meetings and a public hearing are planned.

The Home Front

The proposal extends the existing I-95 reversible express lanes, which today operate in one direction at a time, toward two-way, around-the-clock service. For Northern Virginia households, the study touches on how commute access along a major regional corridor may change over the coming years.

If you commute along I-95 in Northern Virginia, watch for public information meetings in 2027 and 2028 and review the proposed lane configuration as it develops. Because the project is still in feasibility and no timeline is set, there is nothing to change in your routine yet.

The takeaway

Two-way express lane access would be a meaningful change for daily commuters if the project moves forward, so keep the 2027 and 2028 public meetings on your calendar. Until feasibility is confirmed, treat the proposal as planning-stage rather than a set change.