Could I-95 Get Express Lanes Both Ways? What the Virginia Proposal Would Change

Virginia is studying a major change to I-95: permanent Express Lanes running in both directions around the clock, replacing reversible operation along the proposed corridor. It could give reverse commuters a choice they do not have today. But this is still a proposal, not an approved, fully financed construction project—and buyers should not choose a home on the assumption it will happen.

Cover photo: Rippon VRE station in Woodbridge, one of the existing commute options to compare. This is not a rendering of the proposed I-95 project.

If you have ever needed to travel south while the Express Lanes were running north, you understand the appeal. The problem is not just how far you need to drive. It is whether the faster-road option is available in your direction when you need it.

Why do the I-95 Express Lanes run only one way?

The existing center lanes reverse direction to serve the dominant travel flow. The operator describes the usual weekday pattern as northbound in the morning and southbound later in the day. There are closures during the reversal, and schedules can change for incidents, holidays and events. Check the operator’s current schedule and signs before traveling.

That arrangement has a clear limitation: someone traveling against the lane direction cannot simply pay to use those lanes. A southbound morning trip or a northbound evening trip can involve a different set of choices from the conventional commute toward Washington and back.

Stewart’s firsthand experience: direction and cost both matter

Chris Colgan Team agent Stewart Talbot says time lost in I-95 traffic sometimes leads him to use Route 1 or other side roads. He can sometimes use the Express Lanes, but says their direction and cost mean that option is not always feasible.

His observation is about his own travel experience. It helps explain why two-way access and affordable access are separate questions; it is not a forecast of traffic diversion or travel-time savings from the proposed project.

What would the two-way proposal actually build?

Transurban’s project page describes roughly 45 miles of permanent, bi-directional Express Lanes, including an approximately 10-mile extension south into Spotsylvania County.

• Franconia-Springfield Parkway to Prince William Parkway: three Express Lanes in each direction.
• Prince William Parkway to Spotsylvania Parkway: two Express Lanes in each direction.

The current rough project-delivery estimate is $4.5 billion to $5.5 billion. That is an early range, not a final contract price or proof that financing is secured.

Think of the proposal as a change in both capacity and availability. It would offer a managed-lane route in both directions instead of asking the same center roadway to serve one direction at a time. It would not make every part of a door-to-door journey an express-lane trip.

What did Fairfax’s chairman say?

According to FFXnow’s September 25 reporting, Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay described the existing arrangement this way: “This was probably the biggest mistake ever made in Virginia’s interstate highway system.”

The same report says officials told supervisors the concept would preserve the number of general-purpose lanes and use mostly existing state right-of-way. “Mostly” matters: it is not a promise that every property impact has been ruled out.

FFXnow also reported Mount Vernon Supervisor Dan Storck’s concern about drivers diverting onto local roads in Lorton. That is a question worth keeping in the discussion alongside the highway benefits.

When could anything change?

The September 22 VDOT briefing says environmental and traffic studies are underway. Its anticipated milestones are public meetings and hearings in 2027–2028, a feasibility and project decision in fall 2028, and commercial and financial close in 2029.

FFXnow reports construction could take place in the early 2030s. That is a possibility, not a guaranteed opening date. Design work and contractor discussions can advance while the ultimate project decision remains ahead.

Would everyone have to pay?

The proposal concerns Express Lanes, not converting all I-95 lanes into toll lanes. Today, Express Lanes tolls vary with demand. Current toll-free options include qualifying carpools with at least three people and an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV ON, as well as motorcycles. Those are today’s operating rules; they are not a final toll schedule for the proposed project.

Two-way access could be useful without being affordable for every daily trip. The practical question is what time savings, access and cost would look like together. Future toll amounts have not been established by the materials reviewed for this article.

What does this mean if you are buying along I-95?

In my September 5 relocation video, I discussed buyers considering Woodbridge or Fredericksburg and underestimating the trip to work. My advice was to test the real commute and compare door-to-door alternatives, including whether VRE fits the workday. A quiet weekend drive is not enough.

The proposed lanes add another question to that conversation, but they do not replace it.

• Springfield or Lorton to a job farther south: a two-way system could create an option during the morning. The eventual access points would still matter.
• Woodbridge, Dumfries or Stafford with changing shifts: look at your actual start and finish times, not just a standard nine-to-five schedule.
• Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania: distinguish the proposed southern extension from lanes available today. Check the drive between the home, an entrance and the workplace.

These are scenarios to evaluate, not measured travel-time forecasts. There is no evidence in the reviewed materials that supports a specific home-price increase from this proposal. Do not pay a premium today for an unbuilt road improvement.

The tradeoffs worth watching

For a buyer who can afford occasional tolls and needs flexibility, two-way access could be valuable. For a household that needs a low, predictable transportation budget, a proposed paid option may not solve the central problem.

For sellers, describe current access accurately. Future infrastructure can be part of a neighborhood conversation, but a listing should not advertise a promised shorter commute or guaranteed appreciation.

The September 10 industry presentation anticipates work under live traffic. Construction staging, neighborhood diversion, entrance design and disruption therefore deserve attention as the plans develop. More lane capacity and a smooth construction experience are separate questions.

Frequently asked questions

Has Virginia approved removing the reversible lanes?

No final project approval is established in the reviewed materials. VDOT describes an ongoing feasibility study with a fall 2028 decision target.

Would the Express Lanes run both ways all day?

That is the proposed operating concept: permanent lanes in both directions, available 24/7. It would replace reversible operation within the proposed project corridor.

Would the regular I-95 lanes disappear?

Officials told Fairfax supervisors the number of general-purpose lanes would not be reduced, according to FFXnow. Final design details remain subject to development.

Is the price exactly $4.5 billion?

No. Transurban currently gives a rough delivery-price range of $4.5–$5.5 billion. It is an estimate, not a final financed budget.

Should I buy farther south because of this project?

Only if the home and transportation options work for you today. Treat the proposal as something to follow, not a guaranteed future commute solution.

Compare the home and the commute together

Considering Springfield, Lorton, Woodbridge, Dumfries, Stafford or Fredericksburg? Talk with the Chris Colgan Team about your home search, including your work location, schedule and transportation budget. If you are selling, we can help position your home using its current features and access.

Contributing team member

Stewart Talbot
Real Estate Agent, Chris Colgan Team
stewart@colganteam.com
Team office: 571-621-7660
Meet Stewart Talbot

About Chris Colgan

Chris Colgan
REALTOR® | Team Leader, Chris Colgan Team
Real Broker, LLC | Powered by PLACE
Call or text: 571-437-7575
Office: 571-621-7660
info@colganteam.com
8427 W Main St, Marshall, VA 20115
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Research checked September 27, 2026. Project details and dates are preliminary and subject to change.