VIRGINIA HOT LANES

High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes are tolled lanes that operate alongside existing highway lanes to provide users with a faster and more reliable travel option. Buses, carpools (HOV-3), motorcycles and emergency vehicles will have free access to HOT lanes. Drivers with fewer than three occupants can choose to pay to access the lanes.

Tolls for the HOT lanes will change according to traffic conditions to regulate demand for the lanes and keep them congestion free - even during peak hours. When traffic increases, tolls will go up. When traffic decreases, tolls will go down.

Fully electronic tolling on the HOT lanes will allow customers to pay tolls with E-ZPass - eliminating the need for toll booths. Electronic signs will display toll rates to help drivers decide whether to use HOT lanes. Drivers will lock in their toll rate when they enter the HOT lanes.

The I-495 Virginia HOT Lanes Project will deliver the most significant enhancements to the Beltway since its opening in 1964. The project includes two new lanes in each direction from the Springfield Interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road and the replacement of more than $260 million in aging infrastructure. This includes replacing more than 50 bridges, overpasses, and major interchanges.

Drivers traveling both east and west on Route 7 in Tysons Corner will be able to access the southbound HOT lanes. Drivers traveling north in the HOT lanes will be able to access Route 7. Drivers going south on the HOT lanes will not have direct access to Route 7.