Occoquan I-95 Bottleneck Relief In Sight With New Deals

WOODBRIDGE, VA—Gov. Ralph Northam announced Tuesday the state has made new agreements with Express Lanes operator Transurban for a Capital Beltway extension and other projects, including relieving infamous bottleneck conditions around Occoquan and improving access to the Potomac Mills shopping complex.

Virginia lawmakers, in a release, applauded the deals. Said Sen. Jeremy McPike: "The I-95 bottleneck at the Occoquan Bridge has been a source of personal frustration and time stuck in traffic—valuable time that could be spent with family. With funding now in place, VDOT will begin the design and construction that our community has sought for years."

Added Sen. Scott Surovell: "The Occoquan bottleneck is the worst traffic problem in Virginia and has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to represent Prince William County in 2015,” said Senator Scott Surovell. “I am ecstatic that Governor Northam’s administration and Transurban were able to negotiate a way to expedite construction on this critical improvement. Everyone wins in this deal."

Per the release, here are details:

• Construction of a new southbound Occoquan auxiliary lane on Interstate 95 in Woodbridge to address the traffic bottleneck at the Occoquan Bridge. The Occoquan Auxiliary Lane will connect the southbound Route 123 ramp onto I-95 with the off-ramp at westbound Prince William Parkway. The Commonwealth and Transurban have agreed the improvements will not require any compensation payment to Transurban.

• Addition of a new, reversible ramp connecting the existing 95 Express Lanes at Opitz Boulevard to provide improved access to Potomac Mills and Sentara Virginia Medical Center. The ramp will offer Express Lane drivers the option to exit directly onto Opitz Boulevard. Transurban will be responsible for the design, construction, maintenance, and all associated costs, creating greater accessibility for the residents and business community.

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