VDOT and Transurban unveil new Opitz Boulevard access to improve traffic flow on 95 Express Lanes
Woodbridge, Virginia – A major new development in Virginia’s transportation infrastructure is set to open in mid-November as Transurban, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Shirley Contracting Company, completes a new access ramp connecting Opitz Boulevard in Woodbridge to the 95 Express Lanes. This new northbound access point is scheduled to open at approximately 10 p.m. on November 14, 2024, just in time for drivers to take advantage of it during the Friday morning rush hour on November 15.
Enhanced Access and Congestion Relief for Prince William County
Located in a heavily traveled corridor, this access point to the 95 Express Lanes will directly benefit the rapidly expanding Woodbridge community, which includes important employers like Sentara Medical Center and Potomac Mills. Michelle Shropshire, VDOT Northern Virginia District Megaprojects Director, emphasized the project’s impact on local and regional traffic relief: “The new connection between Opitz Boulevard and the 95 Express Lanes will provide new access for drivers coming from Prince William County and points south, helping to relieve congestion locally and on I-95.”
Innovative Design to Improve Mobility
The $70 million project, fully funded by Transurban, represents the latest investment in Virginia’s growing network of express lanes. The Opitz Boulevard ramp project stands out as the first independent, direct access ramp added to the 95/395 Express Lanes network. The reversible ramp will offer northbound access during the morning rush and southbound access in the evening, creating a smooth and consistent flow for commuters.
“The Opitz Boulevard Project is a great example of Transurban’s commitment to improving mobility in collaboration with our partners at VDOT,” said Beau Memory, President, Transurban North America. “We are always looking for more ways to provide faster, more reliable trips—Consistently enhancing and innovating along our roads is one way we build connections throughout our communities—Opitz being the fourth on the 95 Express Lanes since opening in 2014.”
Additional Features and Safety Upgrades
As part of the Opitz Boulevard Ramp Project, Transurban and its partners have rehabilitated and widened the Opitz Boulevard bridge over I-95, enhancing both sides with left-turn lanes and adding a sidewalk to improve safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. These improvements will not only ease transitions between the express lanes and local traffic but also foster better accessibility within the community, making it safer for those traveling on foot or by bike.
The new access ramp is expected to significantly improve travel times and reliability on the 95 Express Lanes. By giving more drivers in Prince William County an option to bypass some of I-95’s worst congestion points, the Opitz Boulevard access will contribute to smoother, quicker commutes.
This project marks another important step forward in Virginia’s efforts to expand and optimize its transportation infrastructure, creating faster, more efficient connections for drivers and supporting ongoing growth in Northern Virginia.
