LA PLATA, Md. — The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is considering a major proposal to extend express toll lanes along a portion of I-495. The I-495 Southside Express Lanes Project is currently in the public review phase, with a recommended plan that would stretch from the Springfield Interchange in Virginia to the MD 210 interchange in Prince George’s County — a route used daily by many Southern Maryland commuters.
What the Project Includes
- 11 miles of new express lanes
- Two toll lanes in each direction between Springfield and I-295
- One toll lane in each direction from I-295 to MD 210
- Improved bike and walking trails between Springfield and Oxon Hill
- Preserved space on the Wilson Bridge for future transit
- Possible express bus service between central-west Prince George’s County and Tysons
What the Tolls Mean for Charles County
The new express lanes are designed to become part of the broader 95/395/495 Express Lanes network already in place across Northern Virginia. While MD 210 itself will not have tolls, the express lanes are proposed to end at the MD 210 interchange — placing Southern Maryland drivers right at the edge of the toll zone. This setup could result in heavier traffic on MD 210, especially during peak hours, as some drivers may divert to avoid toll costs.
Under the proposal, the express lanes would use dynamic toll pricing, which means the toll rate changes based on traffic conditions. However, some drivers can use the lanes for free:
HOV-3+ (high-occupancy vehicle with three or more people) will be allowed to use the lanes for free, but only if:
- They use an E-ZPass Flex transponder, switched to HOV mode.
- They meet the occupancy requirement at all times.
Example:
- If you’re driving alone with a regular E-ZPass → you pay.
- If you’re carpooling with three people and have E-ZPass Flex in HOV mode → you ride free.
Maryland Legislators Opposing the I-495 Southside Express Lanes Project
Del. Jamila J. Woods (District 26, Prince George’s County): Woods has been a vocal critic of the proposed express lanes. She hosted a community meeting to provide residents with a platform to express their concerns about the project. At this meeting, her team conducted an independent survey that reportedly gathered substantial feedback from local citizens opposing the project, contrasting with VDOT’s survey indicating support.
Sen. C. Anthony Muse (District 26, Prince George’s County): Muse has also expressed strong opposition to the project. He attended the community meeting hosted by Woods and directly challenged VDOT representatives, emphasizing the potential negative impacts on communities along MD 210.
Del. Nicole A. Williams (District 22, Prince George’s County): As chair of the Prince George’s County House Delegation, Williams submitted a formal letter expressing concerns about the project. Her letter highlighted issues such as the lack of adequate consideration for alternative solutions and the potential adverse effects on local communities.
Local Public Hearing: Make Your Voice Heard
Southern Maryland residents can attend a nearby public hearing to learn more and provide comments:
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
Time: 6 to 8 p.m.
Location: Oxon Hill High School Auditorium
6701 Leyte Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- Open house: 6 p.m.
- Presentation: 6:30 p.m.
- Public comment session follows
Other hearings will be held in Alexandria.
Full details and materials are available at www.vdot.virginia.gov/495southside
How to Comment (by June 26, 2025)
- Submit oral or written comments at the hearings
- Complete an online comment form at www.vdot.virginia.gov/495southside
- Email: 495southsideexpresslanes@vdot.virginia.gov
- Call 703-691-6044 and leave a message (TTY/TDD 711)
- Mail comments to:
Michelle Shropshire, P.E.
VDOT Northern Virginia Megaprojects Director
4975 Alliance Drive
Fairfax, VA 22030
See more in the 495 Southside Express Lanes Public Information Meetings Brochure.
You can read the full April 2025 Public Comment Summary Report, which includes formal letters of opposition from Maryland delegates, here.
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