I-95 HOV Lanes in northern Virginia

[Arbond]

Just double checking. I can drive in the HOV lanes - Southbound - after getting on I-95 from I-495 at the Springfield Interchange - if I am arriving about 9:00pm - without any EZpass monitor.....because this is not a "restricted" time period.....correct?

Also.....can anyone tell me exactly where the first, and maybe second, access points are for entry into the HOV lanes - after getting off I-495? What mile marker are they at?

I only ask because it is such a jumble of lanes....that I want to make sure to get over to the left in order to have access to the entry points, just not sure exactly where they are.

Any help or tips would be appreciated!

[Webmaster]

There is only one southbound restricted (HOV) lane entry point on I-95 in Virginia. It's just before Exit 167 (Backlick Road). Exit numbers for I-95 in Virginia are based on the mile marker system.

From the VDOT:

There are two High Occupancy Vehicle lanes (separated from the regular lanes by barriers) from Washington, D.C. to Dumfries (30 miles). On weekdays, HOV-3 (three or more people in a vehicle) is in effect northbound (going into Washington) from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and southbound (out of Washington) from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

HOV-3 only: Monday-Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. northbound; 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. southbound

The HOV lanes are closed to all traffic during the following hours:

Weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and midnight to 2 a.m.
Saturdays from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The HOV lanes are open to all traffic during the following hours:

Northbound from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. on weekdays; from 4 p.m. Saturday until 6 a.m. Monday.
Southbound from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and from 6 p.m. to midnight on weekdays; from 6 p.m. Friday until 2 p.m. Saturday.

[Arbond]

Thanks!