The opening of the New Express Lanes on 495 in Virginia this past Saturday caused confusion and accidents as drivers tried to familiarize themselves with the new traffic patterns. Because the hopefully traffic alleviating Express Lanes require drivers to have an E-ZPass or face steep penalties, there were reports of drivers backing up to get off exit ramps as the lanes opened.
As commuters joined the fray Monday morning there were still reports of confusion. Virginia State Police are urging drivers to get used to the new lanes and the new signage, and warn that problems with confused drivers could increase this week as Thanksgiving travelers pass through the area.
