SPRINGFIELD, Va. (AP) – A $940 million project that could significantly change the commute for traffic-weary northern Virginians is taking effect.

On Monday, HOV lanes on Interstate 95 in northern Virginia switch to Express Lanes. The big change means that solo drivers can use the lanes at peak hours, rather than just carpoolers. But solo drivers will have to pay to use the lanes, anywhere from 20 to 80 cents a mile depending on how heavy traffic is. Carpools of three or more can continue to use the lanes for free.

Drivers must get a special transponder in their cars to use the lanes.

The project also extends the lanes farther out into the northern Virginia suburbs, as far south as Stafford County.

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