Is the left HOV exit from 66E to 495S open in the mornings? (Richmond: construction)

[reebo]

I know they're doing a heck of a lot of construction there--and that the exit is closed sometimes at night--but is it open during regular HOV hours? Thanks. I tried looking at some of the websites that allegedly have this information, but could make neither heads nor tails of it.

[metclubin]

It is open in the mornings during HOV hours. They close the left exit around 10am.

[spleuchan]

495S (towards richmond) or 495N (towards the american legion bridge)? I know the left hov exit was 495N, then they did construction closing it. Now I see an electronic contruction sign saying the exit is only open during HOV hours, but assumed that was for 495N. If it is for 495S, I need to pay more attention in the morning since I drive in the HOV lane and take 495S and it would be nice not having to move across all lanes of traffic to exit.

[reebo]

Thanks for the info. Spleuchan, I am talking about 495S to Richmond and I agree--trying to get across three lanes and line up would almost make using the HOV lanes useless.

[yolli71]

I am fairly certain they have completely shut down the 495S exit (for good), and that the left exit is only for 495N HOV traffic. When the Express Lanes are done, that left exit will be HOV 3 or for people who don't mind paying the toll.

[reebo]

Yolli71, you are correct. The left HOV exit from 66E to the beltway, only takes you to the beltway going north, to Tyson's. I had to go up to 7 and turn around and come back the other way.