After the COVID-19 lockdowns ended, a surprising trend emerged on the 95/395 Express Lanes: gate strikes surged by 150%. These potentially dangerous incidents occur when a traveler attempts to enter the reversible roadway in the wrong direction—driving into the movable gates that prevent entry if the roadway is oriented the other way. 

Our internal investigation, in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), revealed the culprit to be distracted drivers and those unfamiliar with our Lanes. To tackle this issue head-on, we formed a dedicated team to create a cost-effective solution to curb these gate strikes. 

The answer came in the form of a simple yet effective tool: reflective polymer "DO NOT ENTER" banners. A pilot program targeting one of the six identified "hot spots" was launched with a $1,590 investment. The results were immediate—a 54% reduction in gate strikes within the targeted area. We also realized in the current 4-step reversal procedure conducted by Express Assist patrollers – close, sweep, open, and verify—dedicated on-road incident response vehicles - was a limiting factor that added the most time to the reversal duration. 

But we didn’t stop there. In May 2024, a second wave of banner installations blanketed the remaining "hot spots" further reducing gate strikes by 82%. 

With distracted driving a growing concern nationwide, the success story of the 95/395 Gate Strike Pilot offers valuable insights for other transportation authorities seeking to improve safety and keep traffic flowing smoothly.