Difference between revisions of "pocahontas-parkway"
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| − | <li>[[virginia-toll|Virginia Toll Roads]] - Complete Virginia toll system overview</li> | + | <li>[[virginia-toll-roads-bridges-tunnels-express-lanes|Virginia Toll Roads]] - Complete Virginia toll system overview</li> |
<li>[[powhite-parkway|Powhite Parkway]] - Another Richmond area toll road</li> | <li>[[powhite-parkway|Powhite Parkway]] - Another Richmond area toll road</li> | ||
<li>[[downtown-expressway|Downtown Expressway]] - Richmond city connector</li> | <li>[[downtown-expressway|Downtown Expressway]] - Richmond city connector</li> | ||
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<li>[[us-toll|US Toll Roads]] - National toll road network</li> | <li>[[us-toll|US Toll Roads]] - National toll road network</li> | ||
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Latest revision as of 13:46, 5 July 2025
Click on the map to open toll wiki for a country/state
Pocahontas Parkway Virginia Complete Guide
System: State Route 895 (SR 895) - Traditional toll road
Operator: Globalvia (Spanish infrastructure company)
Currency: US Dollar (USD)
Length: 8.8 miles connecting I-95/SR 150 to I-295
Technology: E-ZPass, cash, credit cards, mobile apps (Slora, GoToll)
Do I Need E-ZPass for Pocahontas Parkway? 2025 Update
No, E-ZPass is not mandatory for Pocahontas Parkway. Unlike Virginia's Express Lanes, this traditional toll road accepts multiple payment methods including cash, credit cards, and mobile apps.
Payment Options Available:
- E-ZPass: Fastest option with open road tolling capability
- Cash: Accepted at all full-service lanes (exact change helpful)
- Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover
- Mobile Apps: Slora and GoToll for smartphone payment
2025 Update: Toll rates increased April 1, 2025, as scheduled under the concession agreement. The Pocahontas Parkway remains the only James River crossing for 6 miles in either direction, making it a vital Richmond area bypass route.
Pocahontas Parkway Toll Costs: Current Rates
Pocahontas Parkway uses fixed toll rates based on vehicle axles, with no dynamic pricing. Rates are the same regardless of payment method.
Current Toll Rates by Vehicle Class (Effective April 1, 2025)
| Vehicle Class | Axles | Toll Rate | Vehicle Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 1 | 2 axles | $4.85 | Cars, SUVs, pickup trucks, motorcycles |
| Class 2 | 3 axles | $5.55 | Large trucks, single-unit trucks |
| Class 3 | 4 axles | $7.15 | Small tractor-trailers, delivery trucks |
| Class 4 | 5 axles | $8.75 | Standard tractor-trailers |
| Class 5 | 6+ axles | $10.35 | Large tractor-trailers, specialty vehicles |
Cost Per Mile Analysis
At 8.8 miles total length, Pocahontas Parkway costs approximately:
- Passenger cars: $0.55 per mile ($4.85 total)
- Small trucks: $0.63 per mile ($5.55 total)
- Large trucks: $0.81-$1.18 per mile ($7.15-$10.35 total)
How to Pay Pocahontas Parkway Tolls
Pocahontas Parkway offers multiple convenient payment options:
1. E-ZPass Electronic Payment:
- Open road tolling - no stopping required
- Works with any state's E-ZPass transponder
- Fastest option for frequent users
2. Cash Payment:
- Accepted at all full-service lanes
- Available at main toll plaza and all entrance/exit ramps
- Exact change helpful but not required
3. Credit/Debit Card Payment:
- Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover accepted
- Available at toll plaza and entrance/exit points
- Convenient for occasional users
4. Mobile App Payment:
- Slora app: Globalvia's free mobile payment solution
- GoToll app: Third-party mobile toll payment
- Real-time payment using license plate recognition
- Works on other Virginia toll roads as well
Recent Changes (2025)
April 2025 Toll Rate Increase:
- Scheduled increase per 2006 concession agreement with VDOT
- Rates adjusted to cover operational and maintenance costs
- No state or federal financial support - fully toll-funded
- Previous toll increase maintains financial viability
Fraud Alert Program:
- Rise in fraudulent text messages claiming unpaid tolls
- Scammers directing to unauthorized payment websites
- Official payments only at pocahontas895.com
- Customer education campaign ongoing
Technology Improvements:
- Enhanced electronic toll collection with A-to-Be systems
- Automatic toll payment machines with fraud detection
- Slora mobile app integration for seamless payment
- Improved customer service systems
Route Description & Access Points
Western Terminus (I-95/SR 150 - Chippenham Parkway):
- Complex interchange with I-95 and SR 150 (Chippenham Parkway)
- Direct connection from SR 150 northbound
- Access from I-95 northbound via flyover ramp
- Note: No direct access from I-95 southbound (must use U-turn at US 1/301)
Vietnam Veterans Memorial Bridge:
- High-level bridge spanning James River shipping channel
- Dedicated to 1,305 Virginians who died in Vietnam conflict
- Allows ocean-going vessels to pass underneath
- Only James River crossing for 6 miles in either direction
Intermediate Access Points:
- Laburnum Avenue (Exit 2): Trumpet interchange connecting to SR 5 (New Market Road)
- Airport Drive (Exit 3): Direct connection to Richmond International Airport terminal
- Both exits have full-service toll collection facilities
Eastern Terminus (I-295 - Richmond International Airport):
- Trumpet interchange with I-295
- Connects to I-64 via I-295 north (18 miles)
- Connects to I-95 south via I-295 (25 miles to Petersburg area)
- Primary airport access route from southern Richmond area
Planning Your Journey
Strategic Value for Richmond Area:
- Fastest connection between southwest and eastern Richmond
- Bypasses downtown Richmond traffic and I-95/I-64 congestion
- Critical route during rush hour and holiday travel
- Only direct James River crossing in the area
Airport Access Benefits:
- Fastest route to Richmond International Airport from Chesterfield County
- Direct Airport Drive connection (Exit 3)
- Avoids Richmond city traffic for airport travelers
- Saves significant time from southern origins
Cost-Benefit Analysis:
- $4.85 toll vs. 15-30 minutes time savings during peak hours
- Fuel savings from shorter, more direct route
- Reduced vehicle wear from highway vs. city driving
- Reliable travel times vs. unpredictable city traffic
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I miss a toll or can't pay at the time?
Wait at least 48 hours, then use the "Missed a toll" tool on pocahontas895.com or call (804) 822-3458. You can avoid additional fees by paying promptly before receiving a violation notice.
Can I access I-95 southbound directly from Pocahontas Parkway?
No, there's no direct ramp from I-95 southbound to Pocahontas Parkway eastbound. Drivers must continue to the US 1/301 interchange and use the loop ramps to U-turn back.
Is Pocahontas Parkway worth the toll cost?
For time-sensitive travel, airport trips, or avoiding Richmond traffic, the $4.85 toll often provides significant value through time savings and reliable travel times, especially during peak hours.
What mobile apps work on Pocahontas Parkway?
Slora (Globalvia's free app) and GoToll both work on Pocahontas Parkway. These apps use license plate recognition to automatically pay tolls without stopping or having a transponder.
Why was this road built as a toll road?
High construction costs due to the expensive James River bridge and environmental requirements made public funding insufficient. The Virginia Public Private Transportation Act of 1995 enabled private financing through tolls.
How do I avoid toll scams?
Only pay tolls through official channels: pocahontas895.com, (804) 822-3458, or authorized mobile apps. Ignore text messages claiming unpaid tolls that direct you to unauthorized websites.
Pocahontas Parkway vs. Regional Toll Roads
| Toll Road | Length | Car Toll | Payment Methods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pocahontas Parkway | 8.8 miles | $4.85 | E-ZPass, cash, credit, mobile apps |
| Powhite Parkway | 13 miles | $0.70-$1.10 | E-ZPass, cash (limited hours) |
| Downtown Expressway | 2.5 miles | $0.75 | E-ZPass, cash |
| Chesapeake Expressway | 16 miles | $2.00-$4.00 | E-ZPass, cash |
| I-95 Express Lanes | 40+ miles | $0.50-$35+ (dynamic) | E-ZPass only |
Useful Links & Resources
Internal Navigation:
- Virginia Toll Roads - Complete Virginia toll system overview
- Powhite Parkway - Another Richmond area toll road
- Downtown Expressway - Richmond city connector
Regional Toll Systems:
- US Toll Roads - National toll road network
Official Resources:
- Pocahontas Parkway Customer Service: (804) 822-3458
- Toll-Free: 1-866-428-6339
- Email: info@pocahontas895.com
- Official Website: pocahontas895.com
- Slora Mobile App: Free toll payment app
