VDOT is reminding drivers that this is “Big Beam Weekend.” Construction crews will be installing massive steel girders across the northbound Beltway as part of a new express-lanes ramp. That means lane reductions and shifts will likely snarl traffic and cause significant delays.
VDOT crews will be working on northbound I-495 near Tysons in Virginia (heading toward the American Legion Bridge). Closures will begin at 9 p.m. on January 24 and could still be in effect until 5 a.m. on Monday, January 27. Multiple ramps at the I-495 and Dulles Corridor interchange will also be closed and detoured to accommodate the work.
Typically, VDOT performs large construction operations during nighttime or non-peak hours to limit traffic disruptions. However, this project is requiring extra daytime hours to complete. And because of the size and weight of the beams, it’s not possible to do the job safely above ongoing traffic.
For those planning to travel though the area, VDOT is offering the following information:
- Northbound 495 express lanes traffic will need to exit the lanes at the Route 7/Leesburg Pike express lanes exit (near mile marker 47.4), with the option to merge back onto northbound I-495 into the general-purpose lanes.
- All northbound I-495 traffic will be reduced to two lanes and diverted to the northbound 495 express lanes north of Route 123 (near mile marker 45.7).
- As part of this diversion, no vehicle will be charged a toll, and trucks will be allowed to travel on this section of northbound 495 express lanes. The lanes will operate as general-purpose lanes.
- All lanes will reopen (four general purpose lanes) at Lewinsville Road, north of the Dulles Toll Road/Route 267 (near mile marker 44.6).
- The ramp from eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Airport Access Highway to northbound I-495, as well as westbound Dulles Toll Road under I-495, will be closed and detoured.
- The Dulles Airport Access Highway will remain open. However, travelers should allow extra time to get to the airport because of the construction.
- All southbound I-495 lanes (four general purpose and two express lanes) will remain open.
- Southbound 495 express lanes will operate as normal with tolling in effect.
Drivers can check traffic conditions at 511.vdot.virginia.gov, on the mobile app, or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com/Victor
