The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin shifting traffic on I-495 onto 2 miles of newly constructed lanes in the Tysons-McLean area on the outer section of the highway this weekend.
This work is part of the ongoing 495 Next project. The work will extend the express lanes from the Dulles Corridor to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchanges near the American Legion Bridge.
The work will start on the northbound lanes first, with crews shifting the lanes during overnight hours on May 2. In the case of weather delays, the work will happen May 3, May 9, or May 10. Southbound lanes will follow in late May or early June, though no exact dates have been announced.
What to Expect May 2 to 3
- Traffic on the four general-purpose lanes of I-495 north between Old Dominion Drive and the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) will be shifted onto the new lanes on the outer side of the highway.
- There will be a single mobile lane closure beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2. This will be followed by two additional lanes closing at 9 p.m. on northbound I-495 between Lewinsville Road and the GWMP.
- One lane will remain open to traffic, except when intermittent total traffic stoppages and/or slow-roll traffic operations occur between midnight and 5 a.m. Police will be on hand to assist with directing motorists.
- Lanes will begin to reopen at 7 a.m. on Saturday, May 3. All four lanes will open in the new alignment by 10 a.m.
- The on-ramp from the westbound Dulles Toll Road to northbound I-495 will close from 10 p.m. Friday until 5 a.m. Saturday. There will be a detour to southbound Route 123 to access northbound I-495.
Once the southbound lanes have shifted, crews will start working in the center area of the highway to construct new express lanes. This will include demolishing old piers and center lane pavement, constructing new ramps, and installing stormwater drainage. Work also includes tolling infrastructure and installing the foundation and paving of the new lanes.
VDOT advises drivers to slow down and drive with caution as they acclimate to the new lanes. There will be narrowed lanes and shoulders, traffic pattern adjustments, and lane closures as the construction continues.
The new express lanes are on track to be open by late this year, VDOT says. Other elements of the 495 Next project, including a new bike and pedestrian trail and a new parking area near Scott’s Run Nature Trail, should open in mid-2026.
Traffic Shifts at Roosevelt Bridge
Another major road rehabilitation will also cause traffic shifts around the DMV. The Roosevelt Bridge over the Potomac River will be undergoing a $127 million project. It includes a new bridge deck, wider sidewalks, structural repairs, better lighting, and new paint.
The work on the Roosevelt Bridge began on April 21 and will continue for approximately three years and eight months.
According to the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), drivers should expect lane closures and increased congestion on I-66. Sidewalk widening and deck replacement may affect pedestrian and bike access. Signage and detour information will be updated regularly.
Commuters should seek alternate routes, check DDOT for updates, and carpool whenever possible.
Feature image, stock.adobe.com
