Traffic around the Capital Beltway is no longer limited to motor vehicles. A new bicycle and pedestrian trail is opening this weekend, and it runs directly parallel to I-495.
The new trail is an initiative between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban. It opens to the public on Saturday, June 27. Situated between Lewinsville Road and Live Oak Drive in the McLean area, the paved trail runs about 2.5 miles along I-495.
The trail is behind new noise walls and aims to provide a safe pathway for bicyclists and pedestrians. It’s part of VDOT’s ongoing express-lane expansion project, 495 NEXT.
“We are excited to bring one more way our communities can connect via these new shared-use paths, delivering yet another travel choice to Northern Virginia,” said Beau Memory, president of Transurban North America. “Providing accessibility to our outdoor spaces for walkers, bike riders and more supports our neighbors’ wellbeing and helps more people enjoy our region.”
A bike path along a busy highway might seem out of the ordinary, but it’s not the first of its kind in the region. A similar pathway opened along I-66 in 2023, spanning about 18 miles.
Community Fun Run
To celebrate the new trail, VDOT and Transurban are hosting a free 4.95-kilometer run on June 27. It will begin at the future Scott’s Run Nature Preserve annex parking lot. Participants can park at the Holy Trinity Church in McLean.
The run begins at 8:30 a.m., with remarks from project leadership. Runners will cross westbound over Georgetown Pike, then head south on the trail. Around Lewinsville Road, runners turn around and backtrack to the bridge.
A kid-friendly run begins 9:15 a.m., and the event includes family entertainment. The run is free, but registration is required.
Feature image, kunchainub/stock.adobe.com
