495 Express Lanes Extension Poised To Open In NoVA

Press Release: 495 Express Lanes Extension

FAIRFAX, VA — The 495 Express Lanes Extension (the Extension) remains on schedule to open this Saturday, Nov. 22, weather permitting. The two-and-a-half-mile extension of new 495 Express Lanes spanning from near the Dulles Corridor Interchange to just before the American Legion Bridge and new connecting ramps are scheduled to be fully open and operational by mid-morning Saturday.

The opening of the Extension will bring the most significant change to the Beltway in Virginia since the opening of the original 495 Express Lanes in November 2012. Drivers should use caution and expect new travel patterns, as traffic becomes acclimated with the new lanes and ramps.

The Extension’s entry and exit points will open on a rolling basis, and are projected to all be open by 6 a.m. on Saturday. The following entry and exit points will connect drivers with the 495 Express Lanes Extension:

• Entry from southbound I-495 general purpose-lanes (after crossing American Legion Bridge into Virginia)
• Exit to northbound I-495 general purpose-lanes (before crossing American Legion Bridge into Maryland)
• Entry to southbound 495 Express Lanes from northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway
• Exit from northbound 495 Express Lanes to southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway
• Entry from eastbound and westbound Dulles Toll Road to northbound 495 Express Lanes

Drivers will know an entry to the Extension is open when wayfinding signs are visible, toll pricing is active, and barriers are removed. Drivers should not attempt to access an entry that still appears closed or is in the process of opening.

Mobile and stationary closures on the I-495 general-purpose and express lanes and shoulders, as well as ramp closures and detours, will occur within the 495 NEXT project corridor during implementation of the Extension opening. Crews will be completing final details including updating on-road signage, final “tie-in” work, and opening of new connections. These closures and detours will occur beginning as early as 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21 to 6 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22.
Here’s what Beltway drivers should expect:

On the I-495 general-purpose lanes from about 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21 until approximately 2 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22:

• Single left lane closure on southbound I-495 from George Washington Memorial Parkway to Lewinsville Road Bridge.
• Mobile lane closures on southbound I-495 from River Road in Maryland to George Washington Memorial Parkway.
• Single left lane closure on northbound I-495 from Route 7 to George Washington Memorial Parkway.

On the current 495 Express Lanes and entrance ramps from about 8 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21 until approximately 6 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22:

• Current northbound 495 Express Lanes closed beginning north of Route 7. All drivers will be detoured off northbound 495 Express Lanes to Route 7 exit
• Entry ramps to northbound 495 Express Lanes from Westpark Drive and Scotts Crossing Road closed
• Entry ramp to southbound 495 Express Lanes from Dulles Toll Road closed
• Current northernmost exit from 495 Express Lanes to northbound I-495 general-purpose lanes closed permanently
• Current northernmost entry from I-495 general-purpose lanes to southbound 495 Express Lanes closed permanently

On the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267) from about 9 p.m., Friday, Nov. 21 until approximately 6 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22:

• Ramp from eastbound Dulles Access Road to eastbound Dulles Toll Road closed
• Eastbound Dulles Toll Road ramp to northbound I-495 general- purpose lanes closed
• Multi-lane closure on eastbound Dulles Toll Road from near Route 7 to I-495
• Mobile lane closure on westbound Dulles Toll Road from near Kirby Road to I-495 until about 2 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22.

On the George Washington Memorial Parkway from about 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21 until approximately 2 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22:

• Mobile closures along the approach to northbound I-495.

In case of unfavorable weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances, the opening will be delayed to Sunday morning, Nov. 23. Details will be provided as necessary.
Click here for a factsheet about navigating the 495 Express Lanes Extension