Sound Walls May Go Up on I-395 for New Express Lanes

Sound walls are a part of the plan for the I-395 express lanes under discussion by government officials who are holding community meetings about the lanes, expected to be completed by the summer of 2019, with construction beginning next year.

Another community meeting on the proposal is set for Wednesday night. The plans are designed to ease traffic by allowing vehicles with three or more people (as the current HOV lanes do) on the lanes as well as anyone who pays. Plans call for adding another lane to the current HOV lanes. Construction is expected to begin in the spring to have express lanes ready by 2019.

Sound walls are expected to go up along an eight-mile stretch along I-395. Read more about the sound walls and noise studies here in a study by the Virginia Department of Transportation. It's unclear what the sound walls would look like, how they might impact foliage, wildlife or the real estate market near I-395.

The next two community meetings are scheduled for

• Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. (formal presentation begins at 7 p.m.) at Francis C. Hammond Middle School in Alexandria
• Nov. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Bren Mar Park Elementary School in Alexandria

Can't make it to a meeting? The public can provide comments on the draft EA or design plans at the public hearings, or until close of business on Monday, Dec. 12 by email:395expresslanes@VDOT.Virginia.gov or mail: Ms. Amanda Baxter, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Reference "I-395 Express Lanes Northern Extension" in the subject line.

PHOTO of I-395 courtesy of VDOT