Interchange At Congested Area Of I-95 In Woodbridge To Get Public Hearing

WOODBRIDGE, VA — Proposed improvements to one of the problematic areas of Interstate 95 for traffic congestion will get a public hearing.

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced a public hearing Wednesday, May 8 for design of improvements to the I-95 and Route 123/Gordon Boulevard interchange. Drivers typically experience backups on I-95 around this exit, especially during morning and evening peak hours. Interstate 95 sees about 200,000 vehicles per day in this area, while Route 123 sees about 58,000 vehicles pass through, according to VDOT.

Proposed improvements include replacing the northbound Route 123 loop ramp to southbound I-95 with a signalized left-turn to the southbound Route 123 ramp to southbound I-95. That ramp to southbound I-95 would be widened from one to two lanes. VDOT also proposes moving the Route 123 and I-95 Express Lanes ramp intersection slightly south and realigning the southbound I-95 ramp to northbound Route 123. In addition, \the project would replace the deck of the southbound I-95 bridge over Occoquan Road and add a shared-use path along northbound Route 123 from Annapolis Way to Devil's Reach Road.

The concept came from the I-95 and Route 123 Interchange Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) Study, which is looking at improvements for the interchange. A larger effort is the I-95 Corridor Improvement Plan being studied by the Commonwealth Transportation Board to improve travel along I-95, which has frequent areas of congestion.

The May 8 meeting on the I-95/Route 123 interchange will be held May 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Occoquan Elementary School, 12915 Occoquan Road, Woodbridge, VA 22192. A virtual option will start at 6:30 p.m. when the presentation begins. Residents may also join by phone at 804-215-0389 with access code 324-626-497#.

Residents may provide feedback on the project web page, by email to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov with “I-95 and Route 123 Interchange Improvements” in the subject line, or mail to Mr. Mark Gibney, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.