About the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project
The Transform 66 Outside the Beltway project will transform Northern Virginia’s Interstate 66 into a multimodal corridor that moves more people, provides reliable trips and offers new travel options. The project is a public-private partnership between the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and private partner, I-66 Express Mobility Partners, delivering $3.7 billion of transportation improvements in the I-66 corridor. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2022.
Improvements include:
- 22.5 miles of new Express Lanes alongside three regular lanes on I-66 from I-495 to University Boulevard in Gainesville
- More reliable and faster trips on I-66 due to dynamically-tolled Express Lanes – available to solo drivers choosing to pay a toll and free to vehicles with three or more people
- New and improved bus service and transit routes
- New and expanded park and ride lots providing convenient access to the Express Lanes and more than 4,000 new park and ride spaces
- Interchange improvements to enhance safety and reduce congestion, including auxiliary lanes between interchanges, where needed
- 11 miles of new bike and pedestrian trails, including shared-use trails along I-66 that integrate with local trails, and new crossings of I-66 to improve and expand bicycle and pedestrian routes
Construction Ramps Up
Early construction activities on the I-66 Outside the Beltway Project began in late 2017, with activities ramping up in April 2018. Activities that will be visible to area travelers and residents include:
- Geotechnical surveys to test soil where construction will occur
- Utility surveys to mark locations of underground utilities such as phone, water and gas lines
- Relocating utilities where necessary
- Installing erosion and sediment control measures such as construction fencing to protect the natural environment during construction
- Removing trees where necessary
- Grading and drainage work
Initial construction activities are taking place within existing VDOT right of way and alongside the roadway. Work will begin in these areas:
- Eastbound I-66 at I-495 (Capital Beltway)
- Both directions on I-66 between Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and east of Waples Mill Road
- Both directions on Route 28 north of I-66 between Westfields Boulevard and just north of Braddock and Walney Roads
- Both directions on I-66 near Gainesville between Route 29 and west of Sudley Road
- University Boulevard park and ride lot near Gainesville (east of Route 29 interchange)
Click here to learn more about upcoming construction.
