The I-66/I-495 Interchange is being modified with several new ramps and connections as part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project. The new interchange design will:
Get a closer look at what’s planned through the Transform 66 Interactive Map.
Partial Demolition of Three Bridges at the I-66/I-495 Interchange Planned During March and April 2022
Partial demolition of three bridges at the I-66/I-495 Interchange began in early March and will continue through about late April, depending on weather and other factors. Work is needed to add connections for ramps to and from the new I-66 Express Lanes.
Partial demolition of the bridge decks is occurring on the south side of the I-66 West Bridge over I-495 North; on the east side of the ramp from the 495 Express Lanes South to I-66 West; and on the north side of the ramp from I-66 East to I-495 North. This nighttime demolition requires the use of jackhammers, saw cutters, and hoe rams.
Since demolition will occur over I-495 North travel lanes and over the ramp from I-66 East to the 495 Express Lanes South, this work can only be completed during the overnight hours (typically 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) when multiple lanes of I-495 and the ramp can be closed for the safety of workers and motorists.
The project will make every effort to minimize impacts to neighbors, however, some demolition activities will generate unavoidable noise and other impacts. Measures will be taken to lessen construction impacts, including hauling away concrete to be processed off-site, directing lighting toward roadway/away from residences, and monitoring vibration and demolition noise. Learn more here.
Noise Wall Replacement and Addition Near the I-495 Interchange
Construction of new ramps will require several sections of noise walls to be demolished and rebuilt in the northwest, northeast, and southeast quadrants of the I-495 Interchange. Additionally, a section of older wood noise wall along I-66 East between the ramp from I-495 North and Virginia Lane will be replaced toward the end of the project.
The project final noise analysis identified a section of new noise wall that will be built along I-66 West near the W&OD Trail and Idylwood Park.
Learn more about noise walls and the Transform 66 Project here. Download the final noise analysis report sections covering the I-495 Interchange area below:
Construction Update (Updated March 28, 2021)
Recent Construction Progress:
Upcoming Construction Activities:
Aerial view of the I-495 Interchange. (March 20, 2022)
Piers will support new overpasses at the I-495 Interchange. (May 19, 2021)
Beams have been installed for a new ramp connecting I-495 to the I-66 Express Lanes. (May 19, 2021)
What Neighbors Can Expect
What Drivers Can Expect
Temporary Realignment of W&OD Trail at Idylwood Park in Use Until Early 2022
The Washington & Old Dominion Trail (W&OD Trail) near Idylwood Park (between Virginia Lane and the trail bridge over I-495) in Falls Church has been temporarily shifted toward I-66 to accommodate construction of a retaining wall needed for new Express Lanes ramps. This temporary alignment is expected to be in use until early 2022, at which point the trail will be shifted to its post-project alignment closer to Idylwood Park. 
The W&OD Trail adjacent to Idlywood Park in Falls Church has been temporarily realigned until early 2022. The temporary trail will be located slightly south of the current trail alignment adjacent to I-66 West.
Typical cross section of the temporary realignment of the W&OD Trail at Idylwood Park. The trail will be shifted slightly to the south of the current alignment.
Timeline
| Anticipated Schedule | Dates |
| Ramp and bridge work begins | 2018 |
| Various traffic shifts and temporary ramp closures for construction and demolition | 2018 through 2022 |
| Bridge beam installation | Summer 2020 through 2022 |
| Demolition of old bridges | 2021 |
| Express Lanes open | December 2022 |
Resources
