As part of the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project, the I-66/I-495 Interchange has been modified with several new ramps and connections. The newly designed interchange:

• Adds access to and from the existing 495 Express Lanes and the new 66 Express Lanes
• Allows drivers to switch from Express Lanes to general-purpose lanes – or vice versa – when changing roadways
• Replaced noise walls in several places at the interchange
• Added noise walls along I-66 West near Idywlood Park

Get a closer look with the Transform 66 Interactive Map.

I-495 Express Lanes Access

• I-66 West drivers inside the Beltway will access the westbound 66 Express Lanes from the far-left lane.
• A ramp from the I-495 North general-purpose lanes and the northbound 495 Express Lanes will connect directly to the westbound 66 Express Lanes.
• A ramp from the I-495 South general-purpose lanes and the southbound 495 Express Lanes will connect directly to the westbound 66 Express Lanes.
• Drivers in the eastbound 66 Express Lanes will be able to access the I-495 general-purpose lanes and the 495 Express Lanes to the north and south.

New Flyover Ramp from I-495 North to I-66 West Opened August 25

The first new exit ramp and bridge at the I-66/I-495 Interchange opened ahead of schedule on August 25. Drivers on northbound I-495 now exit to westbound I-66 using the new flyover ramp, located one-half mile south of (prior to) the old exit ramp, and prior to the ramp heading to eastbound I-66. The old exit ramp was closed to allow for construction of a new ramp connecting to the westbound 66 Express Lanes. Drivers should use caution and follow roadway signs when traveling in this area.

The new I-495 North to I-66 West ramp was completed as an interim milestone for the project and was the first of several new ramp openings and permanent traffic pattern changes that happened this year at the I-66/I-495 Interchange area. The location of the ramp from I-495 North to I-66 East did not change as part of this new configuration.

Construction Update (Updated March 23, 2023)

Recent Construction Progress:

• New flyover ramp from I-495 North to I-66 West opened August 25, 2022
• Bridge piers and abutments have been constructed for ramp connections
• Existing ramps have been shifted 
• The W&OD Trail near Idylwood Park has been shifted to its new, permanent location

Upcoming Construction Activities:

• Continue replacement and construction of new noise wall

Aerial view of the Dunn Loring Express Lanes ramps construction progress. (December 20, 2022)

Project progress at the I-495 Interchange. (December 5, 2022)

Noise Wall Replacement and Addition Near the I-495 Interchange

Several sections of noise walls had to be demolished and rebuilt in the northwest, northeast, and southeast quadrants of the I-495 Interchange so that construction of new ramps could take place. 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:

Segment 3C FDNA Technical Memo – Southwest Quadrant of I-66/I-495 Interchange - PDF, 11.9MB

Segment 3C FDNA Technical Memo – Southeast Quadrant of I-66/I-495 Interchange - PDF, 6MB

Segment 3C FDNA Technical Memo – Northwest Quadrant of I-66/I-495 Interchange - PDF, 6.5MB

Segment 3C FDNA Technical Memo – Northeast Quadrant of I-66/I-495 Interchange - PDF, 6MB

What Neighbors Can Expect

• Noisy construction activities such as bridge demolition and pile driving will be avoided at night, when possible. Noise to expect at night includes back-up alarms on equipment and trucks, which is necessary to protect worker safety
• Lighting of the construction work area will be directed to minimize light pollution for nearby residents
• Project emails and website will be used to communicate major traffic switches or nighttime work

What Drivers Can Expect

• Drivers should expect lane closures and temporary ramp closures as work continues at the interchange. Sign up for project email updates to keep up to date.

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 opened	November 2022

Resources

Temporary Lane Closures on Ramp from I-495 South to I-66 West Starting on or about Thursday, January 28, through Mid-March 2021 - Website

I-495 Partial Bridge Demo Outreach Flyer - April 2021 - PDF, 21MB

I-495 Partial Bridge Demo Outreach Flyer - March 2022 - PDF, 7MB

I-495 Interchange
Gallows Road
Cedar Lane
Nutley Street Interchange
Vienna Metrorail Station Area
Route 123 Interchange
Jermantown Road
Waples Mill Road
Route 50 Interchange
Monument Drive
Route 286
Stringfellow Road
Route 28 Interchange
Poplar Tree Road Bridge
E.C. Lawrence Park
Route 29 Interchange
Balls Ford Road Park and Ride
Route 234 Business
University Blvd. Park and Ride
Trails
66 Express Lanes