I-495 Interchange

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:

Add access to and from the existing 495 Express Lanes and the new I-66 Express Lanes
Allow drivers to switch from Express Lanes to General Purpose Lanes – or vice versa – when changing roadways
Replace noise walls in several places at the interchange
Add noise walls along I-66 West near Idywlood Park

Get a closer look at what’s planned through the Transform 66 Interactive Map.

Partial Demolition of I-66 West Bridge over I-495 South has been Completed, Work Continues Over the 495 Express Lanes South

Partial demolition of the south side of the I-66 West bridge over I-495 South has been completed. Overnight demolition work over the 495 Express Lanes South will continue through Friday, May 7.

Demolition work will occur over the 495 Express Lanes South travel lanes during overnight hours (typically 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.) when multiple lanes can be closed for the safety of the workers and motorists.
Demolition activity for removal of the bridge deck includes breaking up the concrete deck using jackhammers, saw cutters, and hoe rams.
Partial demolition of the I-66 West bridge over I-495 North will occur at a later date.
All demolition work is weather dependent and will be rescheduled if inclement conditions occur.

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:

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

Construction Update (Updated May 6)

Bridge beam lifts at I-495 Interchange for new bridges and ramps; traffic impacts on I-66 and I-495 – ongoing, beginning Spring 2021 through Fall 2021
Traffic shift on existing ramps at interchange for continued pier construction

The ramp from I-495 South to I-66 West has been shifted as construction continues at the I-495/I-66 interchange. (April 20)

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 traffic shifts and temporary ramp closures as work progresses at the interchange. Sign up for project email updates to keep up to date.

Temporary Realignment of W&OD Trail at Idylwood Park in Use Until About June 2021

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 around June 2021, 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 around June 2021. 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

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 - PDF, 21MB

About the Project

I-495 Interchange