The 495 Express Lanes Extension is set to open as scheduled on Saturday, November 22, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The two-and-a-half-mile extension will run from near the Dulles Corridor Interchange to just before the American Legion Bridge, with new connecting ramps expected to be fully operational by mid-morning.
Officials describe this development as a major change for the Beltway in Virginia since the original 495 Express Lanes opened in November 2012. Drivers are advised to use caution and prepare for new travel patterns as traffic adjusts to the updated lanes and ramps.
Entry and exit points for the extension will become available on a rolling basis, with all projected to be open by 6 a.m. Saturday. These include entry from southbound I-495 general-purpose lanes after crossing into Virginia, exits before entering Maryland, connections with the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and access from both directions of the Dulles Toll Road.
“Drivers should not attempt to access an entry that still appears closed or is in the process of opening,” officials said. Entryways will be clearly marked with visible wayfinding signs, active toll pricing, and removed barriers once open.
During implementation of the extension’s opening, there will be mobile and stationary closures on I-495’s general-purpose and express lanes as well as ramp closures and detours within the project corridor. Crews are scheduled to complete final tasks such as updating signage and finishing connection work between Friday night and early Saturday morning.
Specific lane closures include:
– On I-495 general-purpose lanes: Single left lane closures on southbound I-495 from George Washington Memorial Parkway to Lewinsville Road Bridge; mobile lane closures from River Road in Maryland; single left lane closure northbound from Route 7.
– On current 495 Express Lanes: Northbound lanes closed north of Route 7; entry ramps at Westpark Drive and Scotts Crossing Road closed; Dulles Toll Road ramp closed; permanent closure of certain northernmost exits and entries.
– On Dulles Toll Road (Route 267): Ramp closures from eastbound Dulles Access Road; multi-lane closure eastbound near Route 7; mobile westbound lane closure near Kirby Road.
– On George Washington Memorial Parkway: Mobile closures along approaches to northbound I-495.
If weather or unforeseen circumstances arise, officials note that “the opening will be delayed to Sunday morning, Nov. 23.” Updates will be provided if necessary.
A factsheet about navigating the new extension is available here.
