The opening of the 495 Express Lanes Extension has been postponed to Sunday morning, November 23, due to expected rain on the original date. The Virginia Department of Transportation announced that all closures will proceed as previously scheduled, beginning at 8 p.m. on Saturday night and continuing into Sunday morning.
The two-and-a-half-mile extension stretches from near the Dulles Corridor Interchange to just before the American Legion Bridge. It includes new ramps and is set to be fully operational by mid-morning on Sunday, weather permitting.
Officials say this project marks the most significant change to Virginia’s Beltway since the initial launch of the 495 Express Lanes in November 2012. Drivers are advised to use caution and anticipate changes in travel patterns as traffic adjusts to the new lanes and ramps.
Entry and exit points for the extension will open gradually, with all access expected by 6 a.m. on Sunday. Key connections include entry from southbound I-495 after crossing into Virginia from Maryland, exits before entering Maryland, connections with George Washington Memorial Parkway, and access from both directions of the Dulles Toll Road.
Drivers are instructed not to attempt using entries that remain closed or are still being opened. Openings will be indicated by visible wayfinding signs, active toll pricing, and removed barriers.
During implementation of the extension opening, mobile and stationary closures will affect both general-purpose and express lanes along I-495 within the project corridor. Ramp closures and detours will also be in place as crews finalize signage updates and connection work. These measures begin as early as Friday evening through Saturday morning.
Lane closures on I-495 general-purpose lanes will occur between approximately 9 p.m. Friday until about 2 a.m. Saturday, affecting sections from George Washington Memorial Parkway to Lewinsville Road Bridge and Route 7. Northbound express lanes north of Route 7 will close at around 8 p.m., with drivers detoured off at Route 7 exit; several entrance ramps will also close during this period.
On Dulles Toll Road (Route 267), various ramp closures and multi-lane restrictions are planned overnight Friday into Saturday morning near major interchanges including Kirby Road and I-495.
Mobile closures along approaches to northbound I-495 via George Washington Memorial Parkway are also scheduled for late Friday night into early Saturday morning.
If weather conditions worsen or unforeseen issues arise, officials say the opening could be delayed further, with updates provided as necessary.
For more information about navigating the new extension, drivers can refer to an official factsheet: official factsheet.
