This Tuesday night, July 22, the second phase of traffic shifts on southbound I-495 (Beltway Outer Loop) will take place in the Tysons-McLean area. The changes are part of the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project. Crews will move all four lanes from Georgetown Pike to midway between Old Dominion Drive and Lewinsville Road onto newly constructed outer lanes. The work is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m., with all lanes expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Wednesday morning.
The shift will allow crews to access the center portion of the Beltway for constructing new express lanes. During the implementation, there will be a single mobile lane closure starting at 8 p.m., followed by additional closures until three total lanes are closed by 10 p.m. One lane will remain open except during intermittent stoppages or slow-roll operations from midnight to 5 a.m., assisted by police.
Ramps from northbound GWMP to southbound I-495, Georgetown Pike to southbound I-495, and southbound I-495 to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44) will be closed and detoured from 10 p.m. Tuesday until 5 a.m. Wednesday.
Motorists are advised to slow down and drive cautiously as they adjust to the new alignment and expect narrowed lanes and shoulders during ongoing construction. All work depends on weather conditions and may be rescheduled if necessary.
For updates, drivers can check VA 511 online or call from any phone in Virginia for traffic information. More details about construction can be found at 495next.vdot.virginia.gov.
