Construction work on the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) is intensifying, with activities now concentrated in the median along the project corridor. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and its project partner, Transurban, have launched a new driver safety campaign to address concerns as construction progresses.
The “Closer Than You Think” campaign aims to remind drivers that construction workers are working directly adjacent to active Beltway traffic. The initiative includes advertisements on radio and social media platforms throughout September and October, coinciding with increased traffic as people return to work and school after summer.
Crews are currently building four new express lanes—two in each direction—in the center portion of the roadway. VDOT emphasizes that slowing down and staying alert in the 495 NEXT work zone is essential for ensuring safety.
“VDOT, along with our project partner and contractor partners, is laser-focused on finishing the 495 Express Lanes northern extension – and doing so safely – so that travelers in Northern Virginia and the larger area can begin experiencing relief on this heavily congested section of the Beltway,” commented VDOT Megaprojects Director Michelle Shropshire. “Our most important priority is the safety of people traveling through and working within this corridor. We are asking drivers to partner with us in keeping each other safe by slowing down, staying alert and eliminating distractions when traveling through the 495 NEXT project area.”
“At Transurban, our number one focus is always safety, both for our crews and for drivers. That is why we are proud to partner with VDOT to promote roadway safety as our team advances 495 NEXT,” said Beau Memory, President, Transurban North America. “Throughout the construction corridor, teams will be working very close to active roadways; this campaign will help remind travelers about the importance of staying alert and cautious behind the wheel – because it is all of our responsibility to keep everyone safe.”
Construction activities continue during daytime, nighttime hours, and some weekends. Work includes demolishing retired pavement and old infrastructure in highway medians for replaced bridges at Live Oak Drive, Georgetown Pike, and Old Dominion Drive; building drainage systems; paving new express lanes; installing lane markings; completing ramps; putting up signs; and setting up tolling equipment.
In addition to constructing express lanes, crews are finalizing three rebuilt Beltway bridges while completing remaining tasks on four rehabilitated bridges. Upgraded noise walls are also being installed along the corridor.
The 495 NEXT project extends existing express lanes north by two-and-a-half miles from Dulles Corridor Interchange to George Washington Memorial Parkway Interchange near American Legion Bridge. The extension will offer improved connections at these interchanges. The new lanes are expected to open by year-end.
Additional features planned for completion in 2026 include four miles of bicycle and pedestrian paths alongside I-495 from Lewinsville Road to near Live Oak Drive, revegetation efforts, and a new parking area at Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.
The $660 million project operates under a public-private partnership between Virginia’s government and Transurban. Lane Construction serves as design-build contractor for this effort.
