The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is set to hold four public hearings in early June concerning the I-495 Southside Express Lanes Study. These hearings aim to present and gather feedback on VDOT’s recommended preferred alternative for addressing transportation needs within the study area, which covers approximately 11 miles along the southern section of I-495 from east of the Springfield Interchange in Virginia to the MD 210 Interchange in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
The hearings are scheduled at various locations throughout the study corridor. They will take place on Monday, June 2; Wednesday, June 4; Monday, June 9; and Wednesday, June 11. A virtual public information room with hearing materials and an option for online comments is currently available.
VDOT’s recommended plan involves constructing two new express lanes in each direction on the corridor, alongside new bicycle and pedestrian paths connecting Franconia, Alexandria, Huntington, and Oxon Hill. The plan also includes a potential express bus service from West Prince George’s County to Tysons if executed as a public-private partnership.
Public hearings will occur from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., starting with an open house followed by a formal presentation at 6:30 p.m., and concluding with a formal public comment session.
Locations for these sessions include:
– Thomas A. Edison High School in Alexandria on June 2
– Oxon Hill High School in Oxon Hill on June 4
– West Potomac High School in Alexandria on June 9
– Nannie J. Lee Memorial Recreation Center in Alexandria on June 11
Questions will be addressed during the open house but not during the formal comment session where remarks are limited to three minutes per individual or group representative. Comments can also be submitted directly to a court reporter or through other methods provided by VDOT.
Materials related to the hearing can be accessed online at www.vdot.virginia.gov/495southside where comments can also be submitted until Thursday, June 26.
VDOT emphasizes nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunities across all programs as per Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Assistance is available for those requiring special accommodations due to disabilities or limited English proficiency by contacting VDOT Civil Rights.
The proposed two express lanes would utilize existing space on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge previously designated for future transit use while committing to convert necessary space for rail transit when feasible. This recommendation emerged after evaluating ten alternatives against current transportation challenges faced by this section of I-495 which handles around 200,000 vehicles daily amid recurring congestion issues that could worsen by mid-century without intervention.
This initiative aligns with regional plans under Visualize 2045 Aspirational Initiatives aiming at expanding express highway networks across Virginia-Maryland corridors.
