495 NEXT Project | December 2022

Viewed from the corner of Georgetown Pike and the existing off-ramp, this narrow area of Scott’s Run Nature Preserve to the right of the overhead powerlines is where clearing occurred for the 495 NEXT project. 

Aerial view showing where a new park area will be constructed as part of the 495 NEXT project, benefitting Scott’s Run Nature Preserve Visitors. 

As part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project, some construction activities must occur in a narrow area of the Fairfax County Park Authority’s Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, adjacent to the Georgetown Pike off-ramp. Crews began removing trees and other vegetation in this area (only to the extent necessary for construction) in November 2022. Following this activity, the area will be regraded, restabilized and revegetated using native seed mix. 

The 495 NEXT project will extend the 495 Express Lanes by two-and-a half miles between the Dulles Corridor interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange near the American Legion Bridge. Construction on 495 NEXT began in March 2022, and the new express lanes are scheduled to open in late 2025. Overall project completion is expected to occur in mid-2026. 

To address impacts at the Scott’s Run Nature Preserve, a new park area will be constructed adjacent to the Georgetown Pike interchange, as part of the 495 NEXT project. Located a tenth of a mile from the Preserve, this new area will provide additional parking, connect to the new three-mile regional trail that is being built across and adjacent to the Capital Beltway as part of the project, and provide other amenities. These improvements will provide easier, safer access to Scott’s Run and to points south. 

Resources:

Learn how various features of the 495 NEXT project interact with your property by using the interactive map on 495NEXT.vdot.virginia.gov. Enter your address in the search bar to view your home in relation to various project features, including the future Beltway itself and location of replacement noise walls.

Check 495NEXT.vdot.virginia.gov for the latest construction updates and to sign up to receive the project newsletter and other information.

Construction plans are subject to change due to weather, utility relocations performed by outside companies, resequencing of work to facilitate on-time completion of the overall project, and other factors.

Questions?

Email: 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov

Call: Construction Inquiry Line, 703-592-6430

Virginia Department of Transportation, Michelle Holland, 703-586-0487

Transurban, Michael McGurk, 571-421-5364

Lane Construction, John Undeland, 703-785-3461