495 NEXT NEWS

I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) Project Update

Issue #23 | December 2025

In This Issue...

495 Express Lanes Extension Now Open!
The Power of P3s: Stakeholders' Perspectives on the 495 Express Lanes Extension
495 NEXT Construction to Continue into Mid-2026
495 NEXT Partners VDOT and Transurban Remind Drivers to Use Extra Caution and that Crews are “Closer Than You Think” in the Project Work Zone
Construction Photos
Under the Hard Hat Profile
McLean Weekend Roadshow: A Community-Focused Success
Transurban's Express Lanes Community Grant Program

495 Express Lanes Extension Now Open!

The two-and-a-half-mile northern extension of the 495 Express Lanes opened early Sunday morning, November 23, 2025 – ahead of the design-build contract schedule and the busy holiday travel period. The opening of the 495 Express Lanes Extension (the Extension) is the most significant improvement on I-495 (the Capital Beltway) in Virginia since the original 495 Express Lanes opened in November 2012.

The new 2.5-mile northern extension of the 495 Express Lanes and adjacent general purpose lanes, as viewed from above (November 2025). Photos courtesy of Shirley Contracting Company, LLC.

The Extension includes two new express lanes in each direction of the Beltway between the Dulles Toll Road and George Washington Memorial Parkway interchanges. This expansion of the northbound and southbound 495 Express Lanes through Tysons and McLean to before the American Legion Bridge provides more capacity, new connections with major commuter and business routes, and new options for faster and more reliable travel through a section of the Beltway that faces congestion and unreliability.

The Extension connects seamlessly with the existing 14-mile 495 Express Lanes, as well as the larger 97-mile express lanes network in Northern Virginia.

This image is a map that shows the 495 Express Lanes in the Tysons-McLean region. The map shows the existing Express Lanes along I-495 to the original terminus point between Lewinsville Road and Old Dominion Drive. The 495 Express Lanes Extension continues from this point to the new terminus at the George Washington Memorial Parkway. The map also shows the original access points from local roads to the 495 Express Lanes at Route 7, Westpark Drive, and Jones Branch Drive/Route 123, and new access points at Route 267 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Drivers should use caution and expect new travel patterns, as traffic becomes acclimated with the new lanes and ramps. Click here for a fact sheet about navigating the 495 Express Lanes Extension.

Travel Options on the 495 Express Lanes

Anyone traveling on I-495 in Virginia can choose to use the express lanes and new extension, and experience faster and more reliable express lanes trips. Vehicles with three or more people (HOV-3+) can travel for free on the lanes with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode. Vehicles with fewer than three occupants can choose to use the lanes by paying a toll. Toll prices are dynamic based on traffic volume and fluctuate to manage demand for the lanes and keep traffic moving at highway speeds. Motorcycles can travel toll free, with no E-ZPass required.

Buses also travel the express lanes for free, with the Fairfax Connector’s Express Bus Service 798 already using the lanes on trips between Tysons and Bethesda, two of the busiest areas within the greater Washington, D.C. region. The Route 798 bus service, which launched in September 2024, was made possible through funding by VDOT and its 495 NEXT project partner, Transurban.

Fairfax Connector Route 798 bus driving along road in Tysons, Virginia.

VDOT continues to offer incentives through mid-2026 as part of its project Transportation Management Plan for newly formed carpools who choose to use the 495 Express Lanes and Extension. Learn more about this carpool incentive program by visiting CommuterConnections.org.

The Power of P3s: Stakeholders' Perspectives on the 495 Express Lanes Extension

From transportation planners to elected officials to transit advocates, stakeholders are sharing how the 495 Express Lanes Extension — and Virginia’s public-private partnerships (P3) - are transforming travel in Virginia.

495 NEXT Construction to Continue into Mid-2026

The Extension is now open; however, 495 NEXT project construction will continue into 2026 as crews work on finishing additional upgrades and project elements throughout the corridor.

Final work on the project includes:

Completion of the second portion of the new Georgetown Pike Bridge over the Beltway, which will require shifting eastbound traffic onto the new second portion of the bridge once it is completed, then constructing a median, and lastly shifting traffic into its final configuration.
Installation of concrete curbs and gutters, permanent traffic and pedestrian crossing signals, and fencing at the Georgetown Pike Bridge and final paving.
Completion and opening of the approximately four miles of bicycle and pedestrian connections including a shared-use path parallel to I-495 from Lewinsville Road to near Live Oak Drive.

Spreading and smoothing concrete on the new Georgetown Pike Bridge over the Capital Beltway (October 2025).

Improvement work on the George Washington Memorial Parkway bridges over I-495.
Revegetation planting, which is planned to begin next spring.
Completion and opening of the new Scott’s Run Nature Preserve parking lot and trail connections.
Completion of new stormwater management facilities and environmental improvements at Scott’s Run Stream.
Finalization of all project elements including inspections throughout the project corridor.

Lane closures during non-peak travel times will continue to be necessary through mid-2026 for crews to safely complete these important final project elements, which will benefit surrounding communities and local travelers. The overall 495 NEXT project remains on schedule to be completed in mid-2026.

VDOT and Transurban Remind Drivers to Continue Using Extra Caution When Traveling Through the 495 NEXT Work Zone - Crews are “Closer Than You Think”

As traffic becomes acclimated to the new 495 Express Lanes and ramps, driver and worker safety remain the top priority for VDOT and its 495 NEXT project partner Transurban.

In addition to the expected ramp-up period associated with the opening of new express lanes or any major roadway, travelers should anticipate continued changing traffic conditions over the coming months due to holiday travel and approaching potential winter weather. Enhanced monitoring by VDOT and Transurban will continue through the holidays and winter season as drivers adjust to new traffic patterns.

Additionally, other finishing work throughout the project corridor will occur through mid-2026, requiring crews to be out working on and adjacent to travel lanes.

Remember - the 495 NEXT work zone is closer than you think. Stay alert to keep workers and travelers safe!

495 Express Lanes Northern Extension image showing a car's side-view mirror with construction workers in nearby work zone. Text in side-view mirror reads "WORK ZONES IN MIRROR ARE CLOSER THAN THEY APPEAR." Text at the bottom of the image reads "Our work zone is closer than it may appear. Stay alert." The VDOT and Transurban logos appear below the text at the bottom of the image.

VDOT and Transurban launched a public education campaign in early September, focused on keeping motorists and workers safe.

The “Closer Than You Think” campaign plays off the familiar “Objects in mirror are closer than they appear” warning in vehicle side mirrors, to remind drivers that the 495 NEXT work zone is closer than they might think.

Construction Photos

Get an inside look at what construction crews worked on during the first half of 2025.

Setting noise wall panels along Live Oak Drive (July 2025).

Lifting girders at the future express lanes ramps to and from the George Washington Memorial Parkway (August 2025).

Paving the new shared-use path near Georgetown Pike (left) and southbound I-495 (right) (August 2025).

Making improvements on the I-495 bridge over Scotts Run Stream (August 2025).

Pouring concrete for future express lanes ramps to George Washington Memorial Parkway (August 2025).

Striping northbound I-495 lanes during the September 12-14 traffic shift (September 2025).

Working on retaining walls (September 2025).

Installing drainage pipe to carry stormwater under the median of the Capital Beltway just north of Scotts Run Stream (September 2025).

Compacting new asphalt for the southbound 495 Express Lanes near the George Washington Memorial Parkway (September 2025).

Paving future southbound travel lanes in highway median (September 2025).

Placing concrete from a mixer truck to form a barrier cap at the median between the northbound and southbound 495 Express Lanes near Georgetown Pike (October 2025).

Inspecting rebar on the new ramp from the northbound 495 Express Lanes to the George Washington Memorial Parkway (October 2025).

Building the express lanes extension in the median of the Beltway to prepare for opening in late November (September 2025).

Photograph of Scott's Run Stream in McLean as it passes under I-495.

Under the Hard Hat Profile

Alex W.

Senior Manager, Health, Safety & Environment

Transurban

Q: Describe your role on 495 NEXT as Transurban’s safety manager.

A: As Transurban’s Safety Manager on the 495 NEXT project, I conduct assurance activities to verify that the contractors are effectively implementing the project’s Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) management plans. In collaboration with the contractors, I work to ensure continuous improvement and risk mitigation.

Q: What is the importance of safety on projects of this size and impact?

A: Every worker, consultant, and visitor deserves to go home safely at the end of each day. On a project of this scale, with numerous trades operating in close proximity, effective coordination is critical. It ensures that concurrent work can proceed without compromising the safety of others. Additionally, robust traffic management is essential to protect the motoring public and workers.

Q: In what ways has 495 NEXT been unique compared to other projects you’ve supported in your career?

A: The amount of work required in such a compact area is a unique feature. We have so much work going on in tight areas every day. Many crews are working in the same space at the same time. This project has also had a huge positive environmental impact because it includes restoration of Scotts Run.

Q: What have you enjoyed most about working on 495 NEXT?

A: The working relationships between VDOT, Transurban, and Lane Construction, along with all the subcontractors, have been an incredible collaboration opportunity from a safety perspective. Our contractors are incredibly active in the promotion of safety.

Q: Are there any defining moments that have helped you progress to your current role?

A: I was working in an operational role at Transurban and had an opportunity to join the Health, Safety, and Environment team about three-and-a-half years ago. It was a great decision - I value having a job where I can help preserve life and the environment, and work across the entire Transurban portfolio in North America.

Q: What’s the best piece of advice you have for someone interested in pursuing a career in construction design?

A: If you're considering a career in Health, Safety, and Environment, attention to detail is absolutely essential. The role is as much about educating and guiding others as it is about applying standards - and often, it's the smallest details that make the biggest difference for a safe outcome. Effective safety professionals approach their work like coaches; they’re trusted resources who help crews understand requirements, elevate awareness, and foster accountability.

McLean Weekend Roadshow:

A Community-Focused Success

Transurban’s team proudly represented the 495 NEXT project at three vibrant fall community events in McLean. Over the course of the “Weekend Roadshow,” the team connected with and engaged in meaningful conversations with hundreds of local residents. One of the most talked-about features among community members was the new shared-use path that is under construction and will soon provide new options and connections for bicyclists and pedestrians.

Here’s a quick recap of the weekend’s events:

🎬 Friday, October 3 – Movie Under the Stars

Hosted by the McLean Revitalization Corporation and co-hosted by Fairfax County Supervisor Bierman, this event drew over 450 attendees. The team engaged with the public, distributed project information, and hosted a Ben & Jerry’s hot chocolate bar that was a hit with the kids!

🏃 Saturday, October 4 – McLean Community Foundation 5K

With over 600 attendees, the team was on-site bright and early, to share information and talk with runners before and after the race.

🎨 Sunday, October 5 – McLean Project for the Arts Art Fest

This event saw an impressive turnout of over 6,000 people. The team interacted with attendees, distributed materials, and offered a fun arts-and-crafts coloring handout for kids featuring the Fairfax Connector Route 798 bus.

Photo showing two people standing over a table with 495 Express Lanes information materials.

Photo of four people standing at a table with 495 Express Lanes informational materials sitting on table.

Photo of coloring page of the Fairfax Connector Route 798 bus and crayons.

Transurban's Express Lanes Community Grant Program

Groups dedicated to improving communities along the 495 NEXT corridor are invited to submit applications for Transurban's 495 NEXT Community Grant program.

The next deadline to apply for a community grant is December 30, 2025.

Click here to learn more about Transurban’s Express Lanes Community Grant programs and how to apply.

Project Background

The I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project is extending the existing 495 Express Lanes north by two-and-a-half miles from the Dulles Corridor Interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway Interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. The project is providing new and improved connections at the Dulles Corridor and George Washington Memorial Parkway.

Other project benefits include four miles of new bicycle and pedestrian connections including a shared-use path parallel to I-495 from Lewinsville Road to near Live Oak Drive, replacement or rehabilitation of seven bridges with pedestrian accommodations, replacement of nine existing noise walls and construction of a new noise wall along Live Oak Drive in the vicinity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway Interchange, environmental improvements including stormwater management facilities and funding for stream restoration at Scott's Run, and dedicated funding to support transit improvements in the corridor including new bus service over the American Legion Bridge.

495 NEXT is a public-private partnership project between the Commonwealth of Virginia and Transurban, operator of the existing 495 Express Lanes. Lane Construction is the design-build contractor for the project. The new extended lanes opened in late November 2025.

Map showing the 495 NEXT project corridor. General Purpose and Express Lanes Access points at George Washington Memorial Parkway Interchange and Dulles Corridor Interchange.

Learn More About the Project

Check out 495NEXT.vdot.virginia.gov for additional information.

Questions?

Email: 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov

Call: Construction Inquiry Line, 703-592-6430

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

Transurban, Mike McGurk, 571-421-5364

Lane Construction, John Undeland, 703-785-3461