Issue 16 | April 5, 2024

In This Issue...

• 495 NEXT Project in High Gear
• New Bridges Taking Shape
• Under the Hard Hat Profile
• Project Update Meetings on Monday, April 8 and Thursday, April 11
• Transurban's 495 NEXT Community Grants

495 NEXT Project in High Gear

Construction Activities Anticipated to Intensify

After two years of work primarily devoted to clearing the path for highway construction, the northern extension of the 495 Express Lanes is on target to open in late 2025, with project completion anticipated in 2026. With construction in full swing, crews are busy with roadway, bridge and utility work throughout the corridor. Additionally, installation of several sections of noise wall panels and/or vertical support beams along northbound I-495 continues.  

Another major project focus for the remainder of 2024 is building the new outside Beltway lanes. In late 2024/early 2025, crews will switch traffic onto the new lanes, allowing work to begin on the new express lanes in the middle of the Beltway. 

Due to increased construction activity, neighbors and travelers should expect: 

• Periodic pile driving, overnight jackhammering and saw cutting, and other noise-producing work.
• Daytime and overnight lane and shoulder closures on the Beltway, ramps and adjacent local roads.
• Brief overnight total traffic stoppages on the Beltway.

The 495 NEXT project team is committed to keeping traffic moving safely and as efficiently as possible, and minimizing impacts to surrounding neighborhoods. 

Massive steel girders are being lifted into place this spring for the Georgetown Pike and Live Oak Drive bridges over I-495, connecting recently finished abutments and piers and enabling new crossings. Later in the fall, crews will erect girders for the new Old Dominion Drive bridge.

Lifting the enormous girders into place requires impressive levels of power and precision.To support the work, cranes must be deployed on the Beltway adjacent to the future bridges, and overnight multi-lane closures and brief traffic stoppages must occur for the work to occur safely.

Following Live Oak Drive and Old Dominion Drive bridge girder placement, work will turn to installing concrete decks, barriers, signage and lane markings by mid-2024 for Live Oak Drive and late 2024 for Old Dominion Drive. Crews will shift traffic onto the new bridges and begin demolition of old bridges in late 2024 to early 2025. A phased approach is required for construction of the new Georgetown Pike Bridge. The sequence of work is anticipated to be as follows:

Victoria Jones

Project Delivery Director

Transurban 

Victoria Jones, Project Delivery Director at Transurban is spotlighted in this newsletter for her contributions and leadership in the transportation industry, as well as her job managing the design and construction of the $660M 495 NEXT project on behalf of Transurban, the Commonwealth’s private project partner. Victoria holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Virginia Tech.

Q: What are some defining moments that helped you progress to your current role?

A: I received some advice from a mentor: “Every opportunity is what you make of it.” I think back to the times when I was hesitant to accept certain assignments and projects that didn’t seem to offer an obvious progression of next steps on my career. Starting as a field engineer, I was initially focused on the construction side of operations. I hesitated to take on more niche roles like utility management, right-of-way manager, jobs that most people avoid. Despite my reluctance, I decided to embrace those roles, and they offered me exposure to unique situations and helped me to grow as a professional. 

Q: What is something you are doing to set the project team up for success? 

A: This public-private partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and Transurban requires true partnership between our teams. I strive to foster a collaborative and positive work environment so we can deliver a successful project for the people of the Commonwealth and the region’s travelers. Collaboration encourages communication, creates shared goals, and builds mutual accountability, which are successful drivers for complex projects like this one.

  

Q: What is the best piece of career advice you have for other women?

A: Every interaction presents an opportunity to build credibility and contribute to solving others’ challenges. Strive to be seen as a “fixer” by embracing tough assignments and seizing opportunities when possible. These unique roles offer learning opportunities and valuable exposure that set you apart from the crowd.

Project Update Meetings

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), along with project partner, Transurban, and contractor, Lane Construction, will hold two public meetings (virtual and in-person option) to provide the latest updates and information related to the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project. Both meetings will include the same presentation, followed by a question and answer session. Project representatives will be present to provide information and answer questions.

Virtual Meeting

Monday, April 8, 2024

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Meeting Link: https://covaconf.webex.com/covaconf/j.php?MTID=md67649641e14af4358b9500bd6d7fc6a

Join by phone: 

+1-866-692-4530 US Toll Free

+1-517-466-2023 US Toll

Call 703-691-6715 with questions.

In-Person Meeting

Thursday, April 11, 2024

6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Presentation at 7 p.m.

Langley High School Cafeteria

6520 Georgetown Pike

McLean, VA 22101

Transurban's 495 NEXT Community Grant Program

Explore the latest community initiatives supported by Transurban, the partner of the 495 NEXT project and operator of the Express Lanes. Through its grant programs, Transurban actively seeks opportunities to directly support neighborhoods within the 495 NEXT project corridor. Listed below are the winter 2023 grant recipients:

• Britepaths – Reliable Rides Program: This initiative provides up to $1,000 in car repairs for clients who depend on their vehicles for work. The program extends assistance to low-income families and individuals residing in Fairfax County.
• Dolley Madison Preschool & Speech and Language Center of Northern Virginia: This center is dedicated to providing affordable preschool, speech and language services. They offer play-based programs for children 2.5 to 5 and speech therapy to children through high school.
• Fairfax County Park Foundation – McLean Central Park: Spanning 28 acres, this park provides a range of natural spaces and active recreation areas for the community. A major renovation is under way, including an essential upgrade to the playground. Playgrounds provide numerous physical, social, and cognitive benefits for children's development.

Interested in applying for a grant? Learn more about the program here.

Questions?

Email: 495NorthernExtension@vdot.virginia.gov

Call: Construction Inquiry Line, 703-592-6430

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

Transurban, Amanda Allen, 571-249-8784

Lane Construction, John Undeland, 703-785-3461