Issue #19 | October 1, 2024

In This Issue...

• Update on Noise Wall Installation 
• A Look at the Georgetown Pike Bridge “Stay Away” Weekend Traffic Shift 
• Under the Hard Hat Profile - Michelle Shropshire, P.E., VDOT Megaprojects Director
• New Fairfax Connector Route 798 Express Bus Service Launches, Providing New Connectivity between Tysons, Virginia and Bethesda, Maryland
• Safe Driving Tips Now That "School is in Session”

Noise Wall Installation Update

As part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project, new and upgraded noise walls are being installed throughout much of the corridor. Installation of the new noise walls continues to progress, with several segments nearly completed and others scheduled to be completed soon. Check out the chart below to see when your section of new noise wall is planned to be completed. Please note that noise wall installation, like all construction activities, is subject to change due to weather and other factors.

Planned Timeline for Noise Wall Installation

*A small number of noise wall panels north of Old Dominion Drive will be installed after the new northbound I-495 bridge over Scott's Run is completed in later 2024/early 2025.

All construction activities are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

In late August, all lanes on the Georgetown Pike Bridge over I-495 in McLean were shifted to a new northern portion of the bridge, allowing crews to begin the next phase of rebuilding the new bridge while maintaining traffic.

Check out this time-lapse video, and watch how this important traffic shift was put into place. 

Now that all Georgetown Pike Bridge traffic is on the new bridge section, crews have begun the task of demolishing the existing southern section of the bridge. Following demolition, construction will begin on a new southern portion of the bridge, which is expected to be completed in mid-2025. Traffic is expected to be shifted into its final configuration on the completed, overall bridge in late 2025. 

A: Currently, I serve as the Megaprojects Director of the Northern Virginia District at VDOT. In this role, I am responsible for the delivery of complex and major transportation improvement projects within the Northern Virginia region using alternative delivery models including public-private partnerships and design-build. I am engaged in all project phases including development, environmental and engineering studies, contract development, procurement, and design and construction. I support the 495 NEXT project by coordinating with elected officials, supporting the project team, and being the project's advocate with our stakeholders.

Q: Are there key moments in your career that have helped you progress to your current role?

A: Managing the project development and procurement efforts for the Fredericksburg Express Lanes Extension (Fred Ex), Rappahannock River Crossing projects, Courthouse Road Diverging Diamond Interchange reconstruction, as well as serving as VDOT's liaison for the Nice Bridge Replacement, has been instrumental in preparing me for my role as Megaprojects Director. Many years of design and a start as a construction inspector trainee also have provided a strong technical background.

Q: What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?

A: Never stop learning.

Q: What is the most rewarding part of your role as the Megaprojects Director?

A: The most rewarding part of working in the transportation industry is seeing projects completed and the impact they make. The Megaprojects program, like the interstate projects delivered in Fredericksburg, are transformational to the areas and communities.

Q: 495 NEXT is a public-private partnership project between the Commonwealth of Virginia and Transurban. In what ways is a public-private partnership project unique compared to other VDOT projects you’ve worked on? 

A: The project financing, the wide variety of improvements that are encompassed in one project (roadway, pedestrian, bicycle, transit), the fast-paced nature of delivery, and the high-quality teams that work on these projects. P3 projects bring innovation in all aspects of our business, and that’s why they are exciting to develop and deliver.

New Fairfax Connector Route 798 Express Bus Service Launches, Providing New Travel Option and Connectivity Between Tysons, Virginia and Bethesda, Maryland

On Sept. 16, 2024, the Fairfax Connector launched its first ever Express Route 798 to Bethesda, Maryland.

Route 798 provides regional connectivity between Tysons West*Park and Tysons Metrorail Station in Virginia, and Bethesda, Maryland. This new connection serves major employment centers such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and Downtown Bethesda. In addition, Route 798 aims to facilitate access to key destinations, including shopping and business hubs, and residential communities on both sides of the American Legion Bridge. 

Representatives from VDOT, Transurban, Virginia Dept. of Rail and Public Transportation, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Fairfax County Dept. of Transportation, Montgomery County Dept. of Transportation, Maryland Transit Authority, and Tysons Community Alliance joined in cutting the ribbon for Route 798.

Funding support by VDOT and its 495 NEXT project partner has enabled this new bi-state bus service to become a reality. The new express bus service provides a travel alternative now, while crews continue building the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension, as well as a faster and more reliable travel option once the new lanes open in late 2025.

For more information about Route 798, visit FairfaxConnector.com. Customers can also sign up for BusTracker texts to customer service and to receive estimated arrival times for their bus.

"School’s in Session” Safe Driving Tips

With school back in session, additional cars and school buses are on the roadway. To ensure safety through the 495 NEXT project corridor and to assist students, parents, caregivers, faculty, and staff traveling to Churchill Road Elementary School, Cooper Middle School and Langley High School, please keep these safety tips in mind: 

• Allow Extra Time – Leave earlier to allow time for young drivers, frequently stopping vehicles, traffic changes or unforeseen incidents.  
• Slow Down – Keep yourself and others safe by reducing your travel speed and obeying all speed limits, including school zone speed limits.
• Stop for School Buses – Virginia drivers must stop for school buses when their red lights are flashing and the stop-arm is extended.     
• Watch Out for Others – Look out for children walking or riding bicycles to school. Watch for construction crews working near traffic along the corridor. 
• Avoid Distractions – Put your phone away when driving and avoid other distractions such as adjusting the radio or eating. 
• Stay Alert – Expect changes in traffic patterns as the 495 NEXT project advances. Pay close attention to signs and/or flaggers when traveling through work zones.  

We each have a role to play to keep each of us safe on and near the road. Thank you for your patience during construction and your partnership in keeping drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and our workers safe. 

Meet the 495 NEXT Team at the McLean 5K

Transurban is proud to be the course safety sponsor of the McLean 5k on Saturday, October 5, 2024.

Come out to race and stop by the 495 NEXT Booth to meet the project team, get information, ask questions and pick up a first aid kit!

The start and finish line are located at the McLean Square Shopping Center, 6631 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22101.

For more information and to register, visit McLean 5k – McLean Center.

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