Update on Work Near Scott's Run Nature Preserve

As part of the 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. 

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 approximately one-third 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 points south.

Live Oak Drive Update

Tree clearing and installation of silt fencing for sediment and erosion control began in November to make room for upcoming construction on the 495 NEXT project. The next activities in this area include relocation of utilities and earthwork. 

Transurban, the developer and operator of the 495, 95 and 395 Express Lanes, manages a competitive grant program to benefit the local community as part of the 495 NEXT project. The 495 NEXT Community Grant program awards grants every quarter to non-profit organizations, educational institutions, and other entities that sustain, enhance or protect the local environment and neighborhoods in proximity to the 495 NEXT project corridor. The deadline to apply for the next series of community grants is December 31. 

Four organizations received the fall 2022 495 NEXT Community Grants: 

EduTutorVA received a $3,000 grant to support their tutoring programs that seek to address learning gaps affecting Virginia’s underserved K-12 students.

Girls on the Run received a $3,000 grant to support their program to inspire girls to be joyful, healthy, and confident using a fun, experience-based curriculum which creatively integrates running.

Tickets for Kids received a $3,000 grant to support their program that is dedicated to enriching the lives of in-need and at-risk children and their families by creating free access to cultural and community enrichment opportunities.

Shelter House received a $1,500 grant to support their efforts to end homelessness. Shelter House is Fairfax County’s only 24-hour emergency shelter for individuals and families fleeing domestic and sexual violence.

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 will provide 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, and replacement or rehabilitation of seven bridges with pedestrian accommodations. Additionally, nine existing noise walls will be replaced and a new noise wall will be built along Live Oak Drive in the vicinity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange. Environmental improvements include introducing stormwater management facilities and funding of restoration at Scotts Run stream. The project also includes 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 are scheduled to open in 2025. 

Check out www.495NEXT.org for additional information.

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