The project involves extending the I-495 Express Lanes from the existing terminus of the I-495 Express Lanes to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. Project improvements will include replacing existing overpasses, implementing a shared-use path that could be used by bicyclists and pedestrians, and replacing and constructing new noise walls.
Traffic congestion on I-495 routinely extends between the American Legion Bridge and Tysons Corner (south of Dulles Toll Road). This congestion occurs for multiple hours during morning and afternoon peak travel periods and on the weekends. Additionally, local roads and residential streets on either side of I-495 experience significant gridlock due to cut-through traffic several hours each weekday.
The 495 NEXT Project is intended to reduce congestion and improve roadway safety, provide additional travel choices, and improve travel reliability in an area that is one of the most congested travel areas in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.
Virginia’s Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) approved funding in the amount of $6 million in 2018 for VDOT to conduct an environmental study to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the I-495 and Dulles Toll Road interchange to the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge and Maryland line.
In collaboration with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Park Service (NPS), VDOT prepared an Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed three-mile extension of the 495 Express Lanes, and to comply with the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), as amended, and 23 CFR Part 771. The 495 NEXT Project’s Environmental Assessment has received a “Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” from FHWA and NPS. These findings have enabled the project to advance into the design and construction phase. Additionally, FHWA approved the project’s interchange justification report, a traffic study that includes analysis of traffic impacts and benefits associated with the 495 NEXT project. Learn more and view the documents.
Additionally, a high-level joint transit needs study was conducted by Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Maryland’s Transit Authority (MTA). This transit study was conducted independent of the ongoing environmental studies in Virginia and Maryland.
The EA looked at build versus no-build (implementing the project versus not implementing the project) scenarios. According to the requirements of NEPA, the study included evaluating site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements may have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams, and other resources. The following technical studies provide information summarized in the EA:
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) held a Virtual Location and Design Public Hearing on October 5, 2020, and an In-Person (Appointment Only) Location & Design Public Hearing on October 8, 2020, to present the environmental assessment and draft design plans to extend the 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. Virtual Question and Answer Sessions were held in advance of the Public Hearing on September 28 and 30, 2020.
In compliance with federal regulations, the draft Environmental Assessment were made available to the public on February 26, 2020, which is a minimum of 15 days prior to the originally scheduled public hearing on March 12, 2020. These documents are available on Documents and Studies. The finalized Environmental Assessment was made available on May 2021 and received a “Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSI)” from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and National Park Service (NPS).
The 495 NEXT project team has produced visualizations of what the proposed design might look like from viewpoints near the George Washington Memorial Parkway and Dulles Toll Road interchanges. View Visualizations.
Public comments on the environmental assessment and proposed design presented at the Location and Design Public Hearing were able to be submitted the following ways:
Comments received during the Public Hearing are included in the Public Hearing report and can be reviewed on the project website.
The Federal Highway Administration and National Park Service reviewed the EA and associated technical studies and made an independent finding as to the significance of the environmental impact by implementing the proposed project.
The EA includes an air and noise assessment under build (implementing the project) conditions.
As part of the EA, VDOT conducted an operational and safety analysis of project-related traffic impacts on I-495 and the Dulles Toll Road, as well as on local roadways within and near the project area. This analysis looked at expected traffic conditions (including travel times and traffic delays, person throughput and secondary streets) in years 2025 and 2045 with the build alternative versus the no-build alternative (i.e., with and without the 495 NEXT project). Findings of this analysis were published in a Traffic and Transportation Technical Report and Interchange Justification Report. The Interchange Justification Report was approved by Federal Highway Administration on June 14, 2021, which can be viewed here: Interchange Justification Report.
The team evaluated a scenario which included the implementation of the extension of the 495 Express Lanes in Virginia prior to the widening of the American Legion Bridge. The preliminary analysis indicated that the extension of the Virginia Express Lanes helps move more people through the corridor, generates a reduction in cut-through traffic on local roads, and reduces delays on local street intersections. The complete findings of this assessment was presented at the October 5 and 8, 2020, Public Hearing.
Virginia's 495 NEXT Project was developed as an independent, stand-alone project that will be closely coordinated and compatible with plans for I-495 (the Capital Beltway) in Maryland. VDOT has been meeting with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) on a routine basis. For more information regarding MDOT’s I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study, visit oplanesmd.com.
Throughout the development of the project, VDOT’s project team has coordinated and continues to coordinate with key stakeholder groups including National Park Service, Fairfax County, the Fairfax County Park Authority, the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Maryland’s Department of Transportation. Close coordination with these groups is critical to VDOT’s planning and project development efforts. Additionally, the team has worked to inform surrounding residents and the general public through large public information meetings and smaller group briefings. The dedicated project website was launched at 495NorthernExtension.org, providing easy access to project-specific information and updates, and opportunities to request and receive information from project staff.
VDOT has offered formal public participation opportunities through Public Information Meetings held on June 11, 2018 and on May 20, 2019. Another formal public participation opportunity took place during the October 5 and 8, 2020, public hearing. Virtual Question and Answer Sessions were held in advance of the Public Hearing on September 28 and 30, 2020. On November 18, a Virtual Public Meeting was held with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) on the I-495 American Legion Bridge Transit Study. An additional Virtual Public Information Meeting was held on September 29, 2021 following the review of the Environmental Assessment by the NPSA and FHWA and the FHWA's interchange justification report.
Additionally, information and discussions between the project team and the public were ongoing throughout the development of the project.
Comments from the public and key stakeholder groups were reviewed and addressed by VDOT’s project staff. The comment period on the environmental assessment and proposed preliminary design concluded on December 4, 2020. All comments that were received were reviewed by the project team and have been included in the public record for the project's Location and Design Public Hearing. Comment responses are included in the final public hearing documents, and are available on this website.
Additionally, VDOT continues to meet with citizens groups, public agencies and elected officials to present data and findings as they become available.
How will concerns regarding the safety and aesthetics of specific stormwater management designs located on private property be addressed and/or mitigated? Will property owners be compensated?
Currently, this segment of the I-495 corridor does not have stormwater management facilities. The 495 NEXT Project includes stormwater management incorporated into its design, which is as an added benefit to provide the water quality and runoff control that this corridor needs. If right of way needs to be acquired, property owners will be properly compensated. Due to the need for ongoing maintenance, stormwater management facilities are generally not located on private property.
The 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension would expand the Express Lanes network in Virginia that promotes carpooling and bus service to move more people by providing faster, more reliable travel in express lanes.
Additionally, a high-level joint transit needs study was conducted by Virginia’s Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Maryland’s Transit Authority (MTA). This transit study was conducted independent of the ongoing environmental studies in Virginia and Maryland. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) held a Virtual Public Meeting for the I-495 American Legion Bridge Transit and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Study on January 12, 2021. The findings and recommendations for the I-495 American Legion Bridge Transit and Transportation Demand Management (TDM) study have been finalized and are available on the study’s website.
Previously, VDOT conducted an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the implementation of the 14-mile I-495 Express Lanes. This EIS included the study of Express Lanes improvements to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and a Record of Decision by Federal Highway Administration was received in June 2006, leading the way for the 495 Express Lanes to be built and implemented. Reevaluations of this EIS were completed in November 2009, and again in November 2012 to include the Dulles Toll Road interchange.
In June 2014, an environmental study was completed prior to VDOT implementing a 1.5-mile shoulder lane use project on I-495 North from where the 495 Express Lanes terminate to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. This new shoulder lane opened to traffic in June 2015.
After the public hearing and approval of the environmental document, the design will continue to be refined through final design. The design-builder will have the opportunity to propose changes to the design. If any changes proposed are substantially different than the public hearing plans, or extend beyond the established project footprint, state and federal requirements will be followed, which may require additional public involvement and documentation. Changes within the established project footprint that are made as a function of further design development commonly do not require additional public involvement.
Capital Beltway Express (Transurban) is the current operator of the 495 Express Lanes. In January of 2019, VDOT and Transurban entered into a draft framework agreement to work towards amending the current Comprehensive Agreement to include an extension of the existing Express Lanes. The comprehensive agreement with Transurban was signed September 30, 2021, initiating commercial close. Financial close was reached on March 1, 2022 and a Notice to Proceed was issued.
Transurban, in close coordination with VDOT, developed preliminary design plans to support VDOT’s technical studies to complete the Environmental Assessment as well as additional independent studies to support the design. The preliminary design helps to define the project footprint. Their work includes geotechnical studies, surveys, preliminary design, drainage and stormwater design, and utility investigations. VDOT reviews and approves this work as it is developed.
VDOT entered into an agreement with Transurban in 2021, following receipt and approval of the proposal from Transurban.
Transurban will be responsible for the final design, construction, operation and maintenance. In order to be ready to begin work, Transurban hired a design-build contractor responsible for the design and construction of the project. After meeting with potential bidders, soliciting qualifications statements from design-build teams, issuing a request for proposals, they selected the best design-build team based upon a combination of technical qualifications and technical and price proposals. Throughout this process, VDOT was fully informed and engaged, and was provided an opportunity to review all materials. Once the project meets completion as agreed in the contract between VDOT and Transurban, Transurban will be responsible for the operations and maintenance of the facility.
In public-private partnerships, it is the responsibility of the private partner to select the design-builder. VDOT, as owner, has the right and the responsibility to evaluate the proposed team to make sure that the private team design-builder is qualified to perform the work. This evaluation includes assessing the ability to finance, design, construct, operate and maintain the proposed project.
The design-build procurement process that occurred by Transurban is similar to the process used by VDOT on its projects and was previously used by Transurban on both the 395 Express Lanes Extension project and the 95 Express Lanes Fredericksburg Extension project. The Federal Highway Administration reviewed these processes and provided their concurrence and/or approvals for these projects.
NEPA, which stands for the National Environmental Policy Act, requires federal agencies to assess the environmental effects of their proposed actions prior to making decisions. A NEPA study – in this case, an Environmental Assessment (EA) – was prepared for the I-495 NEXT project in compliance with federal law and regulations. The EA was prepared in order to allow the Federal Highway Administration and VDOT to study the proposed action in the Build Alternative and a No-Build Alternative, and to make informed decisions about the impacts of each alternative on the natural and man-made environment.
The purpose of the project is to:
The project elements address the Purpose and Need by:
In addition to the Environmental Assessment (EA) which summarizes the study results, the following detailed technical reports are available for review:
The EA and supporting technical reports are posted on the Project Resources page.
The Public Hearing provides FHWA and VDOT with an opportunity to present the results of the EA, discuss these results with the public, and seek public comment on the EA and associated analyses. Substantive comments received during the public comment period and at the public hearing were addressed by VDOT before requesting a NEPA decision from FHWA. Both VDOT and FHWA must consider these comments to determine if additional analyses are required before such a request can be made and/or if the comments identify any impacts that have not been considered already in the EA. Given that evaluation of the comments received did not identify any significant impacts, VDOT then requested and received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from FHWA.
The environmental study process, also referred to as the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) process, is completed when FHWA issues a NEPA decision document. The Environmental Assessment (EA) was approved for public availability by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on . Following the Public Hearing and receipt of public and agency comment, VDOT worked with FHWA to respond to substantive public comments and complete any additional analyses that were deemed necessary for the NEPA process. VDOT then requested a NEPA decision from FHWA. As the results of these efforts did not identify any significant impacts, VDOT received a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) from FHWA on June 29, 2021. The FONSI documented FHWA’s selected action and documented the absence of significant impacts. The issuance of the FONSI completed the study process.
The I-495 NEXT project provides the following benefits as a stand-alone project:
The following scenarios for the I-495 NEXT project in Virginia were studied:
What happens at the bridge if VDOT’s project is constructed and opened prior to Maryland’s project?
Yes, the bottleneck at the American Legion Bridge was considered and included as part of the traffic study area for the Existing Conditions and 2025 Future Conditions – without Maryland’s I-495 project.
Without Maryland’s I-495 project built, the I-495 NEXT project improvements will move up to 2,500 more people per hour in both directions combined, and will better accommodate future travel demand. The study team also compared the travel time reliability for the General Purpose lanes and the Express Lanes prior to Maryland’s project being in place, and with Maryland’s project built.
The table below shows the travel time comparisons in the northbound direction between Route 123 and the Clara Barton Parkway, which is the more critical direction within the project study area.
With the Maryland project in place, travel time savings are projected for both the General Purpose and ExpressLanes, ranging from 3 minutes to 18 minutes.
Prior to Maryland’s project, the travel time savings on the northbound Express Lanes are projected to range from 5 minutes to 24 minutes. There would be a projected increase of 4 to 6 minutes in travel time in the General Purpose lanes.
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What new ramp connections are being proposed at the George Washington Memorial Parkway and which of those connections are proposed as part of the VDOT project vs. the Maryland project?
The new ramp connections that are proposed as part of the VDOT project are:
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These ramps are shown on 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Interactive Map. The new ramp connections that are proposed as part of the Maryland project are:
These ramps, along with ramps (1) and (2), are shown on page 10 of the Design Boards.
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How do future traffic volumes compare with volumes on the roads and ramps today?
Traffic volumes at the I-495/George Washington Memorial Parkway are projected to grow in the future, given the planned regional land use. However, traffic volumes along the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and the total volume between I-495 and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, are projected to remain generally consistent between No-Build and Build conditions. Congestion on the westbound (outbound) George Washington Memorial Parkway is projected to decrease with the project in place given the improved operations along I-495.
The table below summarizes volumes in each direction along the George Washington Memorial Parkway for existing, 2045 No-Build, and 2045 Build conditions. These volumes reflect the freeway volume diagrams provided in Chapter 4 (Existing Traffic Operational Conditions) and Chapter 7 (Future Scenarios Operational Conditions) of the Traffic and Transportation Technical Report.
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The following interchanges were included in the traffic operations and safety analysis:
These intersections are shown in Figure 2-3 (page 2-8) in the Traffic and Transportation Technical Report.
Currently and in future No-Build conditions, heavy congestion on I-495 results in travelers diverting onto parallel roads and local streets. By increasing the person-carrying capacity of I-495 and by providing a reliable travel option using the Express Lanes, drivers will have less incentive to use local cut-through routes. Traffic models project a reduction in traffic volume and a reduction in travel delay on the local street network, most notably along Georgetown Pike, with the project in place. The table below summarizes the impacts to traffic operations at the Georgetown Pike intersections.
Further details on future arterial intersection operations can be found in Chapter 7 of the Traffic and Transportation Technical Report.
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Table 1, above, shows that in 2025 with the Maryland Managed Lanes (the Maryland project) in place, as compared against No-Build conditions, there is projected to be an increase in the number of intersections operating at better levels of service (LOS A through D (60% vs. 47%), and a reduction in the number of intersections operating at LOS E (10% vs. 17%) and LOS F (30% vs. 37%). In addition, the number of vehicles traversing the Georgetown Pike intersections is projected to be reduced by 14% during the PM peak period. This reduction in volumes is projected to generate a 44% reduction in intersection delay during the PM peak period.
What are the impacts on local roads in Virginia between the Dulles Toll Road and Georgetown Pike if the Virginia project is built and the Maryland project is delayed?
Table 1, above, shows that in 2025 prior to the Maryland Managed Lanes (the Maryland project) in place, as compared against No-Build conditions, there is a projected increase in the number of intersections operating at LOS A through D (57% vs. 53%) and a reduction in the number of intersections operating at LOS F (27% vs. 30%). In addition, the number of vehicles traversing the Georgetown Pike intersections is projected to be reduced by 9% during the PM peak period. This reduction in volumes is projected to generate a 40% reduction in intersection delay during the PM peak period.
How would the Virginia project be constructed / transitioned back into the existing 5-lane per direction bridge configuration if Maryland’s project is not built or is delayed?
Heading northbound, the new managed lanes would transition on the left side of the northbound General Purpose lanes by merging to a single lane south of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, and then join back with the GP lanes on the left hand side and merge back down to the same number of lanes as today just prior to the bridge. In the southbound direction, the lanes would be gradually developed on the left hand side of the 5 existing General Purpose (GP) lanes, with the existing lanes shifting outwards to make room in the middle for the new lanes, between the American Legion Bridge and the GW Parkway. The lanes would be added in a similar manner to the current entrance to the I-495 Express Lanes in the southbound direction, which currently start just south of Old Dominion Drive overpass.
This is not currently a scenario under study. This transition would be the responsibility of Maryland, and would be coordinated with Virginia.
If neither Virginia nor Maryland constructed either of the projects on I-495, traffic conditions would be no better than the existing conditions that were prevalent prior to the current COVID-19 pandemic. Due to future changes in land use in the region, and anticipated growth in corresponding traffic, traffic conditions are anticipated to get worse over time. As a consequence, lengthier rush hours, slower speeds, longer delays, more severe congestion, and increasing cut-through traffic would be more pronounced than today.
The impacts to other regional roadways were considered as part of the traffic forecast modeling. Overall, the project would reduce congestion on the interstate system, especially upstream on I-495 northbound. The project would also form a seamless network of managed lanes between the American Legion Bridge, the Dulles Toll Road Connector, and the I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes. The traffic forecast models indicate that this connection would incentivize some drivers to use the I-495 Express Lanes / Dulles Toll Road Connector / I-66 Inside the Beltway Express Lanes to get to and from points east in Arlington and Washington DC, instead of using the George Washington Memorial Parkway as a result of travel time reliability.
What other local or regional projects were accounted for in the traffic study, and how is the National Capital Region Constrained Long-Range Plan for transportation (CLRP) considered in the traffic and environmental studies performed?
Project capacity and interchange ramp projects along the Dulles Toll Road and Dulles Airport Access Road were included in the future traffic model networks, as well as proposed transportation projects in the Tysons area. The Maryland I-495 and I-270 projects were also included since they are included in the CLRP.
The FHWA-approved methodology for traffic forecast modeling and VDOT policy requires that projects in the CLRP be included in the analysis. The projects included in the CLRP are developed by the local jurisdictions in coordination with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG).
What will be the impacts of the project during construction, and what mitigation or strategies will be used to offset construction traffic impacts to the regional transportation network and to local streets?
During construction, traffic delays and congestion will likely increase due to narrowing of lanes, temporary or long-term lane closures, and detours. Maintenance of Traffic plans and a Transportation Management Plan will be developed later in the detailed engineering phases of the project. These plans will include measures to mitigate traffic impacts during construction, as well as recommended travel-demand management strategies.
How are construction impacts of the Virginia 495 NEXT project, and other projects in the area, including Maryland’s project construction, going to be coordinated? Is there a regional traffic management plan prepared to address construction?
Future detailed engineering design will address construction impacts. VDOT will coordinate with Maryland during the development of a project-level construction Transportation Management Plan specifically for I-495 NEXT, as well as a more comprehensive regional Transportation Management Plan. These plans will address overlapping project construction impacts not only between the two I-495 projects in Virginia and Maryland, but also with locality construction efforts, such as Fairfax and Montgomery County transportation projects.
What are the traffic benefits of the Virginia 495 NEXT project for: (1) the region (2) drivers using the American Legion Bridge (3) drivers using George Washington Memorial Parkway (4) Local roads and neighborhoods?
(1) The region:
(2) Drivers using the American Legion Bridge
(3) Drivers using the George Washington Memorial Parkway
(4) Local roads and neighborhoods
What studies has VDOT done to evaluate the potential noise impacts associated with the project and what are the anticipated noise impacts to surrounding neighborhoods?
VDOT performed a preliminary noise technical analysis to assess the preliminary potential impacts associated with road noise as a result of the project. The study was completed per the Federal Noise Regulations and State Noise Policy. The study and appendices are located here on the project website:
Preliminary Noise Technical Report (Final)
Preliminary Noise Technical Report Appendices (Final)
The results of the preliminary noise study indicate that three of the existing nine noise walls may be extended to mitigate anticipated noise impacts. A few example locations are shown in the graphic below.
The neighborhoods on the east side of I-495 have noise barriers today, and they would continue to have noise barriers in the future under the Build alternative.
Noise barriers may have to be relocated and reconstructed in areas where I-495 widening impacts the existing noise walls. A total of nine existing noise walls would be replaced at the same elevation or higher.
One location along Live Oak Drive between Rivercrest Drive and the large curve on Live Oak Drive (in the vicinity of the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange ramps) qualifies for a new noise wall based upon the preliminary study, as shown in the below image and on the Noise Barrier Roll Plots.
However, information presented in the preliminary noise study is considered preliminary in nature. The final determination of noise barriers will be made at the conclusion of the final noise study. The final noise study will be completed in conjunction with advancing the project design and submitted to FHWA for their final review and approval.
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Highway noise is mitigated with construction of a noise wall between the affected property and the adjacent highway or ramp. A noise wall is considered for construction if it is found to meet all the required criteria.
The noise technical report posted on the project website identifies properties that may qualify for a noise wall as a result of the proposed project and based upon the preliminary noise study:
Preliminary Noise Technical Report (Final)
The locations of proposed noise walls are shown graphically here:
If I have a noise wall today, will I have a noise wall in the future? If so, how high will the wall be compared to the old wall, if it must be relocated or reconstructed because of the project?
Any property that is currently protected by a noise wall will have a noise wall in the future. The top of any new noise wall, if relocation is required, will be at least the same elevation as the existing noise wall.
In January 2019, VDOT entered into a Project Development Framework Agreement for 495 NEXT with Capital Beltway Express (the current operator of the 495 Express Lanes) as the developer, as an amendment to the existing 495 Comprehensive Agreement.
After the required regulatory approvals for the 495 NEXT project were received, Transurban submitted a binding proposal to deliver the project for VDOT’s consideration. The proposal was accepted by VDOT, and CBE will be responsible for the design, construction, finance, operations and maintenance of the Express Lanes. VDOT continues to be responsible for regulatory approvals, project oversight, and agency coordination. Financial close commenced March 1, 2022 and a Notice to Proceed was issued. The comprehensive agreement with Transurban was signed September 30, 2021, initiating commercial close.
A groundbreaking ceremony commenced on Monday, March 14 to begin the construction phase of the project. A Public Information Meeting will be held June 6, 2022 to provide updates on the I-495 NEXT construction phase of the project.
Construction is anticipated to take approximately 3 years. The schedule for the construction phase will be presented at the June 6th, 2022 Public Information Meeting. Visit Meeting and Events for past meeting information.
To date, VDOT has had a total of four Public Information Meetings, two Question and Answer Sessions, and one Public Hearing, described below:
In addition, VDOT has attended meetings with several HOAs, citizen associations, and advocacy groups, as well as met with numerous coordinating agencies or regulatory agencies, local/state elected officials, and regular meetings of the 495 NEXT Stakeholder Technical Advisory Group.
How is VDOT accounting for the effects of COVID-19 on the project studies, and does that impact the decision-making process for whether to build the project, and what to build?
The 2018 conditions evaluated in the study are representative of typical conditions in the corridor. The current traffic conditions are anticipated to be temporary. Traffic throughout the Commonwealth is beginning to approach pre-COVID levels. Moreover, the analysis of future conditions is based on 2025 and 2045 models. We used the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) models to forecast future traffic. This regional model is the best tool available to assess traffic operations in the future. Also, FHWA requires that we use the MWCOG model.
As part of early project activities that are currently underway for Virginia’s 495 NEXT Project, crews are doing geotechnical borings along the project corridor. This work involves drilling down approximately 30-75 feet to take samples of soil conditions that will help guide design and construction of the project. This geotechnical work may require limited tree clearing to the extent necessary to perform the borings. When boring rigs are in operation, moderate noise may occur, and lane closures may be needed.
As of January 17, 2022, crews will be drilling borings along Live Oak Drive and in other sections of the corridor. View Illustrations of Geotechnical Drilling Locations along Live Oak Drive.
What geotechnical boring drilling will occur in the Live Oak Drive area for Maryland’s New American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-70 Traffic Relief Project?
As part of early project activities that are currently underway for Maryland's New American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-70 Traffic Relief Project, crews are doing geotechnical borings at locations along Live Oak Drive. This work involves drilling down approximately 30-75 feet to take samples of soil conditions that will help guide design and construction of the project. Click here to see specific boring locations along Live Oak Drive for the Maryland project. View specific Boring locations along Live Oak Drive for the Maryland project.
Sheet 1 of the exhibits document shows the full Preliminary Project NEXT Configuration in the Live Oak Drive area. On Sheets 2, 3, 4 and 5, the proposed improvements along I-495 are not shown to provide clarity of the existing Live Oak Drive area. Sheets 2 and 3 show the proposed roadway realignment with measurements. Please note: The concept shown is preliminary and subject to change as the design is further developed by the Design-Builder.
Sheets 2 and 3 of the exhibits document show the proposed location of Live Oak Drive relative to the existing roadway and features a section view of existing and proposed Live Oak Drive. In general, the realigned Live Oak Drive is anticipated to be constructed at similar elevations as existing Live Oak Drive. Access to properties are anticipated to be similar to existing and will be maintained during construction.
Sheet 4 of the exhibits document shows areas where existing pavement areas are proposed to be changed to vegetated areas and existing vegetated areas proposed to be paved along proposed Live Oak Drive.
A Landscaping Plan is not available at this time. The Design-Builder will develop the Landscaping Plan as the design is further developed. The Design-Builder will perform a survey and prepare an inventory of wooded areas within the anticipated limits of construction, which will become the basis for replacement tree plantings. The Design-Builder will also be responsible for revegetating disturbed areas using plant species indigenous to the area.
Sheet 5 of the exhibits document shows the Sound Barrier location with measurements.
Utility Relocation Plans are not available at this time. The Design-Builder will develop Utility Relocation Plans as the design is further developed.
Proposed stormwater drainage system is shown on the exhibits document Stormwater is proposed to be treated in accordance with VDOT and VDEQ standards.
The proposed roadway modifications at Live Oak Drive will not result in a reduction in the number of parking spaces available at the Langley Swim Club.
Last updated: February 26, 2024
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