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The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is continuing its work on an Environmental Assessment evaluating options that would provide additional travel choices, reduce congestion, improve travel reliability and improve safety on the southern section of I-495 (Capital Beltway). As the only remaining section of the Beltway without express lanes, VDOT’s study is looking at alternatives that would extend the express lanes in this area.
Travelers on this section of I-495 are facing increasing congestion and challenges now. VDOT's study is focused on solutions that would provide relief, promote transit and new travel choices, and be flexible to not preclude future rail improvements.
VDOT is conducting its study in cooperation with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA), Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), and other federal, state, regional, and local agencies in Virginia and Maryland.
While work continues on the study, with a focus on finding the best possible options through traffic and operational analyses, VDOT encourages the public to sign up to receive study updates and notices. The study team will hold more public and community meetings later this year, followed by public hearings when the Environmental Assessment is released for review and comment.
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