McLEAN, VA — Hundreds of runners, cyclists, walkers and local officials gathered Saturday morning in McLean to celebrate the opening of the new shared-use bicycle and pedestrian trail built as part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension project.
The paved trail, which runs alongside Interstate 495 between Lewinsville Road and Live Oak Drive, officially opened following a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a community 4.95K Fun Run. The trail provides new connections to the Fairfax County Park Authority's trail system and includes crossings at Lewinsville Road, Old Dominion Drive and Georgetown Pike.
The trail is part of the approximately $660 million 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) public-private partnership between the Commonwealth of Virginia and Transurban. Officials said it expands transportation options while providing a separated recreational path for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Terry Cyr, senior vice president of Transurban North America, said the opening marks the completion of another major component of the project, which included the opening of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension last year.
"Important multimodal pieces of the project are coming together," Cyr said, thanking state and local agencies, community organizations and first responders who helped deliver the project and support the opening event.
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay (D-At-Large said the project reflects the county's goal of providing residents with more ways to travel.
"What our community needs are options and ways to get around," McKay said. "VDOT understands that in Northern Virginia it's about moving people, not just moving cars."
McKay said the trail also provides a recreational amenity that residents can use to support their physical and mental health.
State Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-Reston), whose district includes the project area, acknowledged that nearby residents experienced years of construction but said the completed trail offers lasting benefits.
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"I've heard for years from constituents about the stress this project has put on them, and I am so happy that we are at the finish line," Boysko said. "Now we have a new trail that can help get our pedestrians and our bicyclists new recreation possibilities right here in our community."
Supervisor Dalia Palchik (D-Providence) called the trail another step toward improving regional connectivity.
"We are building more connectivity, not just for our cars, but also for our walkers and our bikers and everyone who wants to both get around this neighborhood," Palchik said.
Michelle Shropshire, VDOT's Northern Virginia deputy district engineer, described the trail as the final major component of the 495 NEXT project.
"We're so excited to be delivering the last piece of the 495 NEXT project," Shropshire said. "We offer travel choices, not just for cars, but all kinds of multimodal improvements."
She thanked community members for their patience during construction and reminded trail users and motorists to remain alert and follow traffic safety rules.
According to project officials, the trail is located behind newly constructed noise walls and will eventually be joined by the Scott's Run Nature Preserve annex parking lot, which is expected to open in the coming months. The new parking area is intended to improve public access to Scott's Run Nature Preserve while supporting the region's expanding trail network.
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