Capital Beltway Shoulder Lane To Close Permanently In McLean

MCLEAN, VA — The left shoulder lane on the northbound Capital Beltway approaching the American Legion Bridge will soon be no more.

The Virginia Department of Transportation announced the northbound left shoulder lane on Interstate 495 will close permanently as soon as this upcoming Tuesday. The lane, located between Dulles Access Road and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, is marked with a green arrow or red X and is open during morning and afternoon peak travel times. The northbound direction has four regular lanes aside from the left shoulder lane.

The lane closure is related to the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension project, which will extend the existing Express Lanes from the Dulles Toll Road/Access Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway near the American Legion Bridge. VDOT says the lane closure will make room to construct new bridges on a wider Beltway at Old Dominion Drive, Georgetown Pike and Live Oak Drive.

In addition to closing the left shoulder lane, VDOT will close the southbound center shoulder, restripe and realign regular lanes to create additional space in the middle of I-495, and put temporary barriers up for the center work zone. Periodic lane closures will be implemented during non-peak travel hours. VDOT says drivers should expect delays in the construction area.

The estimated opening date for the Express Lanes extension is 2025.