Ramp Closure To Capital Beltway Under Consideration In McLean

UPDATE: Due to the hurricane, the Sept. 13 community meeting will be postponed. A new date will be announced.

MCLEAN, VA—Officials have been working toward solutions to ease congestion around the Beltway in McLean for some time. Now a major proposal to limit access from Georgetown Pike to the Beltway is ready for public comment.

The Virginia Department of Transportation and Fairfax County are considering closing the ramp to northbound Interstate 495 from Georgetown Pike during peak weekday times in the afternoon, or 1 p.m.-7 p.m. Commuters' use of local streets to reach I-495 has resulted in congestion, making travel more difficult for local residents getting to places like Langley High School and Cooper Middle School.

The ramp closure would be implemented as a four-month pilot program with potential to become a long term solution.

A traffic analysis study began last year has looked at short- and long-term solutions to reduce congestion in neighborhoods by the busy highway. Recent short-term improvements have included "do not block the intersection" signs, pavement markings, traffic cameras and shoulder improvements for increased police enforcement.

Another long term solution depends on cooperation with Maryland on American Legion Bridge improvements. Virginia officials proposed extending Express Lanes three miles to the bridge, which could connect with proposed Express Lanes in Maryland.

Email comments on the proposed ramp closure to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov with the subject line "McLean Traffic Analysis" by Sept. 30. The next community meeting is Thursday, Sept. 13 at 7 p.m. at McLean High School, 1633 Davidson Road, McLean.

For more on the traffic analysis, click here.

Image of Georgetown Pike near I-495 via via Google Maps screenshot