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495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT)

The Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is one of the most congested regions of the United States, and the population continues to grow.  As a result, traffic volumes are rising along the I-495 corridor, causing congestion, delays, and safety concerns. There was a strong need to address existing and future travel demands and relieve pressure on the general-purpose lanes in the area.

24
Minutes of travel time saved by Express Lanes users
20%
Reduction in crashes
2.5
Miles of Road

Overview

The 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project extended the existing I-495 Express Lanes for 2.5 miles between the Dulles Toll Road and the George Washington Memorial Parkway, adding a total of 4 toll lanes that are free to high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV-3) users and transit services.

In addition to the Express Lanes, the contract replaced multiple overpasses, added a shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians, and replaced old noise walls and constructed new sound barriers. Work began in March 2022 and the new Express Lanes opened in late 2025, with the full job expected completed in mid-2026.

BENEFITS/POSITIVE ASPECTS TO COMMUNITY

  • Reduces congestion and improves roadway safety
  • Provides additional travel choices
  • Improves travel reliability
  • Reduces cut-through traffic on residential streets

Technical Highlights

  • Replaced existing overpasses
  • Re-constructed most of the existing roadway
  • Built a new shared-use path for bicyclists and pedestrians
  • Replaced and constructed new noise walls

RECOGNITION

  • 2026 Heavy Construction Contractors Association (HCCA) Safety Award
  • 2026 Scouting America Innovators in Motion Awards – Best Project Excellence Award
  • 2026 American Road & Transportation Builders Association (ARTBA) Project of the Year – Community Impact