I-495 Express Lanes Project prompts series of overnight ramp closures through mid April
Fairfax, Virginia – Beginning the night of Thursday, March 27, drivers using southbound I-495 and parts of the George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP) will experience overnight ramp closures and detours, continuing through April 17. The work is part of the ongoing I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project, which aims to improve traffic flow by adding new express lanes connections.
Closures Scheduled Weeknights Through Mid-April
Closures will occur Monday through Friday nights, from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., while crews install beams for new express lanes ramp connections at the GWMP interchange. Two major ramps will be affected each night during this period:
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The exit ramp from southbound I-495 (Capital Beltway Outer Loop) collector road to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44)
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The on-ramp from northwest GWMP to southbound I-495
Motorists should prepare to follow detour routes as crews complete critical structural work overnight.
Detour Routes for Affected Drivers
For drivers on northwest GWMP heading to southbound I-495:
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Take the exit for northbound I-495 toward Maryland
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Continue to Exit 41 for Clara Barton Parkway
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Stay left for westbound Clara Barton Parkway
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Exit to Carderock, turn left at the stop sign, then make another left to merge onto eastbound Clara Barton Parkway
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Exit and merge onto southbound I-495 toward Virginia
For drivers on southbound I-495 collector road heading to Georgetown Pike (Exit 44):
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Stay on I-495 general purpose lanes
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Take Exit 46B for Route 123 North
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Re-enter northbound I-495 general purpose lanes
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Proceed to Exit 44 for Georgetown Pike
In addition to these closures, the ramp from southbound I-495 to southeast GWMP (Exit 43) will be closed from 10 p.m. on Monday, March 31 to 5 a.m. Tuesday, April 1 to implement a traffic shift. A detour will guide drivers to Exit 46B for Route 123 North, then to northbound I-495 to access GWMP.
If inclement weather or unforeseen issues arise, the schedule may be changed or extended. Drivers are advised to use caution, follow posted detours, and plan for possible delays during the overnight hours.
