March 8, 2018

CONSTRUCTION RAMPS UP THIS MONTH ON I-66 OUTSIDE THE BELTWAY
Traffic shifts, barrier installation, and survey and utility work to get underway

 FAIRFAX, Va. – The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) announced today that starting in late March, crews will begin installing concrete barriers, shifting lanes and setting up work zones on sections of I-66 Outside the Beltway, ramping up construction on the Transform I-66 initiative. This early work will allow heavier construction to begin on the new express lanes and other improvements that are being built along the 22.5-mile project corridor on I-66 between I-495 and Gainesville. Construction on the $2.3 billion design-build project is scheduled to run until late 2022. 

Four travel lanes will remain open during peak periods throughout construction, with HOV-2 regulations on I-66 remaining in effect on weekdays from 5:30-9:30 a.m. in the eastbound direction and 3-7 p.m. in the westbound direction. Lane closures will occur during mid-day periods on weekdays, as well as during weekends and overnight hours. 

 In addition to roadway work, other early construction activities that will get underway this month include relocating utilities where necessary, grading and drainage work, installing erosion and sediment control measures such as construction fencing to protect the natural environment during construction, and removing trees where necessary. 

 Initial construction activities will occur in the following areas: 

  • Eastbound I-66 at I-495/Capital Beltway (mile marker 64.8-65.5) 
  • Both directions on I-66 between Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and east of Waples Mill Road (mile marker 59.9-58.9 in the westbound direction; mile marker 58.8 – 59.9 in the eastbound direction) 
  • Both directions on Route 28 north of I-66 between Westfields Boulevard and just north of Braddock and Walney Roads 
  • Both directions on I-66 near Gainesville between Route 29 and west of Sudley Road (mile marker 43.2 – 46.5) 
  • University Boulevard park and ride lot near Gainesville (east of Route 29 interchange) 

Drivers are advised that as construction ramps up and lane shifts are implemented on I-66, the “red X” signs in use between Route 50 and I-495, which were part of VDOT’s Active Traffic Management (ATM) system, will be taken out of service. 

The public can sign up to receive regular construction and lane closure updates at Transform66.org. 

Once complete, the transformed I-66 will ease congestion and move more people throughout the 22.5-mile corridor. 

 The Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project, which will deliver $3.7 billion of transportation improvements in the I-66 corridor, is a public-private partnership between VDOT, the Department of Rail and Public Transportation and private partner I-66 Express Mobility Partners. Project construction is being led by design-build contractor FAM Construction, LLC, a partnership between Ferrovial Agroman US and Allan Myers, VA.