I-66 Trail – Outside the Beltway

Updated I-66 Trail Design, Feb. 2019

The Transform I-66 Outside the Beltway project includes plans for a parallel shared use trail from Gallows Road to Haymarket. The 25 mile bikeway (12 miles in Fairfax County), along with improvements at interstate crossings, will be a real asset to northern Virginia serving to increase access to public transportation, improve transportation options, bicycle connectivity and safety throughout the I-66 corridor.

Originally, no trail was included in the project. FABB successfully advocated for inclusion of a parallel multi-use trail and biking and walking improvements at all highway crossings as an integral part of the multi-modal project. FABB continues to work with VDOT, FCDOT and local officials to ensure they build the best possible trail.

The terms of the I-66 contract with the private-sector partner are laid out in the Technical Requirements and Comprehensive Agreement. Searching the documents for “bicycle” will quickly direct you to key sections.

Latest Info

Fairfax County is working on a name for the new I-66 parallel trail and is seeking feedback through June 30 via an online survey. Check out the suggested names and provide your feedback here.  

On February 28, FABB hosted the Transform66 team, including VDOT, FCDOT, and FAM Construction (the Design/Build Contractor), who provided an update on the I-66 Trail and other bike/ped improvements included in the project. The Transform66 team’s presentation to FABB is available online here.  You can also check out FABB’s blog for additional information. 

Proposed Nutley Interchange Redesign

Currently in the design phase, the I-66 team continues to fine tune the layout of the trail. VDOT worked to reduce the amount of trail that is inside the soundwall and alongside the interstate down to 3 miles. Where the trail is on the highway side, VDOT announced they will now be constructing a taller, 50-inch tall concrete barrier. This is a credit to bicycling advocates who have been demanding a safer barrier from highway traffic. 

There is also a proposed redesign of the Nutley Interchange that would provide a grade separated path along Nutley in addition to the grade separated I-66 parallel trail. Called the “dog bone,” the new design would reduce Nutley to two through lanes in each direction with roundabouts on both ends of the bridge to reduce high speeds. This new design, if approved, would replace the “diverging diamond” design.