- Speak Up for planned bicycle and pedestrian improvements included in the 495 Northern Extension (NEXT) Study.
- Virtual Q&A sessions this week with public hearing set for Monday, October 5, 2020.
Based on observations of past road projects, FABB judges that most plans to expand highways fail to reduce traffic congestion, often increase commute times, and usually aggravate the negative impacts of traffic on the climate, environment, and health. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) study of extending the Express Lanes from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange before the American Legion Bridge seems to fall into this category.
Should the plan go forward, however, the proposed inclusion of bicycle and pedestrian facilities along the three-mile corridor deserves the vocal support of local riders and walkers. So, plan now to participate in the Virtual Location and Design Public Hearing on Monday, October 5, 2020, from 7:00 to 9:30 pm. It will begin with a presentation on the environmental assessment and draft design plans followed by a formal comment session. A question and answer period will be offered as time allows. Go here for additional information and to join the meeting. You also can call 703-691-6715 for information on how to access and participate in the virtual hearing and provide formal comments.
VDOT recently announced that, to prepare for the virtual hearing, it will hold virtual question and answer sessions on Monday, September 28, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. and Wednesday, September 30, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Go here to join either of these meetings.
According to VDOT, the 495 Express Lanes NEXT Project began in 2018 to help address one of the most congested areas in the region by adding new capacity, providing new travel choices, decreasing travel times during peak periods and reducing cut-through traffic on local roads. The new bicycle/pedestrian facility will be a shared-use path behind the noise wall between Lewinsville Road and Live Oak Drive.
You can submit written comments by October 23, 2020 by completing the online comment form, emailing [email protected], or writing to Abi Lerner, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please reference “495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Study” in the subject line of your email.
