After years of planning, advocacy, and construction, a major new addition to Fairfax County’s trail network is set to open on Saturday, June 27.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) and Transurban have announced that the new shared-use bicycle and pedestrian trail constructed as part of the 495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project will officially open to the public on June 27. The approximately 2.5-mile paved trail runs alongside I-495 between Lewinsville Road and Live Oak Drive in McLean, creating new connections to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and the Fairfax County trail system.
For FABB, this opening represents the culmination of years of advocacy to ensure that a major transportation project would include meaningful bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Throughout the planning and development of the 495 NEXT project, FABB consistently pushed for safe, separated facilities that would connect neighborhoods, parks, and destinations on both sides of the Beltway. The inclusion of this trail is a significant victory for active transportation in Northern Virginia and demonstrates the value of persistent community engagement.
The new trail provides a protected route behind newly constructed sound walls and includes connections across the Beltway at Lewinsville Road, Old Dominion Drive, and Georgetown Pike. These crossings create new opportunities for local trips and recreational riding while improving access to existing trails and natural areas.
To celebrate the opening, VDOT and Transurban will host a free community 4.95K Fun Run on the morning of June 27. Participants will use most of the new trail as part of a family-friendly event highlighting the project’s multimodal benefits.
Cyclists and other trail users should be aware that the trail will be heavily occupied by event participants during the morning hours. If you’re hoping for your first ride on the new facility, you may want to wait until later in the day or visit another time during the opening weekend to fully enjoy the trail and its connections.
The event begins at the future Scott’s Run Nature Preserve annex parking area, with family activities planned before and after the run. Participation is free, though advance registration is required.
The new trail is one of the final major multimodal elements of the 495 NEXT project. While portions of the facility have been visible during construction, it remains closed until June 27 as crews complete fencing, handrails, landscaping, and other finishing work.
FABB encourages riders, walkers, runners, and families to explore the trail once it opens and experience this important new connection for themselves. We are proud to have advocated for its inclusion and look forward to seeing it become an integral part of Fairfax County’s growing active transportation network.
We’ll see you on the trail—just perhaps after the runners have crossed the finish line.
For information about the 4.95K Fun Run and registration details, visit the event website: runsignup.com/Race/VA/McLean/495FunRun.
