One lane in each direction expected next year; Final completion late 2019

Original Post by Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)

January 26, 2017 – Tysons, VA – Construction on an important new connection for commuters and visitors to Tysons begins today, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Jones Branch Connector will provide a new link to Route 123 over the Capital Beltway, improving local traffic and access for drivers, as well as providing a vital option for area bicyclists and pedestrians.

The half-mile project includes ­­­new roadway from the interchange of the I-495 Express Lanes and Jones Branch Drive to Scotts Crossing Road. Improvements will also be made along the access road from Jones Branch Drive to the Express Lanes, as well as along Scotts Crossing Road. Project features include:

• Two travel lanes and on-street bike lanes in each direction
• Three bridges over the I-495 Express and general-purpose lanes
• 8- to 12-foot-wide lighted sidewalks, landscaping and other streetscape amenities
• A wide, raised median to accommodate the future Tysons Circulator bus

By providing an alternate route across the Beltway and linking the Tysons East and Central areas, the Connector is expected to relieve traffic along Route 123, at the I-495 interchange, and at other congested intersections. The road is expected to carry more than 32,000 vehicles per day by 2040.

Traffic Impacts and Schedule

No major traffic impacts are expected in the next several months as crews set up staging areas and complete preliminary work. During construction, most work will be completed at night.

Lane closures on the Beltway and the 495 Express Lanes will be required and announced when steel girders are put in place. As construction progresses, drivers can expect phases of nighttime lane closures on Dolley Madison Boulevard, Scotts Crossing Drive and Jones Branch Drive. Access to all businesses will be maintained during construction.

The $58 million project is being completed through a combination of federal, state and county funds. Fairfax County led design and development, while VDOT will administer construction.

Archer Western Construction LLC was awarded the construction contract in December 2016. One lane of traffic in each direction is expected to open in late 2018, with the entire project scheduled for completion by late 2019.

Visit the VDOT project page for more details and updates during construction.

VDOT’s Northern Virginia District is delivering 98% of construction projects on or ahead of time this fiscal year. For more information, visit VDOT’s performance dashboard (select Northern Virginia District and click On Time %).

Follow VDOT Northern Virginia on Twitter: @vadotnova

###

Information in VDOT news releases was accurate at the time the release was published. For the most current information about projects or programs, please visit the project or program Web pages.