A significant road construction project, known as the "Big Beam Weekend," is set to disrupt travel in Virginia's Tysons area over the coming days. The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has announced closures along a 3-mile stretch of the Capital Beltway Inner Loop, affecting traffic from Route 7 to north of the Dulles Toll Road/Route 267. These closures will be in place from Friday evening until early Monday morning, spanning an extended weekend period. Multiple ramps at the I-495 and Dulles Corridor interchange will also close, with detours in place to accommodate the installation of massive steel girders. Drivers are advised to seek alternative routes to avoid anticipated delays and backups.
The Big Beam Weekend project is part of Virginia’s ambitious 495 NEXT initiative, aimed at enhancing transportation infrastructure. During this time, five enormous steel girders will be hoisted over the northbound lanes of I-495. Each girder, measuring approximately 295 feet in length and weighing between 70 and 80 tons, will eventually support a new express lane ramp. VDOT officials emphasized that the scale of this operation necessitates complete closure of certain sections of the highway to ensure worker safety and project efficiency. Without active traffic nearby, crews can proceed without interruption, ensuring timely completion of this critical phase.
To facilitate the work, several key changes will be implemented for drivers. Northbound traffic on the 495 Express Lanes will need to exit at Route 7/Leesburg Pike and merge back onto the general-purpose lanes. All northbound vehicles will be reduced to two lanes and diverted into the Express Lanes north of Route 123. After passing the Dulles Toll Road/Route 267, all lanes will reopen at Lewinsville Road. Additionally, specific ramps connecting the Dulles Toll Road to I-495 will be closed and rerouted. Despite these disruptions, no toll fees will be charged to vehicles following the designated detours.
Travelers heading to Dulles International Airport should anticipate increased travel times due to surrounding traffic impacts, although the Dulles Airport Access Highway will remain open throughout the project. Southbound lanes on I-495 will continue to operate normally, including the Express Lanes, which will maintain regular tolling. In case of adverse weather conditions, the project will be postponed to later in the month. This carefully planned operation underscores the state's commitment to improving transportation infrastructure while minimizing long-term disruption.
The Big Beam Weekend project marks a crucial step in upgrading Virginia's transportation network. By temporarily closing affected areas and implementing detailed detour plans, VDOT aims to ensure the safe and efficient installation of essential infrastructure components. While travelers may face temporary inconveniences, the completed improvements will ultimately enhance traffic flow and provide more reliable travel options for residents and visitors alike.