There is a new la
ne for commuters to use on the Capital Beltway (I-495) inner loop.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), the shoulder lane on I-495 has been opened.
VDOT stated that this has been done to improve driving conditions going northbound, when I-495 Express Lanes join the regular driving lanes.
More on the new lane from VDOT:
The 1.5-mile lane will allow traffic to travel on the left shoulder of northbound I-495 from where the 495 Express Lanes end to the George Washington Parkway. The shoulder will be open to all traffic from 7-11 a.m. and 2-8 p.m. on weekdays. A lane-use management system, with green arrows and red “X’s,” similar to the lane-control system on I-66, will alert travelers when the shoulder is open.
In addition to the extra lane, several safety enhancements have been implemented such as upgraded concrete barriers in the median of I-495, new cameras and electronic highway signs to help with incident response and traveler information, and new pavement.
All travelers and buses will benefit from the new capacity and improved merge. There will be no barrier separation between the shoulder lane and the regular Beltway lanes, ensuring easy access for travelers.
