Transportation leaders in in Virginia have revised a plan to expand the express lanes on Interstate 495 to include space for Metrorail service on the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has proposed building 11 miles of express lanes on I-495 from the Springfield interchange to the Maryland 210 interchange, which includes the Wilson Bridge.
Updated plans VDOT presented to the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ transportation committee earlier this week include space for future Metro service along the bridge.
During the meeting Tuesday, VDOT officials said they could reduce shoulder space on the bridge to make room for four normal travel lanes and two express lanes in each direction.
Virginia Department of Transportation
Virginia Department of Transportation
The proposed plan would also leave space for an 18-foot-wide right-of-way down the middle of the bridge for future Metro service.
Research for the project began in 2022, but stalled last year because community leaders wanted to make sure there was space in the plan for Metro service.
The project is still in its early phases, and VDOT must also review the proposal with stakeholders in Maryland.
