Traffic relief is finally on the horizon for Northern Virginia residents. After years of construction, delays, noisy work zones, and slow commutes through McLean and Tysons, Virginia officials officially announced that the new I-495 Express Lanes extension will open this weekend, and they say the change will bring immediate improvements for daily drivers.

Whether you live in Fairfax County, McLean, Tysons, Vienna, or Great Falls, this new extension could reshape your commute, your weekend plans, and even your real estate decisions. In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know in simple, clear language about what’s opening, how traffic may change, and what local homeowners should expect next.

Why the New I-495 Toll Lanes Matter for Northern Virginia Drivers

Traffic has long been one of the defining challenges of life in Fairfax County. If you’ve ever sat bumper-to-bumper near the American Legion Bridge, you know exactly why this project matters.

Virginia officials emphasized that the new lanes are not just about speed; they are about quality of life, long-term mobility, and keeping Northern Virginia competitive for families and businesses.

“This project is critical for the future economy of Virginia.”

Fairfax County Chairman Jeff McKay noted during the opening ceremony.

From local commuters to interstate travelers heading to Maryland, the I-495 bottleneck has been a decades-long frustration. And this weekend, the region is finally getting a meaningful update.

What Exactly Is Opening This Weekend?

The new opening is part of the major 495 NEXT project, a 2.5-mile extension of the Express Lanes from Tysons (near the Dulles Toll Road) to just north of the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean.

This section directly affects:

• Tysons Corner shoppers
  
• McLean commuters
  
• Great Falls and Vienna residents
  
• Drivers heading toward the American Legion Bridge
  
• Anyone using the Dulles Toll Road or Route 7
  
• TransPotomac commuters traveling toward Bethesda or Rockville
  

With this expansion, the Express Lanes now stretch continuously and are designed to create:

• Faster, predictable travel times
  
• Better flow entering and leaving Tysons
  
• Less congestion approaching the American Legion Bridge
  
• More bus options and future transit expansion
  

Even without immediate cooperation from Maryland, Virginia officials say the improvements will be noticeable from Day 1.

Why Virginia Officials Are Confident This Will Reduce Traffic

During the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Tysons Corner Center’s Hyatt Regency, Governor Glenn Youngkin emphasized that the new lanes will help “deliver results now,” especially during the Thanksgiving travel surge.

Transportation Secretary Shep Miller confirmed that the extension will:

• Reduce bottlenecks
  
• Provide faster northbound travel times
  
• Support new transit options
  
• Prepare infrastructure for future bridge improvements
  

Virginia is also pushing Maryland to resume work on replacing or upgrading the aging American Legion Bridge, which remains one of the most congested crossings in the nation.

Local Residents Will See More Than Just New Lanes

One of the lesser-known benefits of the project is the expansion of sidewalks and shared-use paths 6.5 miles worth, expected by mid-2026.

This means:

• Safer walking and biking in McLean
  
• Better connections to neighborhoods and trails
  
• Increased property appeal for nearby homes
  
• New commuting options for office workers and students
  

This is especially meaningful for areas around Lewinsville Road, Live Oak Drive, and neighborhoods that border the Beltway.

Who Can Use the New 495 Toll Lanes?

The new lanes will be open to:

• High-occupancy vehicles (HOV-3+) free of charge
  
• Public transit buses
  
• Standard drivers who pay dynamic toll pricing
  

The lanes are operated by Transurban, the private operator behind the existing Express Lanes network.

More importantly, Fairfax Connector’s Express Route 798 between Tysons and Bethesda will now have improved runtime reliability a big boost for cross-Potomac commuters.

Lane Closures & Detours Before Opening – What Drivers Should Expect

Before the new lanes open, VDOT is completing final tie-ins, sign changes, and ramp adjustments. Some closures include:

I-495 North & South:

• Single-lane closures
  
• Mobile closures near River Road and GW Parkway
  

495 Express Lanes:

• Northbound lanes closed near Route 7
  
• Ramps at Scotts Crossing and Westpark are temporarily closed
  
• Permanent removal of old entry/exit points
  

Dulles Toll Road:

• Multiple lane closures
  
• Ramp closures toward I-495 north
  

GW Parkway:

• Temporary closures approaching I-495
  

By mid-morning Sunday, everything should be operational.

How Will This Impact Local Real Estate in Fairfax County?

This part is especially important for homeowners, buyers, and investors.

1. Homes Near McLean & Tysons May Increase in Value

Less congestion, better regional access higher demand.

2. Commuting Times to Maryland Will Be More Predictable

Buyers from Maryland may consider Virginia homes more seriously.

3. Tysons Continues To Urbanize

More infrastructure, more walkability, rising condo appeal.

4. More Transit Options Support Long-Term Growth

Express buses, bike paths, and pedestrian routes add lifestyle advantages.

If you’re thinking about buying or selling in McLean, Tysons, or Greater Fairfax, this project is a major long-term positive signal.

How to Know If the Lanes Are Open

VDOT says drivers will know lanes are open when:

• Digital toll signs are on
  
• Barriers are removed
  
• Wayfinding signs are active
  

If a ramp still looks closed, do not attempt to enter.

Local Tips: How Drivers Can Adjust Quickly

Here are a few ways to make the transition smooth:

1. Save Your Routes in Waze or Google Maps

These apps will start recommending the Express Lanes automatically.

2. Learn the New Ramps

Especially if you live near:

• Lewinsville Road
  
• Dulles Toll Road
  
• Tysons
  
• Georgetown Pike
  
• Old Dominion Drive
  

3. Get an E-ZPass Flex

If you use HOV-3+, you can travel free.

4. Expect a Learning Curve

For the first week, drive attentively, many drivers will be adjusting.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. How do I use the new I-495 toll lanes?

You can enter through the updated ramps near Tysons, Lewinsville Road, and the Dulles Toll Road. Watch for active toll signs and open barriers.

2. Are HOV-3+ drivers still free on the Express Lanes?

Yes. Carpools, buses, and high-occupancy vehicles travel free with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode.

3. How far does the new extension go?

The lanes run 2.5 miles from the Dulles Toll Road in Tysons to north of the GW Parkway.

4. Will this reduce traffic immediately?

Yes, Virginia officials say the extension will improve speeds right away by removing bottlenecks and improving northbound flow.

5. Can I travel to Maryland faster now?

You’ll see improvements, but the American Legion Bridge still needs upgrades from Maryland for full relief.

6. Is the project fully complete?

The lanes are open, but sidewalks and shared-use paths will continue until mid-2026.

7. Is this safe for new drivers?

Yes. New signs and clearer lane markings should make navigation easier, though a few days of adjustment are expected.

8. Are tolls expensive?

Toll rates change based on traffic. Off-peak times are usually the cheapest.

9. Will Route 7 or Tysons traffic get better?

Many local intersections will improve because fewer cars will sit in the merge zones.

10. Can I avoid the tolls entirely?

Yes, general-purpose lanes remain free. The new lanes simply offer faster options.

Conclusion: A New Era for Northern Virginia Mobility

For drivers across Fairfax County, whether you’re commuting to Tysons, heading home to Vienna, or traveling toward Maryland, this weekend marks a turning point. The new I-495 toll lanes bring more than asphalt; they bring opportunity, predictability, and relief.

If you have questions about how this impacts your neighborhood, commute, or home value…

Contact LIST WITH ELIZABETH – Elizabeth Ann Kline at 703-829-5478

Your trusted local real estate advisor for Fairfax, Springfield, Burke, and Fairfax County.