AM Real Estate Ahmed MakkiyahNorthern Virginia Guide
An aerial view of the rebuilt I-66 and Route 28 interchange in fall: flyover ramps curving over the highway and its express lanes, sound walls, and orange and gold woods on every side
What’s being built

Northern Virginia Road Projects 2026: What’s Being BuiltEach agency’s estimated finish date, and what changes when it opens

I-66 at Route 28, rebuilt in 2022· Centreville, Fairfax County

Artist’s renderings of real Northern Virginia places.

Last updated October 16, 2026VDOT, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Prince William County, Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, NVTA, VPRA, WMATA and the Express Lanes operatorAbout a 23-minute read

Quick answer

Of the 25 road, rail and bus projects on this page, the next to finish are the Route 29 widening in Centreville (mid-fall 2026) and the Fairfax County Parkway and Popes Head Road interchange (late fall 2026), VDOT said on October 8 and October 15, 2026.1,2 The 495 Express Lanes extension to the American Legion Bridge opened November 23, 2025.3 The Long Bridge rail project, which VRE says will bring its first weekend and late-night trains, is due in 2030,4 and Richmond Highway bus rapid transit is now set to start service in fall 2033, later than the 2031 start the FTA listed in 2024.5,6 Ten of the 25 have no completion date announced.

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The road work in four numbers

Agency dates, checked October 16, 2026

25Road, rail and bus projects on this page, with each agency’s dates checked October 16, 2026
15Have an agency’s estimated completion date; the other 10 have none announced
Fall 2026The next to finish: Route 29 in Centreville and the Popes Head Road interchange (VDOT)1,2
2034The latest date posted: Route 50 at Loudoun County Parkway, December 31, 2034 (NVTA)7

Timeline

When each project is due to finish.

Every project with an official estimated completion date, plotted at the end of the season or year its agency gives, so “fall 2033” sits at the end of fall 2033. Prince William’s road program is shown road by road. The 10 projects with no date announced are not on it.

  • Fairfax County and its cities
  • Loudoun County
  • Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park
  • Arlington and Alexandria
  • Region-wide
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 Today Route 29, Centreville Mid-fall 2026 Popes Head Rd interchange Late fall 2026 Fairfax County Pkwy widening Mid-2027 Marina Way extension Summer 2027 Crystal City Metro entrance Summer 2027 Rolling Rd widening Late 2027 Old Bridge Rd at PW Pkwy Winter 2028 Dulles Toll Rd bridge Early 2028 Devlin Rd widening Spring 2028 University Blvd extension Fall 2028 Route 7 at Route 690 Winter 2029 Duke Street Transitway Dec. 31, 2029 Route 15 North widening Winter 2030 Route 234 Business Spring 2030 Long Bridge 2030 Sudley Manor Dr interchange Dec. 2030 Fraley Blvd (Route 1) Spring 2031 Richmond Hwy bus rapid transit Fall 2033 Route 50 at Loudoun County Pkwy Dec. 31, 2034 2026 2028 2030 2032 2034 Route 29, Centreville Mid-fall 2026 Popes Head Rd interchange Late fall 2026 Fairfax County Pkwy widening Mid-2027 Marina Way extension Summer 2027 Crystal City Metro entrance Summer 2027 Rolling Rd widening Late 2027 Old Bridge Rd at PW Pkwy Winter 2028 Dulles Toll Rd bridge Early 2028 Devlin Rd widening Spring 2028 University Blvd extension Fall 2028 Route 7 at Route 690 Winter 2029 Duke Street Transitway Dec. 31, 2029 Route 15 North widening Winter 2030 Route 234 Business Spring 2030 Long Bridge 2030 Sudley Manor Dr interchange Dec. 2030 Fraley Blvd (Route 1) Spring 2031 Richmond Hwy bus rapid transit Fall 2033 Route 50 at Loudoun County Pkwy Dec. 31, 2034
Dates as each agency states them, checked October 16, 2026; the line runs from today to each date. Sources are on each project below.

Region-wide

The corridors that cross county lines.

Toll lanes, the Potomac bridges and the rail line that every county’s commuters share.

495 Express Lanes extension (495 NEXT)

OpenI-495, McLean

The 495 Express Lanes were extended 2.5 miles north, two lanes each way, from the Dulles corridor to the George Washington Memorial Parkway near the American Legion Bridge, with a 2.5-mile walking and biking trail. About $660 million.3

Where
I-495 in McLean, Fairfax County, from the Dulles Toll Road to the GW Parkway.
Status
The lanes opened Sunday, November 23, 2025, ahead of the contract schedule; the trail opened June 27, 2026.3
Estimated completion
Mid-2026 for full completion, VDOT said on its project page (updated April 3, 2026). It had not posted that the work is finished when we checked on October 16, 2026.3

What changes when it opens

Toll lanes now reach the GW Parkway, with four new ramps: north and south to the GW Parkway, east and west to the Dulles Toll Road. Carpools of three or more with an E-ZPass Flex, buses and motorcycles ride free; solo drivers pay a toll that changes with traffic. The project also set up Fairfax Connector’s Express Route 798 bus from Tysons to Bethesda, running since September 2024.3,8

American Legion Bridge and Maryland toll lanes

PlanningI-495 across the Potomac

Maryland’s plan to rebuild and widen the American Legion Bridge and add two toll lanes each way on I-495 to the I-270 spur, joining Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes.9

Where
I-495 from the GW Parkway in Virginia, across the Potomac, into Montgomery County, Maryland.
Status
On January 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of Transportation and Maryland’s governor agreed to deliver it as a public-private partnership. Construction has not started.9
Estimated completion
Not announced. Maryland’s 2024 federal grant application said both contracts would be open to traffic by 2033. No new date has been posted since the January 2026 restart (checked October 16, 2026).9

What changes when it opens

Toll lanes would run from Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes across the river to I-270. Until then, the Express Lanes end at the GW Parkway, before the bridge.3,9

95 Express Lanes in both directions

Early planningI-95, Springfield to Spotsylvania

The reversible 95 Express Lanes would become two-way lanes open at all hours over about 45 miles: three lanes each way from the Franconia-Springfield Parkway to the Prince William Parkway, and two each way from there to the Spotsylvania Parkway.10

Where
I-95 from Springfield through Prince William and Stafford counties to Spotsylvania.
Status
Early development between VDOT and the Express Lanes operator. It still needs approval.10
Estimated completion
Not announced. The operator says that “if approved, financial close is anticipated in 2029.” FFXnow reported on September 25, 2026 that VDOT told Fairfax supervisors construction could take place in the early 2030s (checked October 16, 2026).10,11

What changes when it opens

Express lanes would carry traffic both ways at all hours, not one direction at a time, and the operator puts the added capacity at about 140%.10

Long Bridge: VRE and Amtrak over the Potomac

Under constructionRail bridge, Arlington to DC

A new two-track rail bridge beside the old one, making four tracks for 1.8 miles from the Long Bridge Aquatic Center in Arlington to L’Enfant Plaza in DC, plus a separate bridge for people on foot and on bikes.4

Where
The Potomac rail crossing between Arlington and Washington, used by VRE’s Fredericksburg and Manassas lines and by Amtrak.
Status
Under construction. Daytime track work since January 12, 2026 has moved some VRE and Amtrak train times.4
Estimated completion
2030 (VPRA, December 1, 2025; checked October 16, 2026).4

What changes when it opens

VRE says that with the Long Bridge and other work on the line done, it plans its first-ever weekend and late-night trains. VPRA says the project improves reliability and adds room for passenger and freight trains.4

Long-range ideas: Bi-County Parkway, Tri-County Parkway, a new Potomac crossing

Not fundedWestern Prince William, Loudoun

Three ideas that come up in talk about western Prince William and Loudoun traffic. None is funded or scheduled.12

Where
The Route 234 Bypass North corridor (Bi-County Parkway), and a Potomac bridge northwest of the American Legion Bridge.
Status
Prince William supervisors removed the Bi-County Parkway from the county’s comprehensive plan on March 1, 2022 (Prince William Times, news). We found no current official status for the Tri-County Parkway. A northwestern Potomac crossing is backed by the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance, an advocacy group, and is in no official plan we found.12
Estimated completion
Not announced. None of the three is in a funded plan (checked October 16, 2026).12

What changes when it opens

Nothing is scheduled, so nothing changes for now.

Fairfax County

Fairfax County and its cities.

Ten projects, from two that finish this fall to bus rapid transit on Route 1 in 2033.

Route 29 widening, Centreville

FinishingRoute 29, Centreville

Route 29 is rebuilt and widened from four lanes to six for 1.5 miles, from Union Mill Road to Buckleys Gate Drive, with shared-use paths on both sides.1

Where
Route 29 in Centreville, Fairfax County.
Status
VDOT held the ribbon cutting on October 8, 2026 and says the third lanes and paths are expected to open in the coming weeks.1
Estimated completion
Mid-fall 2026 (VDOT, page updated October 8, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).1

What changes when it opens

A third lane each way on this stretch, which VDOT says relieves the rush-hour bottleneck at the Stringfellow Road and Clifton Road signal, plus paths on both sides of the road. About 29,000 vehicles a day use it (VDOT).1

Fairfax County Parkway and Popes Head Road interchange

Partly openFairfax County Parkway

A new interchange where Popes Head Road meets the Fairfax County Parkway, with three roundabouts and two bridges, plus a wider parkway.2

Where
Fairfax County Parkway at Popes Head Road.
Status
Partly open since June 2026. Some ramps stay closed until later this fall, with detours by Braddock Road.2
Estimated completion
Late fall 2026 (VDOT, page updated October 15, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).2

What changes when it opens

When the last ramps open, every move between the parkway and Popes Head Road goes through the new interchange, and the Braddock Road detours end. VDOT says the aim is less congestion and safer, smoother traffic, with a new sidewalk on Popes Head Road and a path toward the future Patriot Park. The parkway here carries 71,000 to 74,000 vehicles a day (VDOT).2

Fairfax County Parkway widening, Route 123 to Route 29

Under constructionFairfax County Parkway

The parkway widens from four lanes to six for about 6 miles: the south section from Route 123 to Nomes Court (about 2 miles) and the north section from Nomes Court and Ladues End Lane to Route 29 (about 4 miles).13

Where
Fairfax County Parkway between Route 123 and Route 29.
Status
Under construction. A third northbound lane on Route 123 at the parkway is open, and a 45 mph work zone runs between I-66 and Route 123.13
Estimated completion
Mid-2027 for both sections (VDOT, north page updated September 2, 2026, south October 13, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).13

What changes when it opens

Three lanes each way on this 6-mile stretch, and the 45 mph work zone and long-term lane shifts end. VDOT says the aim is less congestion and safer traffic, with walking and biking kept open.13

Rolling Road widening, Phase 2

Under constructionRolling Road

Rolling Road widens from two lanes to four with a raised median, a shared-use path and a sidewalk for about 1.5 miles between Viola Street and Kenwood Avenue, with a new signal at Greeley Boulevard.14

Where
Rolling Road south of Old Keene Mill Road, Fairfax County.
Status
Under construction since February 2025, with traffic shifts in place until late 2027. Phase 1, at Old Keene Mill Road, was finished in November 2021.14
Estimated completion
Late 2027 (VDOT, page updated October 8, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).14

What changes when it opens

Two lanes each way with a raised median, a new traffic signal at Greeley Boulevard, and a path and sidewalk. VDOT says the aim is safety, traffic flow and walking and biking. This stretch carries 16,000 to 19,000 vehicles a day (VDOT).14

Dulles Toll Road eastbound bridge over Route 123

Under constructionDulles Toll Road, Tysons

Repair of the eastbound Dulles Toll Road bridge over Route 123 (Dolley Madison Boulevard). No lanes are added.15

Where
Dulles Toll Road at Route 123, between McLean and Tysons.
Status
Under construction since December 2025, with a lane split and crossover until the work is done.15
Estimated completion
Early 2028 (VDOT, page updated October 13, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).15

What changes when it opens

VDOT says the work improves safety, raises the clearance under the bridge and extends the bridge’s life. The lane split and crossover end when it is done.15

Richmond Highway bus rapid transit

Utility workRoute 1, Huntington to Fort Belvoir

A 7.4-mile bus rapid transit line on Route 1 from Huntington Metro to Fort Belvoir, with 9 stations, in its own lanes for more than 90% of the way.6

Where
Route 1 (Richmond Highway) from Huntington to Fort Belvoir.
Status
Utility relocation now. Road and station construction runs from spring 2028 to spring 2033 (Fairfax County DOT timeline, updated October 2026).5
Estimated completion
Fall 2033 for the start of bus service (Fairfax County DOT, October 2026; checked October 16, 2026). In May 2024 the FTA listed service starting in 2031.5,6

What changes when it opens

Buses every 6 minutes at rush hour and every 12 minutes at other times, weekdays from 5 a.m. to midnight, mostly in lanes of their own (FTA). The line ends at Huntington station, on Metro’s Yellow Line.6

Richmond Highway widening

In designRoute 1, Fairfax County

Route 1 widens from four lanes to six for about 3 miles, from Jeff Todd Way to Sherwood Hall Lane, with center lanes for the bus rapid transit line. About $505 million.16

Where
Route 1 (Richmond Highway) from Jeff Todd Way to Sherwood Hall Lane.
Status
Utility relocation is under way. Construction starts mid-2027 (Segment C), mid-2028 (Segment B) and early 2029 (Segment A).16
Estimated completion
Not announced. VDOT lists completion as to be determined (page updated October 9, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).16

What changes when it opens

Three lanes each way and center lanes for the bus line. VDOT says the project aims to improve safety, reduce congestion and add ways to travel besides driving.16

Route 7 widening in Tysons

In designRoute 7, Tysons

Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) widened between Route 123 and I-495, with turn lanes, shared-use paths in place of some service roads, and room for a future bus rapid transit line.17

Where
Route 7 between Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road) and the Beltway.
Status
Design. Public hearing summer 2027, right of way winter 2029/30, construction starts spring 2032.17
Estimated completion
Not announced. VDOT lists completion as to be determined (page updated July 20, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).17

What changes when it opens

VDOT says the aim is safety, smoother traffic and better walking and biking, and to make way for a bus rapid transit line. About 76,000 vehicles a day use this stretch (VDOT).17

Braddock Road improvements, Burke to Annandale

In designBraddock Road

Intersection and ramp changes along 3 miles of Braddock Road from Humphries Drive in Burke to Ravensworth Road in Annandale, including the ramps to the southbound Beltway, with new shared-use paths on both sides.18

Where
Braddock Road (Route 620) between Burke and Annandale.
Status
Design. Phase 1 construction starts fall 2030; Phase 2 dates are to be determined.18
Estimated completion
Not announced. VDOT lists completion as to be determined (page updated October 1, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).18

What changes when it opens

Reworked intersections at Rolling Road, Wakefield Chapel Road and Danbury Forest Drive, and Burke Lake Road, reworked ramps to the southbound Beltway, and paths on both sides. VDOT says the aim is safety, mobility and access for everyone on the road.18

Frying Pan Road widening

No scheduleFrying Pan Road

Frying Pan Road widened to six lanes between Route 28 and Centreville Road. About $54.3 million on the county’s approved project list.19

Where
Frying Pan Road from Route 28 to Centreville Road.
Status
Approved by the Board of Supervisors, with no schedule posted.19
Estimated completion
Not announced. No schedule on the county’s list (checked October 16, 2026).19

What changes when it opens

Six lanes on this stretch. The county’s list says it improves access to the Silver Line and Dulles Airport and takes pressure off Centreville Road.19

Loudoun County

Loudoun County.

An interchange at Purcellville, a wider Route 15 north of Leesburg, and a new interchange planned on Route 50.

Route 7 and Route 690 interchange, Purcellville

Under constructionRoute 7, Purcellville

A new interchange where Route 7 meets Route 690 at Purcellville.20

Where
Route 7 at Route 690, Purcellville.
Status
Under construction since winter 2026, with temporary lane closures and delays.20
Estimated completion
Winter 2029, substantial completion (Loudoun County; checked October 16, 2026).20

What changes when it opens

Loudoun County says it will ease connection problems around Purcellville, cut traffic in downtown Purcellville and on Route 287, and give a more direct route north and northeast of Route 7, including to Woodgrove High School and Mountain View Elementary.20

Route 15 North widening, Leesburg

Early workRoute 15, north of Leesburg

Route 15 widens from two lanes to four between Battlefield Parkway and Montresor Road, with a Continuous Green T intersection at North King Street and a hybrid roundabout at Montresor Road.21

Where
Route 15 north of Leesburg, from Battlefield Parkway to Montresor Road.
Status
Tree clearing and utility relocation (fall 2026 to winter 2029). The county is choosing a contractor this fall.21
Estimated completion
Winter 2030, the end of construction that runs from winter 2027 (Loudoun County; checked October 16, 2026).21

What changes when it opens

Two lanes each way on this stretch, with the new intersections. The work comes out of the county’s Route 15 North congestion report, started to reduce traffic between Battlefield Parkway and Whites Ferry Road.21

Route 50 and Loudoun County Parkway interchange

In designRoute 50, Loudoun County

An interchange to replace the traffic signal where Route 50 meets Loudoun County Parkway. The Board of Supervisors endorsed a single-point urban interchange design in April 2026. About $181.2 million.7

Where
Route 50 at Loudoun County Parkway, near Northstar Boulevard.
Status
Design. VDOT is reviewing the interchange access report.7
Estimated completion
December 31, 2034, anticipated (NVTA project dashboard; checked October 16, 2026).7

What changes when it opens

The two roads would cross at different levels instead of meeting at a signal. NVTA says it replaces a “failing” intersection to improve traffic flow on both roads and safety at the crossing.7

Route 15 Bypass and Edwards Ferry Road interchange, Leesburg

PostponedRoute 15 Bypass, Leesburg

An interchange to replace the signals where the Route 15 Bypass meets Edwards Ferry Road and Fort Evans Road.22

Where
Route 15 Bypass at Edwards Ferry Road, Leesburg.
Status
Postponed. The town says it is “being pushed into future years to allow further design and cost reduction.”22
Estimated completion
Not announced. Start and completion are both listed as to be determined (Town of Leesburg; checked October 16, 2026).22

What changes when it opens

The town calls the two signalized intersections “heavily congested” with “high accident rates.” Nothing changes until a schedule is set.22

Prince William County

Prince William County, Manassas and Manassas Park.

Route 1 through Dumfries, six county road projects with dates, and the future of Route 28.

Prince William County road program

Some under wayRoute 234, University Blvd and more

Six county projects with posted dates:23

  • Marina Way extension: 0.26 mile of new four-lane road from Route 123 to Annapolis Way; late summer 2026 to summer 2027.
  • Devlin Road widening: a four-lane divided road from University Boulevard to Jennell Drive; construction fall 2025 to spring 2028.
  • Prince William Parkway at Old Bridge Road: the Parkway becomes the main six-lane road and Old Bridge Road meets it at a four-lane T; construction summer 2027 to winter 2028.
  • University Boulevard extension: four lanes from Devlin Road to Wellington Road, with a sidewalk and a shared-use path; design and construction July 2026 to fall 2028.
  • Route 234 Business, Battleview Parkway to Godwin Drive: lane, signal, turn-lane, driveway and walking changes; construction spring 2028 to spring 2030.
  • Sudley Manor Drive interchange: a new interchange at Route 234 (Prince William Parkway); design and construction July 2026 to December 2030.
Where
Around Manassas, Bristow, Gainesville and Woodbridge.
Status
Devlin Road is under construction; the Sudley Manor and University Boulevard contracts started in July 2026; the rest are in design.23
Estimated completion
Summer 2027 to December 2030, project by project (Prince William County; checked October 16, 2026).23

What changes when it opens

The new road layouts above. The county’s page does not give travel time effects.23

Fraley Boulevard (Route 1) widening, Dumfries

In designRoute 1, Dumfries

Route 1 widens to six lanes for 1.9 miles from Brady’s Hill Road to Route 234, on today’s northbound side, with walking and biking paths; today’s southbound side becomes a two-way local road.23

Where
Route 1 (Fraley Boulevard) through Dumfries.
Status
Design ends summer 2026. Construction runs from fall 2027 to spring 2031.23
Estimated completion
Spring 2031 (Prince William County; checked October 16, 2026). A May 25, 2022 county release had said early 2027.23,24

What changes when it opens

Six lanes on Route 1 through Dumfries with walking and biking paths, and a separate two-way local road on today’s southbound side (the county’s description).23

Route 28 in Prince William, Manassas and Manassas Park

StudyRoute 28 (Centreville Road)

Three pieces: a VDOT study of widening Route 28 from four lanes to six, divided, from Liberia Avenue in Manassas to just south of Compton Road in Fairfax County; new intersections near Manassas Park, about $25 million; and the end of the Route 28 Bypass plan.25

Where
Route 28 from Manassas to the Fairfax County line.
Status
The study began in May 2026, with options shown in spring 2027. Intersection construction starts spring 2029. Prince William supervisors dropped the Bypass on February 18, 2025, in favor of widening Route 28.25
Estimated completion
Not announced. VDOT lists completion as to be determined for both the widening and the intersections (checked October 16, 2026).25

What changes when it opens

At Maplewood Drive and Browns Lane, drivers from the side street who want to cross or turn left will turn right and make a U-turn (a restricted crossing U-turn), and a median U-turn is added between Birch Street and Spruce Street. VDOT says the aim is safety, traffic flow and walking. The widening’s effects will come from the study.25

Arlington and Alexandria

Arlington and the City of Alexandria.

A new Metro entrance in Crystal City, bus lanes on Duke Street, and a plan to bring Route 1 down to street level.

Crystal City Metro east entrance

Under constructionCrystal Drive and 18th Street South

A new entrance on the east side of Crystal City Metro station, at 18th Street South and Crystal Drive, with faregates, two elevators and stairs down to a new mezzanine.26

Where
Crystal City, Arlington, on the Blue and Yellow Lines.
Status
Under construction since the July 12, 2024 groundbreaking, with lane closures on Crystal Drive and 18th Street South.26
Estimated completion
Summer 2027 (Arlington County; checked October 16, 2026). WMATA said “late 2027” at the 2024 groundbreaking.26

What changes when it opens

WMATA says the entrance adds capacity and eases rush-hour crowding, adds elevator access, and puts riders closer to Crystal Drive and to Metroway, VRE, ART, Fairfax Connector and OmniRide.26

Duke Street Transitway, Alexandria

In designDuke Street (Route 236)

Bus rapid transit on Duke Street from King Street Metro to the Landmark area, with bus-only lanes where Duke Street has six lanes today, and buses in regular traffic with signal priority between Jordan Street and Roth Street. About $102.6 million.28

Where
Duke Street from Diagonal Road (King Street Metro) to Walker Street (Landmark).
Status
Design. The city expects final design in spring 2027 and permits by mid-2027, with construction shortly after.27
Estimated completion
December 31, 2029, anticipated (NVTA project dashboard; checked October 16, 2026).28

What changes when it opens

The city’s estimates for the evening rush: eastbound end-to-end trips fall from 25 to 15.5 minutes by bus and from 19.5 to 14.5 minutes by car. In the morning rush, westbound car trips rise from 11 to 13.5 minutes. The city says most round trips on the corridor save time (Concept A, from its 2023 concept work).27

Route 1 in Crystal City: from freeway to boulevard

Study doneRoute 1, Crystal City

VDOT recommends turning the raised Route 1 freeway between 12th Street South and 20th Street South into a street-level urban boulevard.29

Where
Route 1 (Richmond Highway) through Crystal City, Arlington.
Status
Study finished; its Phase 2 final report came out in December 2024. Nothing is scheduled.29
Estimated completion
Not announced. VDOT says “This study did not set design or construction dates” (page updated August 5, 2026; checked October 16, 2026).29

What changes when it opens

If it is built, Route 1 would run at street level here instead of on a raised freeway. Virginia committed to improve safety, access and the walk across Route 1 here. About 55,000 vehicles a day use Route 1 in Crystal City (VDOT).29

Just finished and dates that moved

What opened lately, and which dates slipped.

The recent openings change today’s commutes. The slipped dates are a reminder that an estimate is not a promise.

Just finished

  • 495 Express Lanes extension Lanes open November 23, 2025; trail June 27, 2026. Toll lanes now reach the GW Parkway.3
  • Columbia Pike street improvements, Arlington Substantially complete in December 2025.30
  • Northstar Boulevard, Loudoun Evergreen Mills Road to Route 50, ribbon cutting December 17, 2024.31
  • 95 Express Lanes ramp at Opitz Boulevard, Woodbridge Opened November 14, 2024.32
  • Route 7 widening, Reston Avenue to Jarrett Valley Drive About 7 miles, four lanes to six, ribbon cutting May 22, 2024. VDOT says Route 7 is now at least six lanes all the way from Leesburg to Tysons.33
  • Route 28 widening in Fairfax County Bull Run bridge to Route 29, four lanes to six, ribbon cutting November 1, 2023.34
  • Potomac Yard Metro station, Alexandria Opened May 19, 2023.35
  • I-66 Express Lanes outside the Beltway 22.5 miles from the Beltway to Route 29 in Gainesville; the final section opened in November 2022.36
  • Silver Line to Dulles Airport and Ashburn 11.4 miles and 6 stations, opened November 15, 2022.37

Dates that moved

  • Richmond Highway bus rapid transitWas 2031, start of service (FTA profile, information as of May 2024)Now Fall 2033 (Fairfax County DOT timeline, updated October 2026)5,6
  • Fraley Boulevard (Route 1), DumfriesWas Early 2027 (Prince William County release, May 25, 2022)Now Spring 2031 (county page, checked October 16, 2026)23,24
  • American Legion BridgeWas Open to traffic by 2033 (Maryland DOT, 2024 grant application)Now Not announced, after the project restarted as a public-private partnership in January 20269
  • Duke Street Transitway, start of constructionWas “As early as 2026” (City of Alexandria, 2023 text)Now Shortly after permits by mid-2027 (city page updated April 27, 2026)27

From Ahmed

Check the road before the house.

When a client is choosing between towns, I look at what is being built on the roads they will drive every day, and when each agency says it will be done. A work zone can last for years, and a project with no date announced is not a promise.

I keep this page to the dates the agencies post, so we plan with the same facts. If a project here sits near a home you are looking at, ask me and I will check its latest date with you, in English or Arabic.

Questions

What people ask about road projects in Northern Virginia.

When will the I-495 Express Lanes extension open?

It is open. The 495 Express Lanes extension to the George Washington Memorial Parkway, near the American Legion Bridge, opened on Sunday, November 23, 2025, ahead of the contract schedule, and its 2.5-mile trail opened June 27, 2026 (VDOT). VDOT’s project page said full completion was expected in mid-2026, and it had not posted a final completion date when we checked on October 16, 2026.

When will the new American Legion Bridge be built?

No date is announced. Maryland’s 2024 federal grant application said the new bridge and toll lanes would be open to traffic by 2033. The project then restarted as a public-private partnership after a January 15, 2026 agreement between the U.S. Department of Transportation and Maryland, and no new date has been posted (checked October 16, 2026).

Will the 95 Express Lanes run both ways?

That is the plan, if it is approved. The Express Lanes operator proposes two-way lanes open at all hours over about 45 miles from Springfield to Spotsylvania, with about 140% more capacity, and says financial close would come in 2029 if approved. FFXnow reported on September 25, 2026 that VDOT told Fairfax supervisors construction could take place in the early 2030s. No completion date is announced.

When will the Richmond Highway BRT open?

Fairfax County’s timeline, updated October 2026, puts the start of bus service in fall 2033, after construction from spring 2028 to spring 2033. That is later than the 2031 start the FTA listed with information as of May 2024. The line runs 7.4 miles on Route 1 from Huntington Metro to Fort Belvoir, with buses every 6 minutes at rush hour.

When will VRE run on weekends?

VRE says it plans its first-ever weekend and late-night service once the Long Bridge project and other work on the line are done. VPRA puts the Long Bridge’s completion in 2030 (December 1, 2025). VRE has not announced a start date for weekend trains.

When will the Fairfax County Parkway widening be done?

VDOT says mid-2027 for both sections between Route 123 and Route 29, about 6 miles from four lanes to six. The Popes Head Road interchange in the middle is due in late fall 2026. The 45 mph work zone between I-66 and Route 123 stays until the widening is done (VDOT, checked October 16, 2026).

When will the Route 7 and Route 690 interchange in Purcellville be finished?

Loudoun County gives substantial completion in winter 2029, after construction that started in winter 2026. The county says it will cut traffic in downtown Purcellville and on Route 287.

Is Route 1 in Crystal City becoming a boulevard?

Not yet. VDOT’s study recommends turning the raised Route 1 freeway between 12th Street South and 20th Street South into a street-level urban boulevard, but it set no design or construction dates (page updated August 5, 2026).

When will the Duke Street bus lanes be built?

The City of Alexandria expects final design in spring 2027 and permits by mid-2027, with construction shortly after (page updated April 27, 2026). NVTA’s project dashboard gives the anticipated completion as December 31, 2029.

Is I-66 inside the Beltway HOV-2 or HOV-3?

HOV-3. Since December 5, 2022, a carpool needs three or more people to ride I-66 inside the Beltway free at rush hour, with an E-ZPass Flex set to HOV mode; before that it was two (VDOT). The same three-person rule applies on the 495 and 95 Express Lanes.

Your next step

Wondering how a project changes your commute? Ask me.

Tell me where you work and the towns you are looking at. I answer in English or Arabic, with the agencies’ own dates, not guesses.

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