Dr. Gridlock asked for an updated list of the major road projects in Northern Virginia so you'll know the nature of the projects and when they'll be finished. The list was compiled with the assistance of Virginia Department of Transportation spokespeople Joan Morris and Ryan Hall, and Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project spokesman John Undeland.
Woodrow Wilson Bridge: The $2.4 billion project is proceeding on schedule, with new eastbound and westbound bridges to be in place by 2008 and four interchanges to be completed by 2011.
The new bridges will carry five lanes of traffic in each direction, with a sixth lane reserved for future mass transit use (as yet to be determined). The bridges will have shoulders. The current, deteriorating bridge carries three lanes in each direction with no shoulders.
The new Maryland interchanges, at Interstate 295 and Route 210, are scheduled for completion by the end of 2008. The Virginia interchanges are at Route 1 (completion in 2009) and Telegraph Road (completion in 2011).
As part of the project, the Beltway will be widened to five lanes in each direction (with a sixth lane reserved for mass transit) for 7.5 miles, including the bridge and its approaches.
Undeland says the project is on budget. For more information, log on to www.wilsonbridge.com or call 703-329-0300.
Springfield interchange: Construction continues on this massive $700 million project that will separate local, express and through travel on three levels at the intersection of the Beltway, Interstate 95 and Interstate 395. Work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2007.
For more information, log on to www.springfieldinterchange.com or call 877-959-5222.
Interstate 66 widening: VDOT is adding two lanes (one conventional lane and one HOV lane) in each direction for 3.8 miles between Business Route 234 and Route 234/Prince William Parkway. Work is scheduled to be completed by October 2006.
Beltway/Dulles Toll Road interchange: The state is widening from one to two lanes the ramps connecting these major roads. Work is scheduled to be completed by Sept. 1.
University Boulevard connector: VDOT is building a link between Wellington Road and Route 29 in Prince William County that will allow Nissan Pavilion traffic to cross over I-66 from Route 29 without having to go through Gainesville congestion. Work started Dec. 8, and the project is scheduled for completion by Sept. 6, 2006.
Interstate 395 signs: The state is updating and clarifying the signs between Washington Boulevard and the District line. That should include the installation of directional signs to the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Completion is scheduled for Nov. 1.
Dulles Toll Road signs: VDOT is installing new signs, using color, overhead electronic signs, and red and green X's to help motorists get into the correct lanes. That project should be completed by mid-June.
Route 123 widening: The state is widening Route 123 to four lanes, divided, for nine miles between Burke Lake Road in Fairfax County and the Occoquan River at the Fairfax-Prince William border. It looks as if the project will be finished by Memorial Day 2006.
The work has been divided into four phases:
