Springfield Ramp Opens to Inner Loop

Beginning Thursday afternoon, April 10, Springfield motorists will soon have another way to get to I-495 North toward Tysons Corner with the opening of a second ramp from Franconia Road by Springfield Mall.

 Currently motorists heading to Tysons from the Franconia area access I-495 north from the ramp on Commerce Street.  Now they also will be able access I-495 North from Franconia Road.  That same ramp currently carries traffic to I-395 North towards Washington and to the Beltway outer loop towards the Woodrow Wilson Bridge. VDOT redesigned the ramp to give motorists an alternate way to I-495, easing congestion on Commerce Street during the peak morning and evening rush hours. (See attached)

 “We wanted to give motorists another way to reach the inner loop from Franconia Road, especially during the morning and evening rush hours,” said Steve Titunik, VDOT Mega projects communications director.

 The new ramp, originally built as part of the Springfield Interchange project, was designed to link directly to the Springfield-Franconia Parkway. That parkway access link is still being planned by VDOT but not anytime soon. By opening this new ramp lane to I-495, VDOT is getting maximum use of an existing road feature at minimal expense.

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