I-495 EXPRESS LANES NORTHERN EXTENSION (495 NEXT)€¦ · During final design, efforts will be made...

I-495 EXPRESS LANES

NORTHERN EXTENSION (495 NEXT)

LOCATION & DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING

Virginia Department of Transportation

October 5, 2020

Introductions and Opening Notes

Public Hearing includes a formal presentation of Environmental Assessment findings and

draft design plans.

Following presentation, public comment session to begin. Begin with pre-registered

speakers, followed by others wanting to provide comments.

Speakers limited to 3 minutes to speak as an individual and 5 minutes if speaking for a

group.

Question-and-answer session after public comment period, if time allows.

Tonight’s hearing is being recorded and streamed on VDOT Live on YouTube. Recording will

be posted after the meeting on 495NorthernExtension.org.

Attendees will be muted throughout duration of the meeting to minimize background noise

and ensure that all participants can hear.

Call 703-691-6715 if you have technical difficulties.

2

Welcome

Virginia Department of Transportation 2

Project Overview

Environmental Assessment Findings

Proposed Design and Limited

Access Line Changes

Agency Stakeholder Coordination

Transit Study

Schedule and Next Steps

Order of Presentation

3Virginia Department of Transportation

Scope Extend the 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from

the I-495 and Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George

Washington Memorial Parkway in the vicinity of the American

Legion Bridge

Replace existing bridges

Add bike and pedestrian trails

Replace existing noise walls and construct new walls where

needed

Provide stormwater management facilities

Goals and Objectives Reduce congestion

Provide additional travel choices

Improve travel reliability

Enhance safety

Project Overview


Proposed Express Lanes Access Points

5 5Virginia Department of Transportation

Adds new capacity

Provides new travel choices

Decreases travel times during peak periods

Reduces cut-through traffic on local roads

Improves safety in the study area by:

Taking cars off local roads

Reducing the weaving needed to access the

George Washington Memorial Parkway

Project Benefits


The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires:

Environmental Review Process


Consideration of potential environmental consequences of transportation improvements;

Documentation of the environmental analyses; and

Making the information available to the public for comment

7

Environmental Review Process –

Technical Studies

Conducted an Environmental Assessment (EA) in

accordance with NEPA including:

Air quality analysis

Alternatives analysis

Hazardous materials

Historic resources

Indirect and cumulative effects

Natural resources

Preliminary noise analysis

Socioeconomic and land use analysis

Traffic analysis


9

Environmental

Assessment Findings


Environmental Resource Resource Summary

Property Impacts 89 properties with potential impacts

No relocations

Community Facilities 5 community facilities: Partial property acquisition

9 existing trail/bicycle facilities: Temporary impacts

4 proposed trail/bicycle facilities by others: Temporary impacts

Environmental Justice

(Minority/Low-income)

No disproportionately high and adverse effects

Historic Properties Anticipated “ No Adverse Effect” determination from the Virginia State Historic

Preservation Officer (SHPO)

Section 4(f) Protected Properties Anticipated de minimis impact finding for Scott’s Run Nature Preserve and the


Section 6(f) Protected Properties Anticipated impacts to Scott’s Run Nature Preserve

Noise – Based on Preliminary Noise

Study

9 existing barriers physically affected will be replaced

3 of the 9 existing barriers would be lengthened

1 new barrier determined to be feasible and reasonable

10

Environmental

Assessment Findings


Environmental Resource Resource Summary

Air Quality No adverse impacts to air quality; no violation of the National Ambient Air Quality

Standards

Wetlands and Streams Streams: Approximately 13,000 linear feet located within the LOD (Anticipated

3,000 linear feet of impact)

Wetlands: 20 acres within the LOD (Anticipated 4.5 acres of impact)

Floodplains Approximately 60 acres of floodplains are within LOD

No increase in flood levels or probability of flooding expected

Wooded Areas Approximately 118 acres within the LOD

Wildlife and Habitat Approximately 234 acres within the LOD (Anticipated 66 acres of impact)

No new habitat fragmentation or elimination of existing wildlife passages is

anticipated

Threatened and Endangered Species Tree clearing could impact potential suitable habitat for three bat species

Streams and floodplains that contain potential habitat for wood turtles would be

impacted

These impacts are based on the proposed Limits of Disturbance (LOD). During final design, efforts will be

made to reduce the project footprint and minimize impacts.

Scope of Traffic Analysis

11

Operational and safety analysis I-495 and Dulles Toll Road mainlines

Arterials within study corridor

Traffic and Transportation Technical Report

Interchange Justification Report

Comparison of build alternative (with

options) versus no-build alternative 2025 interim year

2045 design year

Traffic analysis shows benefits to: Person throughput

Travel times and traffic delay

Local streets


Traffic Analysis Results

12

Move More People

2045: Moves 7,600 more people per hour in both directions combined

2025 with Maryland Managed Lanes System: Moves 5,400 more

people per hour in both directions combined

2025 Prior to Maryland Managed Lanes System: Moves 2,500 more

people per hour in both directions combined



13

Reduce Cut-through Traffic On Local Roads


Measure of Effectiveness

Analysis Year

2025 with

Maryland

Managed Lanes

in Place

2025 Prior to

Maryland

Managed

Lanes in Place

2045

No-Build

BuildNo-

BuildBuild

No-Build

Build

Intersections operating at LOS A thru D 47% 60% 53% 57% 47% 55%

Intersections operating at LOS E 17% 10% 13% 17% 17% 15%

Intersections operating at LOS F 37% 30% 33% 27% 37% 30%

Reduction in peak period demand – Georgetown Pike

intersections – Build vs No Build conditions-14% -9% -12%

Reduction in intersection delay – Georgetown Pike

intersections – Build vs No Build conditions-44% -40% -49%

2025 Build (Prior to Maryland

Managed Lanes System)

2025 Build (With Maryland

Managed Lanes System in Place)No Build vs.

Build Forecast

(2025) Volume

Change

Roadway Segment PM Peak Hour

Volume Change (2025 Build vs. 2025

No Build)

Volume Increase of More than 5 %

Volume Increase of 0-5%

Volume Decrease of 0-5%

Volume Decrease of More than 5%

Old Dominion Dr

2025 Build (With Maryland

Managed Lanes System in Place)

Old Dominion Dr


15

Improve Travel Time Reliability in Northbound Direction Northbound Travel Time Comparison: Route 123 to Clara Barton Parkway - Build vs. No Build


Scenario

AM Rush Hour Travel Time

Difference between

Build and No-Build

PM Rush Hour Travel Time

Difference between

Build and No-Build

Build via GP

Lanes

Build via Express

Lanes

Build via GP

Lanes

Build via Express

Lanes

2025 Prior to MD

Managed Lanes

System

4 min increase 5 min savings 6 min increase 24 min savings

2025 With MD

Managed Lanes

System

3 min savings 3.5 min savings 4 min savings 4.5 min savings

2045 4 min savings 6 min savings 4.5 min savings 18 min savings

Scenario

AM Rush Hour Travel Time

Difference between

Build and No-Build

PM Rush Hour Travel Time

Difference between

Build and No-Build

Build via

GP Lanes

Build via Express

Lanes

Build via GP

Lanes

Build via Express

Lanes

2025 Prior to MD

Managed Lanes

System

No difference 1 min savings No difference 2 min savings

2025 With MD

Managed Lanes

System

1 min savings 1.5 min savings 6 min savings 8 min savings

2045 4 min savings 6 min savings No difference 2 min savings


16

Improve Travel Time Reliability in Southbound Direction Southbound Travel Time Comparison: Clara Barton Parkway to Route 123 - Build vs. No Build



17

Improve Safety

Project safety and operational improvements reduce crashes by 20 percent

in 2045.

New direct access ramps to the Express Lanes at the DTR and the George

Washington Memorial Parkway – eliminates need to cross four lanes to

access the express lanes entrances / exit points.

The project improvements that would make the corridor safer:

Roadway features, such as increased acceleration and deceleration lanes, and new

auxiliary lanes; and

Reconfigured shoulder in the northbound direction during peak periods.

These types of improvements are expected to reduce rear-end and side-

swipe collisions.


Noise Analysis Process

18Virginia Department of Transportation 18

WE ARE

HEREPresent noise study results and

preliminary noise wall locations at public

hearings

Obtain VDOT Chief Engineer approval

Perform noise measurements at

representative receptors along the

corridor

Finalize noise barrier designs once the

project has received design approval

Identify impacts

(is noise mitigation warranted?)

Identify noise receptors

Perform noise modeling

Design and assess mitigation (typically

noise walls)

NE

PA

an

d P

relim

ina

ry D

es

ign

Obtain FHWA concurrence

Solicit public input from benefited

property owners and renters

(voting process)

Incorporate approved noise wall(s) into

the final road design construction plans

Fin

al D

es

ign

Preliminary Noise Analysis Findings

19

Preliminary noise

wall study results:

9 existing walls to be

replaced at same

elevation or higher

3 of 9 existing walls

lengthened

1 new wall


If you have a noise wall today, you’ll have one in the future

Noise Walls

Replaced /

LengthenedNoise Walls

Replaced /

Lengthened

Potential Noise

Wall ExtensionPotential New

Noise Wall

Examples of noise wall locations near Live Oak Drive and George Washington Memorial Parkway

Preliminary Engineering

20

Concepts for widening and connections

Pedestrian/bicycle facility improvements

Conceptual drainage and stormwater

management requirements

Replacement of existing bridges

I-495 Northbound general lanes over Dulles Toll Road

Old Dominion Drive (VA 783)

Georgetown Pike (VA 193)

Live Oak Drive

Possible right of way impacts

Changes to interstate limited access lines

Conceptual cost estimate and project schedule


Bicycle and Pedestrian Facility Improvements

21

Preliminary design coordinated with Fairfax

County to advance county bike plan

Trails added along I-495 corridor

Shared-use path behind the noise wall between

Lewinsville Road and Live Oak Drive

Connection to future crossing at American

Legion Bridge to Maryland

Facilities improved on bridges

Old Dominion Drive (VA 783)

Georgetown Pike (VA 193)

Live Oak Drive



Typical Section: I-495 Between

Dulles Toll Road and Georgetown Pike

22

Future*

*The future roadway design replaces the part-time shoulder-use lane on 495 NB with a permanent shoulder

Existing

*

DTR Interchange Phasing – Phase 1


Dulles Toll Road Interchange

Phasing – Phase 1

DTR Interchange Phasing – Future Phases


Dulles Toll Road Interchange

Phasing – Future Phases

25

Northern Terminus – GWMP Phase 1


Northern Terminus – George Washington

Memorial Parkway – Phase 1

Drainage Improvements

26

Partnering with Fairfax County to provide

outfall enhancements

Potential collaboration with Fairfax

County stream restoration projects

Active and/or future projects

Implementing quality and quantity

stormwater management

Address runoff at Scotts Run


Agency Stakeholder Coordination

27

Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT)

Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA)

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA)

Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA)

Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG)

National Park Service (NPS)

Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA)

Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT)

Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR)

Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)


Project Delivery – Partnership with Transurban

28

January 2019: Development Framework Agreement with Transurban to

extend 495 Express Lanes under current agreement; no Commonwealth

funding

Subject to VDOT approval, Transurban to submit a binding proposal that

meets project-delivery technical and financial criteria


VDOT Responsibilities Transurban Responsibilities

Planning and environmental approvals

Interchange Justification Report (IJR)

Federal, state and local agency

coordination

Preliminary engineering, design, procure

design-builder, construct project

Finance plan

Operate and maintain

Key Milestones


Regional Coordination with Maryland

30

495 NEXT is an independent, stand-

alone project

495 NEXT is being coordinated with

Maryland to: Ensure that both projects are compatible

Support the delivery of Maryland’s project

Capital Beltway Accord Agreement between Virginia and Maryland to fund

a new American Legion Bridge and infrastructure

for connections between George Washington

Memorial Parkway and River Road


GWMP Interchange Capital Beltway Accord



Interchange – Capital Beltway Accord

I-495 Regional Transit Study

32

High-level transit needs study

Joint study between Virginia Department of Rail and Public

Transportation and Maryland Transit Administration

Independent of ongoing environmental studies in both states

Anticipated results in 2020


33

PUBLIC COMMENTS


Speakers limited to 3 minutes to speak as an individual and 5 minutes if speaking

for a group.

Reminder that all attendees should remain muted until it is your turn to provide your

comment.

Beginning with pre-registered speakers, we will call your name and unmute you so

that you can state your comment.

Following pre-registered speakers, we will open it up to others who want to provide

formal comments.

Questions and answers, if time allows.

Providing Comments at Virtual Public Hearing


Using the Chat function, write in your name and that you would like to provide

your comment. At the appropriate time, we will call upon you and unmute you so

that you can state your comment.

If you want us to read your comment, type in your comment using the Chat

function, and we will read your comment aloud in the order received.

We will turn the Chat function “on and off” in intervals, so that we can be sure to

keep up with the comments and keep the process manageable.

When the Chat function is “on,” all participants will be able to see all

messages. We ask that you only write in your formal comments. The Chat

function should not be used for any other type of commentary or discussion

during the hearing.

35

How to Provide Comment Using the “Chat” Feature


Press *3 to "raise your hand" and to be added to the queue to state your

comment.

We will announce when it is your turn to state your comment, and we will

unmute your phone line.

You will hear "your line has been unmuted" after which you will be able to state

your comment. Once you have stated your comment, press *3 again to “lower

your hand.” You will be muted again at this time to avoid echo and feedback

due to the number of participants.

36

How to Provide Your Comment if “Calling by Phone”


37

CLOSING ANNOUNCEMENTS


Thursday, October 8, 2020 (4 – 8 p.m.)

McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean, VA 22101

Hearing Format:

Attendees must schedule an appointment to attend in-person hearing, and should

register in advance to provide comments. Go to 495NorthernExtension.org or call

703-691-6715.

Attendees can complete a written comment form and leave in comment box.

Attendance limited to one person per time-slot, or two people if from the same family.

Public hearing presentation to be displayed on TV monitor on continuous loop.

CDC-recommended health measures, including mask requirements and social

distancing, will be in place.

Limited, on-site staffing to comply with Covid-19 restrictions; additional staff to

participate via laptop/computer screens.

In-Person Public Hearing


Public comments on the Environmental Assessment and proposed design can be submitted

until October 23, 2020, to be formally considered and included in public record.

Materials have been available to the public since February 26, 2020. Comments received to

date will be included in public record and do not need to be resubmitted.

Ways to Provide Comments After Hearing:

Online Comment Form: Accessible at 495NorthernExtension.org

Email: Send emails to [email protected] (reference “495 Express

Lanes Northern Extension Project” in subject line)

Mail: Mail comments to VDOT Northern Virginia District Office, Attn: Abi Lerner, P.E., 4975

Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030

Phone: Comments/testimony can be provided by phone by calling 703-691-6715

Video: Comments/testimony can be provided by video submitted via the project email

address.

Ways to Provide Comments


mailto:[email protected]

Continued availability of EA and draft design plans on project website.

Hard copies of EA and draft design plans available at following public locations

Availability of Hearing Materials


Name Hours Notes

VDOT NOVA Office

4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax

Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Public access by appointment only

Dolley Madison Library

1244 Oak Ridge Ave, McLean

Mon-Tues 10 a.m.-8 p.m.

Wed-Sat 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Public access (limited to 30 min.)

Great Falls Library

9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls




Tysons-Pimmit Library

7584 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church




McLean Community Center

1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean

Mon–Thurs: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.

Friday: 8 a.m.–Midnight

Saturday: 9 a.m.–Midnight

Sunday: Noon–6 p.m.

New location, across the street from library in

McLean.

Fairfax County Department of Transportation

4050 Legato Road, Suite 450, Fairfax

Mon-Fr 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

495 Express Lanes

Northern Extension (495 NEXT)

41

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