Adam Tuss, The Examiner
2008-07-21 07:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

Work has been going on for some time to prepare for the High Occupancy Toll Lane Project on the Capital Beltway: Now it’s time for the real fun.

Starting this week, the Virginia Department of Transportation begins overnight construction and lane closures on the Beltway that will last for the next 18 months.

What to watch out for:

Weather permitting, VDOT will shut down two right lanes on the Outer Loop, right before and after the Interstate 66 interchange. Two through-lanes will remain open to motorists.

On Tuesday, the work takes place from 9:30 p.m. until 5 a.m. Wednesday.

The first right lane will close by 10 p.m.; the second closes by midnight.

Wednesday night, the work happens at the same time, but in the left lanes of the Beltway.

From 9:30 p.m. Thursday to 5 a.m. Friday, one left lane closes by 10 p.m. Also, the I-66 East high-occupancy vehicle ramp to I-495 South will be closed. All drivers will have to use I-66 East. Keep an eye out for stoppages on the exit ramp from I-66 West to I-495 South as well.

Friday night into Saturday, work will only take place if necessary. If construction does go on, it will follow Thursday’s schedule.

So what is happening exactly? Crews are re-striping lanes to make room for construction of bridge piers supporting new I-66 bridges.

Wilson Bridge work:

Monday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., drivers on the Inner Loop will not be able to access the Church Street exit, the first exit after crossing the Woodrow Wilson Bridge into Virginia.

If you want to go to Old Town Alexandria or Mount Vernon via the Church Street exit, you’ll be detoured to Route 1 North and Franklin Street. The Church Street ramp is closing for necessary guardrail construction.