The I-66 Eastbound Widening Project opened an additional travel lane along approximately four miles of eastbound I-66 from the Dulles Connector Road to Fairfax Drive (Exit 71) in December 2020. This additional lane helped address a choke point on eastbound I-66 that regularly snarled traffic during morning rush hour, evenings, and weekends. The Eastbound Widening Project also replaced approximately 4,300 linear feet of dilapidated noise walls that align this section of I-66, and added up to 9,400 feet of new noise walls, benefitting properties adjacent to the highway. The project included ramp modifications at Exit 69 (Route 29 (Lee Highway) and Route 237 (Washington Boulevard)) and Exit 71 (Fairfax Drive and Glebe Road), along with bridge widening, rehabilitations, and other repairs on I-66. Construction of the project largely occurred within VDOT’s right of way, however, some minor temporary construction easements, permanent easements, and right-of-way were needed from 10 parcels, all of which were either government agencies or commercial properties. The easements and right-of-way required were primarily for construction of new noise walls and the W&OD Trail Bridge over Route 29.

The additional travel lane opened on I-66 East on December 11, 2020.

These improvements are part of VDOT’s Transform 66 Inside the Beltway program to move more travelers efficiently through the I-66 corridor during peak periods. The Transform 66 Project includes Express Lanes operation (carpool, express buses, and dynamically-priced tolls for solo drivers) on I-66 between the Beltway and Route 29 in Rosslyn during peak periods. Toll revenues are being used to fund increased transit service, enhanced carpool options for travelers, and other multimodal improvements in the I-66 Corridor.

The $85.7 million construction contract for the I-66 Eastbound Widening Project was awarded to the Design-Build team of Lane Construction Corporation/Rinker Design Associates in December 2017. The project was funded through a combination of federal and state sources, including bond proceeds, priority transportation funds, and dedicated state funding.

Construction of the project began in June 2018, and the new lane opened to traffic in December 2020. Final elements of the project were completed in August 2021.