You are warned: Backups expected on Little River bridge over beltway

On Sunday evening, April 18, all traffic on Little River Turnpike over the beltway will be shifted from the old bridge to the new one. The shift is scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m. and be completed by 5 a.m. Monday morning. You can expect delays now as crews prepare for the shift.

The shift is part of the HOT Lanes project, which includes widening I-495 to make room for toll lanes aimed at easing traffic congestion. The overpasses within the HOT (high occupancy toll) Lanes section—between Springfield and just past the Dulles Toll Road—need to replaced to accommodate the extra lanes.

During the next 18 months, there will be only two westbound lanes on the Little River bridge rather than three. Drivers exiting the beltway and heading west on Little River will have to yield as there won’t be a merge area. As road crews demolish the old bridge, you can expect lane closures and detours in this area throughout the spring and summer. Once the old bridge is removed, work will begin on building a new westbound bridge. Similar work is going on with the Braddock Road, Gallows Road, and Route 50 bridges. Visit the VDOT mega projects website for updates.