Jones Branch Connector Looking East Toward Route 123. Photo courtesy VDOT
An important new connection for drivers in Tysons will partially open to traffic Saturday, Dec. 15, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Jones Branch Connector will open one lane of traffic in each direction while construction on the project continues. It will provide a new connection to Route 123 and provide an alternate route across I-495, linking the Tysons East and Central area.
The half-mile project includes new roadway from the interchange of the 495 Express Lanes and Jones Branch Drive to Route 123. The Connector will provide drivers with direct access to Route 123 and the northbound and southbound 495 Express Lanes. New dynamic message signs along Route 123 and Scotts Crossing Road will display toll prices for the 495 Express Lanes.
The exit name for Jones Branch Drive displayed on Express Lanes signage will be renamed from “JONES BR” to “JB/RT123” on Dec. 15 to reflect the new access.
When fully completed as scheduled in fall 2019, project features will include:
Two travel lanes and on-street bike lanes in each direction
Three bridges over the 495 Express Lanes and I-495 general purpose lanes
8- to 12-foot-wide lighted sidewalks, landscaping and other streetscape amenities
A wide, raised median to accommodate future transit
By providing an alternate route across the Capital Beltway and linking the Tysons East and Central areas, the Connector is expected to relieve traffic along Route 123, at the I-495 interchange, and at other congested intersections. The road is expected to carry more than 32,000 vehicles per day by 2040.
The $58 million project is being completed through a combination of federal, state and county funds. Fairfax County led design and development, while VDOT is administering construction.