WASHINGTON — Drivers on Interstate 66 the next two nights might have to prepare for some lane closures, and even some brief closures of the whole road — all of which could lead to major delays the following mornings.
The affected area is between Route 123 and the Capital Beltway, and the closures are for the installation of gantries for the active traffic management system. Closures will happen Tuesday night into Wednesday early morning, and Wednesday night into early Thursday morning.
Here is what to expect, according to a news release from the Virginia Department of Transportation:
The Virginia Department of Transportation says the closure schedule for each night on eastbound I-66 is as follows:
- Two left lanes will be closed by 9 p.m.
- Three lanes will be closed by 10 p.m. At that time, the shoulder ‘X’ lane will be open as traffic is simultaneously detoured through the Nutley Street exit’s collector-distributor (CD) lanes
- Between midnight and 5 a.m., all of the mainline lanes including the ‘X’ lane will be closed as traffic is detoured through the Nutley Street CD lanes. In addition, between midnight and 5 a.m., the CD lanes will be closed intermittently for up to 30 minutes at a time.
On Wednesday morning, motorists on eastbound I-66 can expect major delays, including the potential late opening of the shoulder ‘X’ lane and delayed implementation of HOV restrictions for the morning rush.
The closure schedule for each night on westbound I-66 is as follows:
- The right lane and shoulder ‘X’ lane will be closed at 10 p.m.
- Between midnight and 5 a.m., all lanes, including the Nutley Street CD lanes, will be closed intermittently for up to 30 minutes at a time.
The active traffic management system launched Sept. 16, VDOT says, and includes lane control signals between Nutley Street and Route 29 in Centreville. The signals between Nutley Street and I-495 are scheduled to go online later this month.
