The Wild Side of The District 

ICE® I-19 Hammer Connects Capital Beltway to Nature 

Editor: Allison Braswell 

With the constant hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., there is no question that its residents need an occasional escape to enjoy a little peace and the stately quiet of nature. Interestingly, the expansion of the Capital Beltway (Interstate 495) that encircles the city will soon make that opportunity easier to attain. 

Between the Dulles Corridor and George Washington Memorial Parkway interchanges, four new express lanes (two in each direction) are being added next to the general-purpose lanes to extend the existing I-495 Express Lanes by 2.5 miles. Referred to as the 495 NEXT Project, the $600 million extension will be open by late 2025 to provide more travel options and congestion relief in Northern Virginia and generate a potential $880 million in economic impact. In addition, the two-lane bridge on Lewinsville Road over the Beltway is receiving new 10' (ft)-wide sidewalks on each side of the bridge for safe pedestrian access. These sidewalks will go in the direction towards Scott's Run Nature Preserve, one of the most unique ecosystems in the mid-Atlantic. Its dynamic blend of rocky cliffs and steep valleys were sculpted by the erosive forces of the magnificent Potomac River, which can be viewed from the preserve's many assorted hiking trails. Sections of old noise walls along the corridor are also being upgraded. 

The piles that will support the new lanes and sidewalks on the bridge are being installed by leading heavy civil contractor Lane Construction. So far, the crew has employed an ICE® I-19 Diesel Impact Hammer to effortlessly drive 14" (in)-diameter H-beams to a 30' (ft) depth. Other 495 NEXT plans on the horizon for Lane Construction include seven bridge replacements, a new Virginia/Maryland bus service, and environmental improvements to existing infrastructure. International Construction Equipment, Inc appreciates Lane Con for the opportunity to help expand safe travel choices and create accessibility to the natural beauty that lies just outside the nation's capital. 

Learn more about the ICE® I-19. 

Media Contact-    
Pollyanna Cunningham, MA, MBA    
Vice President Marketing, Brand and Media Relations  

Vice President IT and IT Comm 
ICE® - International Construction Equipment, Inc    
Office - 704-821-8200    
Email - marketing@iceusa.com