Under Construction: Boundary Channel Drive at I-395 Interchange Improvements in Arlington County

Please note: The following traffic pattern changes are in effect:

• The southbound I-395 ramp to eastbound Boundary Channel Drive (Exit 9/Clark Street) is permanently closed
• The eastbound Boundary Channel Drive ramp to southbound I-395 is permanently closed
• Southbound I-395 drivers must now use the Exit 10A ramp to access both westbound and eastbound Boundary Channel Drive via the western roundabout
• Eastbound Boundary Channel Drive drivers must now use the western roundabout to access southbound I-395 via the same loop ramp used by westbound Boundary Channel Drive drivers to access southbound I-395

ICYMI yesterday... #Arlington: Fri 12/1 @ 5 am, ramps between SB I-395 & EB Boundary Channel Dr to close FOR GOOD. SB I-395 drivers use Exit 10A to access EB Boundary Channel, EB Boundary Channel drivers use the roundabout to access SB I-395.

More: https://t.co/pYrgPOgeOk pic.twitter.com/kruPQIov8Q

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) November 30, 2023

We have some news to report. As of Fri 12/1 at 5 am, the Boundary Channel Dr onramp to I-395 SB will be permanently closed. @STATter911 is our guy, but we'll be happy to see less of his crash videos from this location. #VaTraffic pic.twitter.com/yFjodYaE4y

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) November 29, 2023

This project is upgrading the Boundary Channel Drive at I-395 interchange and making bicycle and pedestrian improvements in the area.

The project includes reducing underutilized roadway capacity on Boundary Channel Drive in order to construct a 12-foot-wide westbound shared-use path and an eight-foot-wide eastbound sidewalk. The half-mile shared-use path will create a new link between the Mount Vernon Trail to the Pentagon and Long Bridge Park by tying into the existing path that parallels the southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway ramp to southbound I-395.

Other project improvements include:

• Installing roundabouts on Boundary Channel Drive just west and east of I-395
• Reconfiguring the ramps between I-395, Boundary Channel Drive and Long Bridge Drive
• Adding crosswalks along Boundary Channel Drive and Long Bridge Drive

Estimated Costs
Preliminary Engineering - $509,000
Right of Way Acquisition and Utility Relocation - $550,000
Construction - $18.6 million
Total - $19.6 million

This project is financed with state (including Revenue Sharing), Arlington County and Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held in September 2022, view the project update. 

We broke ground today with @ArlingtonDES & @NVTAuthority on the Boundary Channel Dr Interchange project. It'll add a shared-use path, sidewalk, roundabouts, a new link to Mount Vernon Trail, and will close the southernmost entrance ramp to 395SB! More: https://t.co/KVz0Nc4s8R pic.twitter.com/w7WRWHkUW7

— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) September 28, 2022

Benefits 

This project aims to improve safety and traffic flow, and will enhance accessibility and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians in one of the region's busiest corridors.

Major Milestones 

Virtual Design Public Hearing - November 2020
Begin Design-Build Procurement - February 2021
Award Design-Build Contract - June 2021
Begin Construction - September 2022
Groundbreaking Ceremony - September 2022
Final Completion - Early 2024