The long-awaited overhaul of Route 28 in Northern Virginia celebrated a milestone this week as work began on the last of 10 massive interchange projects.
The road taking drivers across the Loudoun County and Fairfax County commercial districts has long been a top priority in the region.
The $300 million overhaul is replacing traffic lights at intersections with ramps.
It is two years from completion, but supporters hailed the step as a sign of movement, with six interchanges complete and the last four under way.
“More than 100,000 people use the corridor every day, and removing the stoplights means that people get where they need to go faster,” Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance President Bob Chase said.
Construction on the first Route 28 Interchange, which began in 2003, is due to be completed in two years.
“2009 can’t come soon enough,” Fairfax County Supervisor Cathy Hudgins said. “I think it’s a great reflection of the progress we’ve made.”
The last intersection is at Frying Pan Road in Herndon. A special taxing district supported by businesses along the corridor has helped fund the sweeping transformation.
The route was a two-lane country road about 20 years ago.
But with massive business growth in western Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun County, it has become a vital corridor for commerce and commuters, said Joan Morris, a spokeswoman for the Virginia Department of Transportation.
The last interchange will cost $24.5 million and take two years to complete.
