Section Design Consultant: JMT - WRA Joint Venture

The I-295 Interchange project involves the complete reconstruction of the existing interchange beginning at the Maryland abutment for the Potomac River Bridge and extending east approximately 1 mile. The project will provide ramps to the north ("to/from D.C.") along I-295, connections to the "S-curve" ramps for MD 210 access, as well as direct connections to both the waterfront and beltway parcels at National Harbor. Direct HOV ramp connections from the bridge to and from I-295 north/D.C. are likely to be deferred (see Contract 5 below). In addition to these contracts by MSHA, DCDPW is expected to separately advertise plans for the reconstruction/lane addition along I-295 from the Maryland/D.C. line north to Laboratory Road interchange.

Concurrent with the reconstruction of the I-295 Interchange, Rosalie Island would be reconstructed to provide park amenities on the portion of the island south of the widened Beltway, a new deckover structure with landscaping as a gateway to Maryland and Prince George's County, and a connection from this deckover structure to the pedestrian / bicycle lane along the north edge of the Potomac River Bridge. A separate bridge approximately 1,700 feet in length would connect the southern portion of Rosalie Island with the mainland, providing access for bicyclists and pedestrians.

When reconstruction is completed, a total of 12 lane miles of new mainline pavement for the Beltway and 14 lane miles of pavement for interchange ramps would be provided (total pavement area approximately 235,000 SY). Also when reconstruction is completed, a total of 22 new bridges encompassing nearly 495,000 square feet of bridge deck and retaining walls encompassing approximately 504,000 square feet of surface area will have been completed.

Key environmental concerns associated with the reconstruction of the I-295 Interchange include special sensitivity for the bald eagle nest located southeast of the interchange, aquatic resources in Smoots Bay, park impacts at Rosalie Island and Oxon Hill Farm, as well as stormwater management. While some right-of-way will be required for the reconstruction of this interchange, there are no displacements and very limited utility impacts.