Drivers Will Now Have Permanent, Direct Access to Arena Drive from I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway)
 

(September 18, 2009) – There is great news for the Largo and Landover business owners and residents - the State Highway Administration (SHA) will open the Arena Drive interchange with I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) for full-time use this afternoon.  Built in 1997, the interchange as previously configured only opened to traffic during major events at nearby FedEx Field due to the close proximity of the MD 214 (Central Avenue) and the MD 202 (Landover Road) interchanges with I-95/I-495.   

“The community wanted full-time use of this interchange for a long time, and it is gratifying to be able to deliver this project ahead of schedule, providing local residents better access to communities and businesses,” said Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown.    “We appreciate the support of the Federal Highway Administration who worked with the State on the design to safely modify interstate access.”

There has been significant community, business, and Metro development in the surrounding area that made full-time access to Arena Drive necessary.   More than 198,000 vehicles travel along the Capital Beltway near Arena Drive each day.  SHA engineers forecast traffic to increase to almost 223,000 vehicles per day by 2030. 

Previously, if someone wished to access the businesses in the area they would have to use the interchange connections at MD 214 or MD 202.  With the full-time opening of the Arena Drive interchange, motorists will have direct access to restaurants, shopping, and the communities in the area. 

“We are extremely pleased to be a part of the permanent opening of the Exit 16 Interchange from the I-495 corridor, which we will provide extremely convenient access to the retailers and restaurants at the Boulevard at the Capital Centre for the surrounding community and tourists travelling the interstate. Our Marketing and Management teams are planning a series of special events to celebrate the opening of the ramp,” said Bill Parks, Vice President, Property Management, Inland US Management, Managing agent for the Boulevard at the Capital Centre.
 

The project included widening both sides of I-95/I-495 to accommodate new collector/distributor (CD) lanes, modification of the two cloverleaf interchanges at MD 214 and MD 202, resurfacing and restriping lanes along I-95/I-495, minor repairs to the MD 202 Bridge over I-95/I-495, and upgrading the storm water management system within the project limits. 

SHA awarded the three-year contract to Lane Construction Corporation.  Those who have questions about traffic operations along any State numbered routes in Prince George’s County  may call SHA’s District 3 Office at 301-513-7300 or toll-free at 1-800-749-0737.   SHA reminds all drivers to buckle up, obey posted speed limits, think orange, and stay alert in the work zone. 

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