Take a dynamic ride along the western edge of the nation’s capital as we cruise a pivotal 10-mile stretch of Interstate 495 from Merrifield, Virginia, to Bethesda, Maryland. This segment of the Capital Beltway showcases the suburban energy and interstate connectivity of the Washington, D.C. metro, blending fast-paced commuter routes with brief moments of riverside tranquility.
Our journey begins just outside the bustle of Falls Church, where we merge onto Interstate 495 northbound from Interstate 66 near Merrifield. Almost immediately, the highway opens up into a wide, multi-lane corridor brimming with activity. We pass the interchange with Virginia State Route 7, also known as Leesburg Pike, a major artery linking northern Virginia suburbs to the urban core. The landscape here is a mix of mid-rise office parks, dense suburban housing, and commercial developments, a signature of northern Fairfax County’s rapid postwar expansion. Continuing on, we approach the interchange with Virginia State Route 123 (Dolley Madison Boulevard), which offers access to Tysons, one of the largest suburban business districts in the country, famous for its shopping centers like Tysons Corner Center and the growing skyline of corporate headquarters.
Leaving the intense retail and office sprawl of Tysons behind, we advance toward one of the Beltway’s most crucial junctions: the left-hand exit for Virginia Route 267, the Dulles Access Road and Dulles Toll Road. This key corridor offers direct access to Washington Dulles International Airport and serves as a commuter lifeline for the tech corridor stretching towards Reston and Herndon. As we continue north, the urban density subtly eases, replaced by patches of greenery and buffered sound walls signaling the proximity of residential neighborhoods. Soon, the Potomac River comes into view, and we glide across the American Legion Memorial Bridge, a vital crossing linking Virginia and Maryland since 1962. Below us, the river meanders through forested banks, offering a brief, picturesque respite from the otherwise urbanized corridor.
Crossing into Montgomery County, Maryland, the highway continues its arc through the upscale suburbs west of Washington, D.C. We quickly meet the interchange with Maryland Route 190, also known as River Road, which provides access to affluent communities like Potomac and Cabin John. The Beltway here is elevated, offering occasional glimpses of the tree-lined surroundings and quiet residential enclaves nestled just beyond the noise barriers. Traffic remains heavy, a testament to the area’s importance as a commuter and freight route. As we approach our destination, the highway bends northwest, leading to a crucial divergence at the Interstate 270 Spur, known locally as the “split.” This junction directs travelers either further along the Beltway toward I-95 and Baltimore or northbound on Interstate 270 toward Frederick and the Maryland countryside. We conclude our ride just northwest of Bethesda, within sight of the towering office buildings that signal the heart of Montgomery County’s business hub.
This brief but eventful stretch of Interstate 495 encapsulates the dual identity of the Capital Beltway—part commuter lifeline, part regional connector—bridging major transportation hubs, suburban landscapes, and natural waterways in one cohesive route. Whether you’re a daily commuter or a cross-country traveler, this segment offers a vibrant cross-section of life on the Beltway.
🗺️ Route Map
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