Interstate 495

Interstate 495 (I-495) is the designation for several major auxiliary highways in the United States, with the most prominent being the beltway encircling Washington, D.C. Often referred to as the Capital Beltway, this loop is critical for commuters, freight traffic, and long-distance travelers navigating around the nation’s capital. The highway spans portions of Virginia and Maryland, crossing the Potomac River twice and serving key suburbs such as Alexandria, Bethesda, Silver Spring, and Tysons.

The D.C. Capital Beltway runs approximately 64 miles and connects with major interstates like I-95, I-66, and I-270, making it a pivotal interchange point on the East Coast. Although officially designated as I-495, portions of the route also carry I-95 signage, especially in the eastern segment where the two routes are concurrent. Because of its strategic location, I-495 is one of the most heavily trafficked and monitored highways in the country, frequently undergoing upgrades to support HOT lanes and smarter traffic flow systems.

Outside of the Capital Beltway, the I-495 designation also applies to other highways:

• I-495 (Massachusetts) is a partial loop around the Greater Boston area, stretching roughly 120 miles and providing a bypass for through traffic avoiding the urban core.

• I-495 (New York)—better known as the Long Island Expressway (LIE)—is a major urban freeway running from Queens in New York City out to Riverhead on Long Island.

• I-495 (Delaware) is a short bypass around Wilmington, running parallel to I-95 and serving as a freight and through-traffic alternative.

Each I-495 variant serves a distinct regional purpose but shares the role of relieving urban congestion and facilitating circumferential travel around major cities.