The Virginia Department of Transportation’s Northern Virginia Engineering Support Services (ESS) Program delivers major transportation improvements to optimize the region’s managed lanes system. Utilizing Public-Private Partnerships (P3) and innovative design-build methodologies, this initiative modernizes critical infrastructure, accelerates project timelines, improves traffic flow, and fosters regional connectivity and economic growth across Northern Virginia.
ATCS serves as the prime consultant, providing preliminary engineering and construction support services across multiple critical projects within the NOVA Megaprojects Program.
Strategic Integration for Regional Impact
VDOT, external agencies, and partner consultants, ATCS supports the effective integration of transportation projects into broader regional initiatives. Our proactive approach helps VDOT efficiently navigate complex regulatory processes, mitigate procurement risks, and maintain stakeholder alignment, ensuring projects advance smoothly without unnecessary delays.
Comprehensive Project Delivery
ATCS successfully manages diverse task orders, showcasing our capability to deliver significant transportation enhancements:
- Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Traffic Analysis: TCS completed comprehensive traffic and operational analyses support VDOT’s tolling implementation. We analyzed existing, opening year (2017), and future year (2040) conditions to assess impacts on I-66 between I-495 and Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, including parallel arterials. Our team utilized Synchro, VISSIM, and advanced forecasting techniques to develop a detailed Traffic Technical Report documenting anticipated traffic effects.
- I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (NEXT): ATCS managed project scoping, NEPA documentation, and procurement strategies for this $500 million, 2-mile extension connecting existing Express Lanes to the American Legion Bridge. The project includes two new Express Lanes in each direction, a 1-mile general-purpose auxiliary lane, modification of three interchanges, and reconstruction of six bridges. Our team led Interchange Justification Report development, concept planning, and Concessionaire RFP creation.
- Transform 66 Outside the Beltway: ATCS led concept development for this 22-mile corridor improvement, facilitating Tier 2 NEPA documentation and Interchange Justification Report approval by the end of 2015. Our team partnered with VDOT, DRPT, and FHWA to deliver conceptual design for the preferred alternative, successfully facilitating public hearings and developing comprehensive contract documents.
- Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project (DCMP) Phases I & II: ATCS provided program management and staff augmentation services for both phases of this major transit expansion. Phase I included 11.2 miles from East Falls Church to Wiehle Avenue with five new stations (completed in 2014). Phase II extends service from Wiehle Avenue to Route 772 in Loudoun County with six additional stations. Our team coordinated between Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, localities, and VDOT throughout both phases.
- Route 28 PPTA: ATCS delivered construction management and inspection services for two projects totaling over $36 million. Our work focused on widening northbound Route 28 from three to four lanes in the heavily congested corridor near Dulles International Airport, enhancing capacity in this critical economic zone.
- I-95 Express Lanes/Opitz Boulevard Ramp Project: ATCS administered construction management, inspection, scheduling, project controls, and change management for this $69.7 million project. The initiative created south-facing ramps connecting directly to Express Lanes while widening the Opitz Boulevard Bridge over I-95. Our team maintained the traffic flow throughout construction while ensuring rigorous quality standards and coordinating between the concessionaire, VDOT, and adjacent stakeholders.
Specialized Services Driving Project Efficiency
ATCS leverages extensive megaproject experience to elevate design quality, enhance construction efficiency, and optimize operational performance. Our approach to independent cost estimation ensures accurate budgeting and efficient resource allocation.
Enhancing Community Outcomes
ATCS helps the NOVA ESS Program achieve greater efficiency, schedule adherence, and cost control through strategic support. Our expertise reduces congestion, enhances safety, and promotes stakeholder collaboration, supporting the development of Northern Virginia’s long-term infrastructure.