A major phase of the Route 7/Route 690 interchange project is set to begin Sept. 8, when crews start demolishing and rebuilding the Route 690 bridge over Route 7.

Rather than closing the bridge entirely, crews will reconstruct it in phases, shifting traffic as sections of the existing bridge are demolished and rebuilt.

During the first phase, expected to last two to three weeks, lanes on Rt. 690 will be narrowed to create enough space for construction while allowing vehicles to continue crossing Rt. 7.

Crews will then demolish and reconstruct one side of the bridge while traffic uses the remaining portion. Once the new section is completed and ready for vehicles, traffic will shift onto it in what will become the final traffic configuration.

Construction generally will take place during weekday daytime hours, although weekend work may be scheduled if necessary. Daytime and evening work is planned outside peak commuting hours when possible to reduce disruptions.

Drivers should expect changing traffic patterns and are advised to follow construction signs, use caution and allow additional travel time. Pedestrians and bicyclists also should use extra caution around the work zone.

Construction areas will be marked and fenced, and the county is asking the public not to enter work areas or cross construction barriers. Significant traffic impacts or changes in access will be announced in advance when possible.

The bridge work is part of the larger Rt. 7/Rt. 690, or Hillsboro Road, interchange project approximately two miles west of the Rt. 7/Rt. 287 interchange and about two miles east of the Rt. 7/Business Route 7 interchange.

The interchange is located along Rt. 7 west of Purcellville, on the Rt. 690 corridor toward Hillsboro and Charles Town, West Virginia, and is intended to provide another Rt. 7 access point for traffic traveling to and from communities to the north.

The project has received Virginia Department of Transportation Smart Scale funding. Construction is expected to continue until substantial completion, currently projected for winter 2029.

More information and project alerts are available through Loudoun County’s Route 7/690 Interchange project page.