After months of construction, major upgrades to the beltway are complete. The expansion includes more lanes and wider shoulders between Springfield and the Wilson Bridge. 

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For years, this stretch of 495 on the Virginia side has caused major headaches and traffic tie-ups for commuters.

"Especially with the bridge traffic, you never know once you hit that highway when you were gonna get to work," explained Elise Casey.

The expansion is part of a multi-billion dollar, 12 year project to improve congestion on the beltway. And while most drivers are cautiously happy with the new lanes, they don't believe it's an end to all of the area's traffic troubles. 

"Well they're a lot better," said John Undeland. "I would never say, stick a fork in it, our traffic problems are done."

The final phase of construction on the entire beltway in Virginia wraps up early next year.