Testosterone Replacement Therapy in McLean, VA
There's a common misconception that elderly men are the only ones with low testosterone or imbalanced hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, however, data shows that many men including men in their 40s and 50s suffer from low testosterone and sub-optimal testosterone around the world.. The truth is you don't have to be on your "last legs" to suffer from low testosterone.
In reality, as men get closer to 30, it's common for their testosterone levels to drop. When that happens, their lives and bodies change. Life may not seem as colorful or as exciting. Getting out of bed without aches and pains is rare. Finding the motivation to get up, go to work, and come home with a pep in your step is easier said than done. And for many men, the ultimate embarrassment occurs - they lose the ability to perform intimately in the bedroom.
If you're one of the millions of men with unexplained fatigue, weight gain especially abdominal fat, inability to put on muscle in the gym, decreased mental sharpness, increased anxiety or even erectile dysfunction, you may think that all hope is lost. But nothing could be further from the truth. Thanks to decades of trials and research, male health centers like Proactive Wellness are equipped with cutting-edge, FDA-approved medications and procedures to restore your hormones to optimal levels. It's called testosterone replacement therapy, or TRT for short, and it's giving men around the country renewed hope for a normal, meaningful life.
But to understand the incredible benefits of TRT in McLean, VA, it's important to know about testosterone and how it works in your body.
About Understanding Testosterone
What comes to mind when you think about the word "testosterone"? For many people, testosterone is associated with men who are overtly aggressive or macho. And while testosterone has an effect on a male's vigor and motivation, it plays a much more important role than the average person thinks. The truth about testosterone is that it is a crucial hormone for male development that affects men from the time they go through puberty to the time they pass away.
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As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:
Muscle Mass
Facial and Body Hair
Sex Organs
Healthy Libido
Bone Density
Sexual Function
Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels
When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.
Causes What Causes Low Testosterone?
Also called low T, lower testosterone levels are most often caused by aging. When testosterone levels deplete in this manner, it occurs naturally - just about every man will experience lower levels of testosterone as they get older. However, other causes of low T also exist, including drug abuse, obesity, prescribed meds, testicle injuries and even taking certain bodybuilding supplements.
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When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Lowered Libido
- Lowered Sperm Count
- More Body Fat
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Issues with Concentration
- Male Breast Development
- Less Muscle Mass
- Motivation Issues
If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in McLean, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.
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Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:
Erectile Dysfunction
If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.
Low Libido
When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.
Lack of Sleep
Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.
Less Strength and Muscle Mass
When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.
Depression
Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in McLean, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.
Lack of Concentration
Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.
What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?
At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
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Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:
Heart Health
If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.
Anemia
When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in McLean, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.
Diabetes
If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.
Obesity
If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.
Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in McLean, VA
Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.
Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.
How Does TRT Work?
Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.
That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.
The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in McLean, VA
At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:
Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.
Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.
Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.
Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:
Getting Started:
You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.
Diagnostics and Evaluation:
One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.
Review Testing:
We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.
Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:
Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.
Success Coaching:
When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.
Enjoy the Results:
This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.
Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference
Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in McLean, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.
Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.
Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.
Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.
If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!
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Latest News in McLean, VA
NEW: D.C. favorite Call Your Mother to open ‘Lil Deli’ truck in McLean
Sponsorhttps://www.ffxnow.com/2023/03/30/new-d-c-favorite-call-your-mother-to-open-lil-deli-truck-in-mclean/
(Updated at 5:25 p.m. on 4/3/2023) The popular D.C. deli Call Your Mother is expanding into Virginia for the first time.Known for its bagels, the self-described “Jew-ish” deli is bringing a mobile version of its shop called Lil Deli to the ...
(Updated at 5:25 p.m. on 4/3/2023) The popular D.C. deli Call Your Mother is expanding into Virginia for the first time.
Known for its bagels, the self-described “Jew-ish” deli is bringing a mobile version of its shop called Lil Deli to the Chesterbrook Shopping Center (6216 Old Dominion Drive) in McLean. The shop was announced today on Instagram.
It will feature a walk-up counter and patio seating, with the deli’s full menu on offer.
“Locals have been asking for a Call Your Mother outpost in VA and the brand has answered!” Call Your Mother co-founder Andrew Dana said by email. “They’re bringing good carbs and good vibes to McLean, with plans to open a second VA location later this year.”
Dana said the second Virginia location will be in Alexandria’s Old Town, though the lease hasn’t been finalized yet. The deli had locked down an Old Town location two years ago, but later appeared to pull out despite signing a lease, according to FFXnow’s sister site ALXnow.
Dana and chef Daniela Moreira started selling food at D.C. farmers markets before launching Call Your Mother as a brick-and-mortar deli in Petsworth in 2018. The business now has seven locations in D.C. and Maryland.
Call Your Mother first went mobile with a “trolley” shop in Bethesda. It’s also planning to venture outside the D.C. area with upcoming locations in Denver, Colorado.
“Call Your Mother is truly focused on two things: carbs and vibes,” Dana said. “When looking at real estate it’s all about how a space feels. Similar to their Bethesda Trolley, the Lil Deli is on wheels which is nice for flexibility and grabbing attention when you drive past. The fun and vibrant energy it brings perfectly matches the Call Your Mother brand.”
An exact opening date for the McLean shop hasn’t been set yet, but it’s anticipated to be “in a few weeks,” Dana said. The store is now hiring workers, per a LinkedIn job posting.
It will be one of several relative newcomers to Chesterbrook, which is undergoing a renovation. The juice bar South Block opened earlier in March, and the clothing store J. McLaughlin is on track to open this summer, property manager Federal Realty previously told FFXnow.
6 Popular Parks in McLean, VA That Locals Love
Mekaila Oakshttps://www.redfin.com/blog/parks-in-mclean-va-that-locals-love/
Parks are the heart and soul of any neighborhood, and offer a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. From the many outdoor activities at Lewinsville Park to the natural beauty of Turkey Run Park, these parks in McLean, VA offer a wide variety of options. Whether you’re looking for a great dog park for your furry friend, or somewhere to have a relaxing picnic, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for nearby your new home or ...
Parks are the heart and soul of any neighborhood, and offer a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of life. From the many outdoor activities at Lewinsville Park to the natural beauty of Turkey Run Park, these parks in McLean, VA offer a wide variety of options. Whether you’re looking for a great dog park for your furry friend, or somewhere to have a relaxing picnic, there’s a good chance you’ll find what you’re looking for nearby your new home or apartment in McLean. Let’s explore the great parks in McLean, VA together.
#1: Lewinsville Park
Lewinsville Park offers a variety of amenities, including athletic fields, tennis courts, a playground, and a nature trail. The park also hosts community events and classes throughout the year, so it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular parks in McLean.
Amenities: Multipurpose fields, Basketball courts, Tennis courts
Address: 1659 Chain Bridge Rd. McLean, VA 22101
Interested in moving to the area?
Partner with an experienced agent who knows the local market. Contact a Redfin agent #2: Turkey Run Park
Turkey Run Park is a nature lover’s paradise, featuring hiking trails, a scenic picnic area, and a stream. The park is located within the George Washington Memorial Parkway and provides access to the Potomac River.
Amenities: Picnic area, Wildlife watching, Hiking trails, Restrooms
Address: Turkey Run Loop Rd. McLean, VA 22101
#3: Bryn Mawr Park
Bryn Mawr Park is a small neighborhood park with a playground and picnic area, nestled in a quiet residential community. It’s a popular park in the area for those looking for a charming, quiet spot to play at.
Amenities: Picnic area, Playground
Address: 6700 Tennyson Dr. McLean, VA 22101
#4: Pimmit Run Stream Valley Park
This park in McLean is a natural oasis in an urban setting, with walking trails, benches, and a small playground. The park follows the Pimmit Run stream and offers a peaceful escape from the surrounding city.
Amenities: Walking trails
Address: 1955 Foxhall Rd. McLean, VA 22101
#5: Clemyjontri Park
Clemyjontri Park is a large, colorful playground that is designed to be accessible for people of all abilities. The park also features a carousel, a train, and several other attractions for its visitors to enjoy.
Amenities: Carousel, Train, Playground, Picnic area
Address: 6317 Georgetown Pike McLean, VA 22101
#6: McLean Central Park
McLean Central Park is a large community park that features a variety of athletic fields, a playground, a dog park, and a walking trail. The park also hosts concerts and events throughout the year, making it a popular spot for locals living in Mclean.
Amenities: Tennis courts, Playground, Walking trails, Basketball courts, Restrooms
Address: 1468 Dolley Madison Blvd. McLean, VA 22102
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McLean Day To Feature Rides, Performances, Food At Lewinsville Park
McLean, VA Patchhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/mclean-day-2023-bring-rides-performances-food-lewinsville-park
McLean Day 2023, a free, outdoor festival on May 20, will offer a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, games and performances.Mark Hand, Patch Staff|Updated Fri, May 19, 2023 at 10:23 am ETMCLEAN, VA — McLean Day 2023 will be held at Lewinsville Park on Saturday, May 20, carrying on a tradition that began almost 110 years ago as a community and school fundraiser.The free, outdoor festival, from 1...
McLean Day 2023, a free, outdoor festival on May 20, will offer a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, games and performances.
Mark Hand, Patch Staff
|Updated Fri, May 19, 2023 at 10:23 am ET
MCLEAN, VA — McLean Day 2023 will be held at Lewinsville Park on Saturday, May 20, carrying on a tradition that began almost 110 years ago as a community and school fundraiser.
The free, outdoor festival, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., hosted by the McLean Community Center, will offer a variety of attractions, including carnival rides, games and performances. McLean Day also will be the site of the McLean Community Center’s 2023 governing board election, which will be held at the park from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The carnival rides will be operating on Friday, May 19, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. and then again on Saturday. The rides will be located in two areas of the park: the parking lot to the right of the entrance and toward the exit at the back of the park. Tickets can be purchased in advance from Cole Rides through a link on the McLean Community Center’s website, or onsite on Friday and Saturday.
For the McLean Community Center election, 15 Dranesville Small District 1A residents are running for seats on the board. Five adults are vying for three vacant adult seats and 10 teens are vying for two vacant student seats (one for the Langley High School boundary area and one for the McLean High School boundary area). Only district residents are permitted to vote in the election.
McLean Day started in 1915 as a school and community fundraiser put on by the McLean School and Civic League at Franklin Sherman School. In the mid-1970s, the McLean Community Center began hosting the event and moved it to its current home at Lewinsville Park in 1988.
Free performances will be offered throughout the festival on the Community Stage, including:
A Jugglers’ Stage, located near the children’s ride area, will offer free performances throughout the event.
Parking will not be available at Lewinsville Park on the day of the festival. Patrons can take free Fairfax Connector shuttles from McLean Metrorail Station and three satellite locations to McLean Day. Free shuttle buses will run from the parking sites to the park starting at 10:25 a.m. and running through 6 p.m.
The three satellite locations are the Red route at McLean Baptist Church, 1367 Chain Bridge Road, the Yellow route at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Ave., and the Blue route at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1545 Chain Bridge Rd.
Wheat’s Landscaping, Giant Food, Mars Inc., McLean Properties and Washington Fine Properties are among the sponsors of McLean Day 2023. The public can visit the McLean Community Center website for more information about the McLean Day festival.
Chef David Guas to Open Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen in McLean
Rachel Schlueterhttps://northernvirginiamag.com/food/food-news/2023/07/11/neutral-ground-bar-kitchen-mclean/
The restaurant will spotlight Americana and regional flavors when it opens in 2024.David Guas is taking his culinary talents to McLean with his new restaurant Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, which is set to open in early 2024.The menu will feature seasonal, American-inspired dishes with ingredients sourced from the mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast. This is Guas’s second NoVA eatery. The New Orleans native opened the Bayou Bakery in 2010 in Arlington....
The restaurant will spotlight Americana and regional flavors when it opens in 2024.
David Guas is taking his culinary talents to McLean with his new restaurant Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen, which is set to open in early 2024.
The menu will feature seasonal, American-inspired dishes with ingredients sourced from the mid-Atlantic and Gulf Coast. This is Guas’s second NoVA eatery. The New Orleans native opened the Bayou Bakery in 2010 in Arlington.
“I am incredibly excited to be opening in McLean and have my newest venture only 15 minutes away from my Arlington gathering spot, a community I take pride in being a part of daily,” Guas said in a news release.
Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen will pay homage to Guas’ Louisiana roots, mainly through the restaurant’s name. The term “neutral ground” refers to New Orleans’s Canal Street after the Louisiana Purchase. Feuds between the French Creoles and Europeans divided the city. But, Canal Street’s linear grassy space became a common area for both groups to trade and interact.
The “neutral ground” philosophy is reflected in the restaurant’s open-concept design, meant to facilitate a casual and relaxed feel. The interior will feature warm tones and wood accents. A bar will anchor the rear of the restaurant, and there will be open-air dining on a patio.
Guas is no stranger to the cooking scene. The celebrity chef has judged Food Network’s Chopped and hosted the Travel Channel’s American Grilled. He has also appeared on CNN, NBC, The Today Show, and The Dish.
In addition to being a television celebrity, Guas is an award-winning cookbook author. In NoVA, he has received recognition for his recipes, along with his anti-hunger advocacy and COVID-19 relief work.
“Being in Northern Virginia for 20-plus years, I have been waiting for the right space in McLean, VA, to turn up vacant and make sense to me,” he said. “I’ve been listening to McLean friends and family for a long time, who ask me, ‘Why won’t you open a restaurant here?’ Their increased desire for a place to fill a void in downtown McLean catapulted me to take a vested interest this year and move forward.”
When the restaurant opens at 6641 Old Dominion Dr. in 2024, it will only be open for dinner initially from Tuesdays through Saturdays.
Feature image courtesy Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen
For more new restaurant openings, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine’s Food newsletter.
McLean Residents Sue To Stop Further Work On I-495 Toll Lanes Project
McLean, VA Patchhttps://patch.com/virginia/mclean/mclean-residents-sue-stop-further-work-i-495-toll-lanes-project
A group of McLean residents filed a lawsuit to stop further work on the I-495 Express Lanes Project over environmental and health concerns.Mark Hand, Patch Staff|Updated Tue, Mar 21, 2023 at 5:03 pm ETMCLEAN, VA — A group of McLean residents filed a lawsuit accusing the Virginia Department of Transportation and the company behind the Interstate 495 toll lanes of violating federal environmental laws and harming the h...
A group of McLean residents filed a lawsuit to stop further work on the I-495 Express Lanes Project over environmental and health concerns.
Mark Hand, Patch Staff
|Updated Tue, Mar 21, 2023 at 5:03 pm ET
MCLEAN, VA — A group of McLean residents filed a lawsuit accusing the Virginia Department of Transportation and the company behind the Interstate 495 toll lanes of violating federal environmental laws and harming the health of families who live near the project.
In the lawsuit, the Northern Virginia Citizens Association is asking the court to put a stop to further work on the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension, or I-495 NEXT Project, until the developers comply with the National Environmental Policy Act.
The I-495 NEXT Project will extend express toll lanes along about two miles of the Capital Beltway from their current northern terminus in the vicinity of the Old Dominion Drive overpass to the George Washington Memorial Parkway in the McLean area.
The lawsuit, which is seeking declaratory and injunctive relief, was filed on March 16 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. VDOT, Virginia Secretary of Transportation W. Sheppard Miller, the Federal Highway Administration, Transurban, and Transurban subsidiary Capital Beltway Express LLC are named as defendants in the lawsuit.
The NOVA Association, formed in December 2020, has more than 150 members, including 75 members who live on Live Oak Drive, Green Oak Drive and Rivercrest Drive in McLean in the area of planned flyover ramps that would connect the I-495 NEXT project to the Maryland Project on the Virginia side of the American Legion Bridge.
The I-495 Northern Extension project is adding toll lanes from the Tysons area past the George Washington Memorial Parkway in McLean. The George Washington Parkway interchange has been a point of concern for the NOVA Citizens Association, due to the work needed to accommodate planned ramps and stormwater management ponds.
The residents are seeking to prevent further work on portions of the I-495 NEXT Project that were not part of the original May 2021 environmental assessment.
A year after completion of the required National Environmental Policy Act review process and a few months after the statute of limitations had run out on the approved NEPA assessment, VDOT and Transurban made sweeping changes to the I-495 NEXT project, the NOVA Citizens Association contends in the lawsuit.
The National Environmental Policy Act requires that an agency — in this case, the Federal Highway Administration — must supplement its NEPA analysis when "substantial changes" are made to a "proposed action that are relevant to environmental concerns," the NOVA Citizens Association says in the lawsuit.
VDOT said it is aware of the lawsuit filed by the NOVA Citizens Association, but emphasized in a statement emailed to Patch that it places a priority on compliance with all environmental regulations and has "proven protocols in place to ensure environmental impacts are reviewed and existing approvals affirmed throughout the lifecycle of a project."
VDOT has complied with all applicable environmental requirements and followed its environmental review processes since the start of the I-495 NEXT project, the department said.
In its environmental assessment, the project received a "finding of no significant impact" from the FHWA and National Park Service in 2021. Since that time, VDOT and its partner, Capital Beltway Express LLC, have worked to ensure that the project remains compliant with the findings of the FHWA and National Park Service, the department said.
The NOVA Citizens Association asserts these changes will expose thousands of McLean children to additional harmful air pollution and an increased potential for exposure to mosquito-borne diseases. Almost 1,900 Virginia students attend schools within a half-mile of the locus of the project’s scope change, and about 7,500 students attend school within two miles of the project, the plaintiffs contend.
Five McLean families have already been impacted by the project, according to the lawsuit.
One NOVA Citizens Association member’s son is severely disabled and has life-threatening asthma and requires specialized care in all aspects of life. By removing the trees and eliminating the sound walls, VDOT and Transurban have caused dirt, dust, air pollution, and particulates to cover the family’s windows and cars, the lawsuit contends.
Because of the actions by VDOT and Transurban, the family needed to revamp the home’s HVAC system and install a new medical-grade filtration system, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also contends that VDOT’s own analysis shows that until Maryland completes its Beltway expansion project, including building a new American Legion Bridge, the I-495 NEXT Project will slow commute times for anyone unwilling or unable to pay the Transurban tolls.
But Transurban, the company selected to build and operate the express lanes in both Virginia and Maryland, announced on March 9 that it was abandoning the Maryland portion of the project.
This decision casts “into serious doubt the future of that project and its physical connection to the I-495 NEXT Project,” the citizens association said.
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