Hey, rickies, that was the Outer Beltway or Western Beltway depending on whom you ask or where you research. There were supposed to be TWO money metal beltways, and some plans called for THREE of them. One was partially built (Fairfax County Parkway) and other roads were built many years later on the proposed routes (Rte. 28 and Rte. 234).
Now we have a patchwork of bullshit, none of which cross the Potomac or ever will.
First is where the hurting Fairfax County Parkway and Prince William parkways are now (that's why it is so wide in Reston/Herndon). That's mostly built now but no bridge and by law no overpasses except in certain areas. Thanks to NIMBYs.
Where hurting Route 28 is, was a second Beltway supposed to run from Manassas all the way to Gaithersburg.
An alternative beltway exists along where Rte. 234 is now (which ends abrubtly at I-66 for NO REASON).
We were supposed to have at least two, possibly three, Potomac crossings.
The new Bi-County parkway, which WILL be built, is a sort of compromise between Rte. 234 and 28 and I-66, but this piece of crap will NOT cross the hurting Potomac.
It's a show.
More info:
http://www.roadstothefuture.com/Outer_Beltway.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/local/longterm/library/vdot/vdot15.htm
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prince_William_Parkway