Morning Notes

County Releases Draft Outdoor Dining Rules — “Fairfax County officials are crafting a proposed zoning-ordinance amendment to make permanent some of the relaxed outdoor-dining rules implemented during the pandemic, but also address concerns about noise and the number of seats.” Virtual meetings on the proposal were held last week and on Tuesday (Aug. 15), with public hearings expected in early 2024. [Gazette Leader]

Tysons Nonprofit Opens Drone Testing Range — “Research and development nonprofit MITRE, with dual headquarters in McLean, Virginia and Bedford, Massachusetts, cut the ribbon this week on a new drone testing range near Orange, Virginia. The facility will be used to experiment with small, uncrewed aircraft systems and serve as a proving ground to develop, test and evaluate new drone, counter-drone and autonomous systems.” [WTOP]

I-95 Express Lanes Are Now Complete — “The last planned extension of the I-95 Express Lanes is set to open late Thursday night, and with the opening, Virginia will have longest reversible toll lane in the nation at more than 45 miles long. The 10-mile extension, which officials are calling FredEx, runs from Aquia Harbor to Fredericksburg” [DCist]

Woodlawn Dunkin’ Donuts Now Open — “The new Dunkin’ with a drive-through opened Aug. 12 at Woodlawn Shopping Center. According to a store employee, the business will hold a grand opening sometime in the next few weeks, though an exact date hasn’t yet been determined.” [On the MoVe]

Overnight Traffic Stops Start on Beltway Ramps in McLean — “Four nights of intermittent traffic stoppages are scheduled to occur beginning Thursday, Aug.17 on the ramps connecting Georgetown Pike and I-495 South as well as at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and I-495 South for traffic signal work as part of the 495 NEXT project. These stoppages, which may be up to 30 minutes each, will occur between the hours of midnight and 5 a.m.” [VDOT]

Twirling Encouraged at Annandale Dress Shop for Dancers — “Inside, Julie Wilson runs a business here in the family home, known by those who need to know as Encore Ballroom Couture. It’s considered the ballroom dance industry’s leading consignment and consignment-rental dress company.” [Washington Post]

Repairs Planned for Cross County Trail in Fairfax — “Tibbs Paving will be making repairs and paving the stretch of the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail from Route 50 to Thaiss Memorial Park (City of Fairfax) starting on or about Tuesday, Aug. 22, weather permitting. It is anticipated that work should be completed by Friday, Sept. 1.” [FCPA]

Lake Accotink Celebration Coming Next Week — “Join the Fairfax County Park Authority for a free, family-friendly celebration at Lake Accotink Park on Saturday, Aug. 26, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m…This one-day celebration is free for all participants and all activities are first-come, first-serve.” [FCPA]

It’s Thursday — There is a 20% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 2pm, with mostly sunny skies and a high of 88. On Thursday night, a slight chance of precipitation continues until 2am, with partly cloudy skies and a low around 72. [Weather.gov]