The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is looking for resident feedback on potential improvements along the Route 29 corridor in West Falls Church.
FCDOT has launched a study of the Route 29 corridor, between I-495 in the county to Tripps Run at the Falls Church City border, east of South Maple Avenue.
“We are conducting this study as part of a reassessment of needed improvements to Route 29, from the Beltway to the City of Falls Church border, with the aim of creating a better-connected corridor for all users,” said Nanditha Paradkar, FCDOT’s project manager for the study. “The primary focus of this evaluation is the enhancement and/or creation of active transportation and transit facilities along this two-mile stretch corridor.”
According to the department’s presentation from a Nov. 12 public meeting at Timber Lane Elementary School, FCDOT is conducting the study based on a recommendation in the comprehensive plan for Route 29 to be expanded from four lanes to a six-lane road.
“The study aims to create an environment that is comfortable to walk and bike to help bridge both sides of Route 29 and improve access to transit, while giving the automobile driver awareness that the corridor is expected to accommodate all users,” the department’s website states.
After holding an initial community meeting last week, FCDOT is requesting that residents take a survey by Dec. 19, detailing how they use Route 29 and improvements they’d like to see to the corridor.
The county’s presentation shows that between 21,000 and 24,000 vehicles drive on Route 29 each day, but the corridor currently lacks pedestrian amenities. The presentation shared several photos of missing segments of sidewalks, obstructed sidewalks, missing crosswalks and long distances between crossings.
“With recent capacity increases on I-66 and Route 50 serving primarily car traffic, this corridor presents a valuable opportunity to enhance active transportation and transit,” Paradkar said. “We are studying ways to improve sidewalks, bike facilities, crossings and bus stops while maintaining efficient traffic flow in certain areas.”
After the survey period ends, the county will share draft concepts at a second community meeting in late winter or early spring 2026. A third public meeting will be held in the summer or fall of 2026, with the final report being made available in fall 2026.
More information on the project can be found on FCDOT’s website. The survey can also be accessed there, along with a recording of the recent community meeting.
