Fairfax County officials are seeking public feedback on a proposed walkway along Idylwood Road to improve pedestrian and bicycle access.
The project will replace existing sidewalk and asphalt trail segments to form a continuous walkway along the northwest side of the road, extending about 100 feet of sidewalk east of Idylwood Court and 170 feet of trail west of Hillside Drive.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) held a a virtual public meeting last Thursday (March 19) to discuss the project.
Christiana Briganti-Dunn, a project manager with FCDOT’s design consultant, Parsons Corporation, noted that Idylwood Road is an important corridor, connecting neighborhoods, schools, transit stops and community designations.
“The purpose of this project is to address the following needs: enhanced pedestrian safety, increased accessibility, improved walking facilities along the corridor,” she said.
In addition to constructing an 8-foot-wide, approximately 900-foot-long asphalt walkway, the project will involve replacing existing driveway pipes and drainage ditches with a curb-and-gutter system, establishing a closed drainage network featuring inlets and underground piping.
Additionally, current curb ramps will be upgraded to comply with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.
Briganti-Dunn noted that the project will require the partial reconstruction of four driveways and may involve relocating some underground utilities serving nearby properties. Some trees and fences might also be removed.
She said property owners will be compensated for any right-of-way acquisitions, temporary easements and other impacts.
“The identification of necessary utility relocations is currently underway and is likely going to include utility relocations for those that feed these private properties, possibly the gas, water and sewer connections due to the necessary grading for the walkway,” she said.
The total cost is estimated at $3.2 million, with $1.58 million allocated for construction.
The county expects to begin land acquisition this fall, followed by utility relocations in 2027 and construction starting in fall 2027. The project is anticipated to be completed by summer 2028.
The public can share feedback through an online survey until April 2.
