Drivers and bus riders will see detours in effect today and tomorrow (Aug. 17-18) on Blenheim Blvd between Lion Run and Old Pickett Road in the City of Fairfax.
The closure to through traffic is expected to be in effect from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, according to city officials.
“Signage in the area will guide motorists safely around the closure,” city officials said. “Please reduce your speed and be aware of workers in the area.”
The city says the closure is necessary to allow a crane operator to remove trees near the entrance to Army-Navy Country Club as part of its Blenheim Blvd Multimodal Improvements project.
Trees will also be removed around the former Willard Health Center site, starting this week and continuing in phases throughout September, and along high-voltage electrical lines at the rear of the Stacy C. Sherwood Community Center (3740 Blenheim Blvd).
Those removals will set the stage for the city’s joint project with Fairfax County to combine the health and community centers into a new, shared facility.
“We recognize road closures are inconvenient, and we appreciate your patience and cooperation,” city officials said in announcing the closure. “Weather permitting, the work will be completed quickly and safely.”
During the closure, CUE bus stops between Lion Run and Fairfax Circle won’t be served. Riders should use alternate stops to catch buses.
Detours for CUE bus routes are:
- CUE Gold 1: Bus service from the Giant Food supermarket continues straight through Fairfax Circle, turns left on Lion Run, then right on Blenheim Blvd to resume the regular route
- CUE Gold 2: Bus service from Fairfax High School turns left on Lion Run, then right on Fairfax Blvd., continuing to Fairfax Circle to resume the regular route
Blenheim Blvd upgrades to continue into fall
The Blenheim Blvd Multimodal Improvements project is adding sidewalks, a two-way cycle track and upgraded bus stops along the road between Layton Hall Drive and Ridge Avenue. Planning and public engagement has been ongoing for approximately two decades, according to Fairfax City.
“This process led to the development of a multimodal improvement project along Blenheim Boulevard that will include separated bicycle lanes, upgraded pedestrian and transit amenities and improved landscaping and lighting,” the city said.
Fort Myer Construction Corp. was awarded a $21.77 million contract by the Fairfax City Council for the overall project.
Construction began in early July and is expected to run through November, involving excavation, concrete work, milling, paving and temporary pavement markings on Blenheim Blvd between the entrance to Daniels Run Elementary School and Colony Road.
Single-lane closures will be in effect in both directions during that portion of the overall project, with flagging operations used to maintain alternating traffic through the work zone, city officials said.
The completion date is weather-dependent, they said.
Construction starting on Willard-Sherwood Center
Separately, construction is expected to start this month on the new Willard-Sherwood Health and Community Center, according to the City of Fairfax’s project page.
Serving both county and city residents, the 100,000-square-foot facility will replace the existing Joseph Willard Health Center, which has been vacant since shuttering operations last October, and expand on the community center at 3740 Blenheim Blvd with a preschool program.
“Construction contractors are erecting fencing around the former health center,” Fairfax City said in an update on Saturday (Aug. 15). “Additional fencing has been placed near the entrance to the Sherwood Center, where underground utilities are being relocated.”
A construction kick-off meeting where community members can learn more about what to expect will be held in the Sherwood Center’s performing arts room at 7 p.m. on Sept. 3.
That project is currently expected to wrap up in summer 2029.
