The Virginia Department of Transportation is studying Walker Road in Great Falls for potential safety improvements (via VDOT)
Following concerns about frequent traffic accidents and continuous speeding, the Virginia Department of Transportation is gathering feedback from residents via a public survey on the safety of Walker Road in Great Falls.
The survey, which will be active through this Friday (July 12), was initiated at the request of State Sen. Jennifer Boysko, Del. Rip Sullivan, and Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman. It aims to address safety issues along a 2-mile stretch from Colvin Run Road to Georgetown Pike.
A rendering of Armstrong Elementary School's planned library addition (via Fairfax County Public Schools)
Fairfax County Public Schools can move ahead with a renovation of Armstrong Elementary School in Reston.
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the project without discussion after a public hearing on June 25, setting the stage for an expansion that will give the school additional space and updated amenities.
Water fountains are activated at Capital One Center in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Idylwood Apartment Residents Struggle With Lack of AC — “Amid a severe summer heat wave, residents of the eaves Fairfax Towers apartments in Falls Church, Virginia, report enduring indoor temperatures as high as 93 degrees for more than two weeks…Residents say management provided temporary air-conditioning units, but they have not been effective.” [NBC4]
New Graves Found at Bull Run Park — “A few hundred yards from the popular Atlantis Waterpark at Bull Run Regional Park, in Centreville, Virginia, researchers identified nine graves Monday, using ground penetrating radar in a recently discovered cemetery of African Americans who were likely freed or enslaved.” [WTOP]
Fairfax City Police Investigate Bullet Hole — A resident reported hearing two gunshots at 9:49 p.m. on Monday (July 8), and police later found a bullet hole at the back of their home on Cardinal Road. Other residents later told detectives they had also heard shots but thought the sounds were fireworks. Fairfax City police officers have increased patrols in the area amid an active investigation. [Fairfax City Police/Twitter]
Arlington Chef Opens Restaurant in McLean — “Chef David Guas, a 24-year culinary vet by way of New Orleans, finally has a full-service restaurant to call his own. Neutral Ground Bar + Kitchen quietly opened for dinner service last month in the downtown McLean space that formerly housed Assaggi Osteria & Pizzeria.” [Eater DC]
Springfield Man Found Guilty for Liquor Thefts — “A Springfield man was found guilty of stealing thousands of dollars of liquor from ABC stores in [Alexandria City], and is scheduled to appear again for other suspected incidents in Arlington and Fairfax Counties.” A Sept. 11 court hearing in Fairfax County involves charges of larceny, shoplifting, assaulting a law enforcement officer and more. [ALXnow]
Ramen and Taco Restaurants Heading for Richmond Highway Corridor — Yido Ramen and Sushi in Tysons is expanding to the Belle View Shopping Center, where it’s expected to open in January or February 2025. In Groveton, a tenant list for the South Alex apartments shows Big Papi’s Tacos coming to “the end unit directly across from the Inova-GoHealth Urgent Care clinic.” [On the MoVe]
Manager Chosen for Reston Marriott — “Crescent Hotels & Resorts has entered into a management agreement with an affiliate of Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHCI) (“Comstock”) covering the JW Marriott at Reston Station.” The 28-story high-rise will include a 12-floor, 243-room hotel expected to open in mid-2025 and 94 condominiums that recently opened for sale. [Crescent Hotels and Resorts]
It’s Wednesday — Showers and thunderstorms are possible after 5pm, with mostly sunny conditions and a high near 95, and a heat index reaching up to 105. Wednesday night, storms may occur mainly before 2am, while partly cloudy skies bring a low of 77. The chance of precipitation rises from 30% to 50%. [NWS]
Russia House in Herndon is set to rebrand as a French restaurant this month.
Owners Ali and Homeyra Darugar recently announced on Facebook that the establishment’s final day after 32 years as Russia House will be tonight (Tuesday, July 9). However, they assured patrons this was “not a goodbye.”
Sun shining among trees in Vienna (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
The heat and humidity that have baked the D.C. area through much of July so far are reaching dangerous levels.
The National Weather Service issued an Excessive Heat Warning for the region, including Fairfax County, shortly after 2 p.m. today (Tuesday). Scheduled to stay in effect until 8 p.m., the notice warns that heat index values — which measures air temperatures combined with humidity — could reach up to 110.
Walk to explore Tysons and claim your reward by July 31. Summer is here, and the clock is ticking!
Don’t miss the chance to discover all that Tysons has to offer. From bustling urban streets totranquil parks, each Tysons Get Around Guide route promises to uncover hidden gems and local favorites. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a newcomer, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Simply download the Tysons Get Around Guide or access the digital routes on Google Maps and embark on your walk. Track your walk using your smartphone and send us a screenshot of your route via our online form to claim your reward.
Choose your path and complete any designated route before July 31 and earn a $15 gift card*. Feeling adventurous? Challenge yourself to walk all four routes. The first 10 trailblazers to complete all routes will win a $100 gift card*.
Bicycle lockers outside the McLean Metro station in Tysons (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Metro is preparing to kick a multi-phase update of its bicycle parking facilities into gear later this year.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will install hundreds of new bicycle lockers and racks at 74 different stations, replacing amenities that, in some cases, date back to when the stations were first constructed 30 to 40 years ago.
The Vienna Market condominium townhomes from across Maple Avenue (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)
Annandale Man Arrested for Carjacking — “Fairfax County Police detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau are seeking additional witnesses and victims following the apprehension of an Annandale man who committed a carjacking and multiple attempted carjackings within a 90-minute period.” The charges include assault after two victims were reportedly injured. [Annandale Today]
Thousands of Migrant Kids Resettled in Virginia — “Children who arrive to the U.S. without parents entered a sponsor’s care in 14 Virginia localities from Oct. 2023 to April 2024, including Loudoun, Arlington, Prince William and Fairfax Counties in Northern Virginia.” Since October 2014, 33,812 unaccompanied children have been released to a sponsor in Virginia, the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR) says. [Virginia Mercury]
June Results of Crime Prevention Effort — The Fairfax County Police Department says its 2024 Summer Crime Prevention Initiative has resulted in over 60 felony charges and more than 150 misdemeanor charges so far. “Over 330 suspected fentanyl pills were taken off the streets, one stolen vehicle was recovered, and one stolen gun was seized from a convicted felon.” [FCPD]
Brush Fire Put Out at Huntley Meadows — “A fire broke out during the evening of July 6 at Huntley Meadows Park in Hybla Valley, burning around three acres of wooded area before it was extinguished, according to a spokesperson for Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD).” The cause remains under investigation. [On the MoVe]
Metro Expands Use of Automatic Doors — The Washington Metrorail Safety Commission gave Metro the go-ahead yesterday (Monday) “to fully operate in Auto Door mode,” a function tested on the Red Line in December. All train doors will now automatically open within three to five seconds of stopping at a station platform, saving up to 10 seconds per stop. [WMATA]
Hearing on Fort Hunt Road Pedestrian Improvements — “The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a virtual design public hearing Wednesday, July 10 on planned improvements at the intersection of Fort Hunt Road (Route 629) and Rollins Drive/Westgrove Boulevard to improve pedestrian and driver safety and operations.” Feedback will be accepted through Aug. 7. [VDOT]
Free Water Sports Clinic Coming to Lorton — “The 14th Annual So Kids SOAR Adaptive Water Sports Clinic is scheduled to take place Saturday, July 13, at Pohick Bay Regional Park in Lorton. Children will have access to adaptive equipment and instructors. A total of about 120 families are coming this year, up from 57 families in 2023.” [WTOP]
Throwback to Fairfax County Bookmobile — “County supervisors approved funding for the first library in 1939, but that $250 wasn’t enough. The federal Works Progress Administration stepped in with funding and loaned Fairfax a bookmobile. The dark blue, converted 1-ton 1939 Chevrolet Suburban panel truck filled with books started Fairfax County on its road to reading on July 30, 1940.” [Northern Virginia Magazine]
It’s Tuesday — Expect a mostly sunny and hot day with a high near 97 and heat index values up to 106, along with a 20% chance of rain after 2pm. At night, there’s a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms before 2am, with partly cloudy conditions and a low of 79. [NWS]
Fairfax County Courthouse (staff photo by James Jarvis)
The Fairfax County Circuit Court has rolled out a new online tool that allows people to search case information in several languages for free.
The new eCaseSearch system delivers on a key campaign promise of Chris Falcon, who was elected last year as the county’s circuit court clerk and pledged to make court records more accessible to the general public.
A kid flips at Lake Newport Pool in Reston (courtesy Reston Association)
Reston Association plans to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Reston’s founding with a community pool party and cookout later this month.
The event, free for all RA members and recreation pass holders, is set for 4 p.m. July 20 at the Lake Newport Pool and Recreation Area (11601 Lake Newport Road).
