VDOT | FFXnow - Part 11

Plan to replace American Legion Bridge revived with request for federal funding

Published August 21, 2023 at 3:00PM | Updated August 22, 2023 at 9:35AM

Traffic on the American Legion Bridge headed north into Maryland (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 9:35 a.m. on 8/22/2023) Maryland has renewed its commitment to replacing the American Legion Bridge and adding express lanes on the Capital Beltway, much to the relief of Northern Virginia transportation officials.

The Maryland Department of Transportation has applied for a federal grant to fund the initial phase of its project to widen the Beltway (I-495/I-270) and reconstruct the aging bridge, which provides the only road connection between Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announced today (Monday).

News

New traffic pattern takes effect on Reston Parkway as Dulles Toll Road bridge awaits repairs

By Fatimah Waseem

Published August 18, 2023 at 2:15PM

Sign for Dulles Toll Road West to Reston and Herndon (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

A new traffic pattern is in effect on Reston Parkway after a crash in July damaged two beams on the bridge over the Dulles Toll Road.

The left lane of the road is closed to reduce the weight placed on the damaged beams. The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) is working to arrange the repairs on the underside of the bridge.

News

VDOT to develop safety improvements for Burke Centre Parkway after fatal crash

By Melanie Pincus

Published August 16, 2023 at 3:00PM

Some community members say a median on Burke Centre Parkway should be extended at a roadway out of the Burke Centre Shopping Center (via Google Maps)

In October, the Virginia Department of Transportation will put together recommended improvements for the portion of Burke Centre Parkway where a fatal crash occurred last month.

The recommendations will come after VDOT staff can review the official police investigative report on the crash in September. The department is also planning to conduct studies on potential speed limit changes and the feasibility of a traffic signal in September and October.

News

Expanded Hunter Mill Road bridge reopens after two years of construction

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 10, 2023 at 10:15AM

The new, two-lane Hunter Mill Road bridge over Colvin Run (courtesy VDOT)

A critical vehicular link between Reston and the Wolf Trap area has been restored.

The new, two-lane Hunter Mill Road bridge over Colvin Run is now fully open, the Virginia Department of Transportation announced yesterday (Wednesday).

News

Utility work will require nighttime traffic stops on I-495 in McLean next week

By Angela Woolsey

Published August 4, 2023 at 2:15PM | Updated August 7, 2023 at 11:06AM

A sign for the Georgetown Pike exit off of I-495 North (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

(Updated at 11:05 a.m. on 8/7/2023) Traffic on the Capital Beltway will be periodically stopped overnight at Georgetown Pike in the latter half of next week.

Lasting up to 30 minutes at a time, the stoppages are required to enable crews to relocate utilities at the interchange as part of the 495 NEXT project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

News

County transportation planners try data-driven program to identify spots for improvements

By Fatimah Waseem

Published July 27, 2023 at 9:30AM

The intersection of Route 123 (Chain Bridge Road) and Tysons Blvd outside Tysons Corner Center (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Local officials are in the midst of developing a data-driven way to prioritize and implement spot transportation improvements throughout Fairfax County.

The spot improvement screening program, which was discussed at a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors’ transportation committee meeting on July 18, lets the county identify priority locations for new transportation improvements, especially along intersections.

News

Merits of road widening projects debated as Richmond Highway land acquisitions continue

By Vivian Hoang

Published July 24, 2023 at 11:45AM | Updated October 24, 2024 at 5:08PM

Cars head south on Richmond Highway (staff photo by Matt Blitz)

(Updated 10:55 a.m. on 7/26/2023) The ongoing redevelopment of Richmond Highway (Route 1) in Fairfax County has sparked a larger discussion over whether the benefits of road widening projects outweigh their potential harm.

The Virginia Department of Transportation plans to bring improvements to a three-mile stretch in the Richmond Highway corridor in two phases: first from Jeff Todd Way to just north of Frye Road, then from just north of Frye Road to Sherwood Hall Lane.

News

Finished Nutley Street interchange at I-66 expected to open tomorrow

By Angela Woolsey

Published June 13, 2023 at 9:30AM | Updated June 13, 2023 at 9:55AM

An aerial view of the Nutley Street and I-66 interchange, as of April (via VDOT)

The new Nutley Street interchange at I-66 just south of Vienna is about to achieve its final form.

Lanes that will let drivers going from Nutley to I-66 bypass the dreaded roundabouts are scheduled to open tomorrow (Wednesday), the Virginia Department of Transportation recently announced.

News

VDOT launches study to reduce crashes on two high-trafficked roads in Springfield

By Matt Blitz

Published June 5, 2023 at 3:00PM

A new study seeks to alleviate congestion and safety issues along sections of Franconia Road and Commerce Street (image via VDOT)

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is asking for public input on how to reduce congestion and the number of crashes on two half-mile sections of road in Springfield.

A new survey is open through June 15, asking residents about their traveling habits and safety concerns along Franconia Road between Backlick Road and Loisdale Road. The survey also focuses on Commerce Street between Amherst Avenue and Franconia Road.

News

Town of Herndon seeks to fill funding gap for East Spring Street widening

By Fatimah Waseem

Published May 17, 2023 at 11:15AM

Work on improvements on East Spring Street in Herndon are set to begin next year (via VDOT)

Rising construction costs have created a funding gap for the widening of East Spring Street.

The Town of Herndon is seeking roughly $3.1 million in federal funding for the project, which is administered by the Virginia Department of Transportation.