VDOT | FFXnow - Part 14

Published February 28, 2023 at 11:50AM | Updated March 24, 2023 at 2:36PM

Columbia Pike in Bailey's Crossroads has been partially closed after a fatal pedestrian crash (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The traffic safety advocacy group Fairfax Families for Safe Streets (Fairfax FSS) says the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is primarily to blame for Fairfax County’s high pedestrian fatality count last year.

The Safe Streets Report compiled by Fairfax FSS examines the crashes that resulted in 32 pedestrian fatalities and 53 serious injuries in 2022. Like the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles’ (DMV) earlier report, Fairfax FFS found that the county saw a dramatic increase in fatalities and serious injuries last year from any other year going back to 2010 — the first year where data is available.

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Nutley Street roundabouts at I-66 slated to open tomorrow

By Angela Woolsey

Published February 27, 2023 at 10:15AM

A finish line is in sight for construction on the redesigned Nutley Street/I-66 interchange (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The overhaul of the Nutley Street and I-66 interchange is nearing completion, promising an end to the unpredictability that has characterized trips near the Vienna Metro station over the past three years.

Two new roundabouts at the interchange are scheduled to open tomorrow (Tuesday) morning, the Virginia Department of Transportation recently announced, cautioning drivers to yield to traffic in the loops when entering.

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Public feedback sought on redesign of Telegraph Road in Franconia

By Vernon Miles

Published January 31, 2023 at 11:45AM

Telegraph Road and Hayfield Road (via Google Maps)

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is looking for public feedback on some planned improvements — including a potential widening — for a stretch of Telegraph Road in Franconia.

The goal of the project is to cut down on congestion along the busy road as well as improve pedestrian mobility.

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Tractor-trailer crash spills sewage at Springfield Mixing Bowl, creating backups

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 26, 2023 at 10:00AM

A tractor-trailer overturned on a I-395 South ramp in Springfield, spilling sewage (via VDOT)

A tractor-trailer carrying sewage flipped over on I-395 in Springfield earlier today (Thursday), resulting in a tough morning commute for drivers headed away from D.C.

The Virginia Department of Transportation reported at 7:35 a.m. that the vehicle had overturned and spilled its contents on the southbound I-395 ramp to southbound I-95. All lanes were blocked.

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Effort to relocate cell tower by I-495 in McLean still ongoing

By Angela Woolsey

Published January 3, 2023 at 2:15PM | Updated January 5, 2023 at 3:47PM

The cell tower by I-495 at the Old Dominion Drive bridge in McLean (via Google Maps)

(Updated at 3:45 p.m. on 1/5/2023) The search is still on for a new site to host a cell tower in McLean that has to be removed to make room for the widening Capital Beltway.

The monopole, which is owned by American Cell Towers and supports AT&T and T-Mobile service, was officially decommissioned on Dec. 9, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

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East Spring Street widening begins next week, lane closures expected

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 30, 2022 at 9:30AM

The new year will ring in the beginning of a new construction project in Herndon.

Nearly $23 million in improvements to East Spring Street are slated to begin Tuesday (Jan. 3), according to the Town of Herndon.

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Part of Hunter Mill Road bridge over Colvin Run set to open tomorrow

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 29, 2022 at 1:30PM

A rendering of the planned Hunter Mill Road bridge over Colvin Run with an inset photo of the existing bridge (via VDOT)

A portion of the new Hunter Mill Road bridge over Colvin Run near Vienna is expected to open for traffic this week.

Vehicles will shift onto one lane of the new bridge between Crowell Road (Route 675) and Cobble Mill Road starting around 2 p.m. tomorrow (Friday), the Virginia Department of Transportation announced yesterday.

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Town of Herndon seeks funds for East Elden Street widening, trails

By Fatimah Waseem

Published December 29, 2022 at 11:45AM

The project is expected to cost around $57 million (Photo courtesy VDOT).

Two major transportation projects in the Town of Herndon are vying for regional funding.

The Town of Herndon is seeking up to $1.5 million from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority for street improvements and a widening of East Elden Street, along with up to $750,000 for improvements to town-wide sidewalks and trails.

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McLean residents affected by I-495 widening push for possible legislative action

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 21, 2022 at 3:00PM

Trees along Live Oak Drive in McLean have been cut down so the Beltway can be widened (photo by April Georgelas)

The project to extend the I-495 Express Lanes north toward the American Legion Bridge has been under construction for half a year now, but some McLean residents remain as determined as ever to fight the Beltway’s encroachment into their neighborhoods.

Residents along Live Oak Drive in particular have consistently argued that they will face the most disruptions from the I-495 Northern Extension (495 NEXT) without getting the congestion relief benefits touted by the Virginia Department of Transportation.

News

NEW: A pedestrian crossing on Route 123 from Tysons Corner Center is in the works

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 13, 2022 at 1:30PM

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

Talks are underway to design a street-level crossing across Route 123 at Tysons Blvd, a daunting challenge that would — at least in theory — improve access to Tysons Corner Center for pedestrians, bicyclists and others.

Fairfax County, the Virginia Department of Transportation and Macerich, the mall owner and developer, are currently hashing out an agreement for the crossing as an alternative to the existing pedestrian bridge that links the mall’s plaza to the Tysons Metro station on the other side of Route 123, also known as Chain Bridge Road.