Fairfax to Keep Clearing Illegal Road Signs

Fairfax County says its program to remove distracting and illegal signs from major road medians has been a big success and will continue.

In July 2013, the county instituted a program to have the Sheriff’s Community Labor Force regularly pick up political campaign signs, advertising signs and more every week.

Fairfax officials that crews picked up 14,000 signs countywide the first year and 22,000 signs the second year, marking the program as a success.

Officials plan to expand the program with a second removal crew this year.

The county formerly picked up signs only when there was a complaint. Signs are now picked up on selected roads on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

The program covers 63 streets — or about 200 miles of roadway — county officials said. Most are two-lane, divided highways. Locally, that includes Fairfax County Parkway, South Lakes Drive, Sunset Hills Road, Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive, among others.

Crews hit each of the 63 roads at least once a month, the county says. After the county removes a sign, it is stored for five calendar days at the I-66 Transfer Station where it may be reclaimed. Signs are destroyed after five days.

The Virginia Department of Transportation is still responsible for road maintenance. However, if a sign on any public road presents a safety hazard, drivers should contact VDOT at 1-800-FOR-ROAD or via their online form.

Median signs/Credit: Fairfax County