Supervisors OK Millions for Transportation Improvements in Reston, Herndon

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday approved nearly $11 million for 18 transportation projects that will improve pedestrian and bicycle access to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro station and the future Reston Town Center Metro Station.

Among the improvements: adding sidewalks, crosswalks, signals, bike lanes and expansion of Reston’s upcoming bikeshare program. See the accompanying chart for the full list.

Transportation Projects for Reston/Herndon area

The county has been discussing the infrastructure necessary for Reston’s transit areas since 2008, when the Silver Line was just an idea. See the Reston Metrorail Access Group (RMAG) report.

The board also approved projects in 2011 and 2012 to support Reston-area Silver Line access improvements. Those previously funded projects are either completed, under construction, or in design, the county says.

“Our Board supports these projects to help expand transportation options for Fairfax County residents,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova. “As more people are looking for ways to walk and bike to work, Fairfax County strives to make the infrastructure available for residents to use. These crosswalks, sidewalks and the W&OD trail access will also support the eventual opening of the new Phase II Silver Line stations.”

The Supervisors also approved a list of about $11 million in improvements for the Herndon Metrorail Station Access Management Study (HMSAMS) for future access to the Herndon station and in the Town Of Herndon.

The approved HMSAMS projects include three pedestrian/bicycle intersection improvements; seven pedestrian and bicycle facility improvement projects, including signalized crosswalks, lighting, sidewalks, shared-use paths and on-road bike lanes; and three projects that will study the design feasibility and costs of major pedestrian and bicycle improvement projects.

In early 2014, the supervisors approved $42.92 million for the projects. The total for the project approved for Reston and Herndon on Tuesday total about $22 million, according to Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) estimates. The $22 million will come from a 2014 bond referendum approved by Fairfax County voters.