Construction work on the second phase of the Metrorail Silver Line project brings lane and ramp closures from Monday (Dec. 31) until Saturday (Jan. 5).
Most of the closures avoid prime rush hour times.
In a post about the closures, the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project reminds drivers to use caution; remain attentive to all signage, barricades and speed limits; and obey all police and flagger instructions. Work is subject to weather changes.
Eastbound on the Dulles Toll Road has alternating right and left lane closures from just west of the Route 28 overpass to the Reston Parkway overpass on the following days:
- Wednesday to Friday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Alternating right and left lane closures are also westbound on the Dulles Toll Road between the Route 28 and Reston Parkway overpass. These will be in effect:
- Wednesday to Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Saturday: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.
Also heading westbound is a triple left lane closure from the Van Buren Street overpass to the Route 28 overpass from 10 p.m. on Friday to 5 a.m. on Saturday.
Eastbound on Sunset Hills Road will have alternating right and left lane closures from 400 feet west of Town Center Pkwy to Bechtel Building Entrance. The civil work will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 9: 30 a.m. to noon on Friday.
Eastbound on Herndon Parkway from 1,000 feet east of Van Buren Street to 800 feet west of Exchange Place will have a right lane closed from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday.
Several different spots westbound on Sunrise Valley Drive will have closed right lanes from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, including:
- from Dulles Technology Drive to Dulles Station Blvd
- from Thunder Chase Drive to Millburn Lane
- from Reston Pkwy to 200 feet west of Edmund Halley Drive
Edmund Halley Drive will have a right shoulder closed from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Thursday and from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday.
(Updated at 11:43 a.m.) Reston teen killed in a pedestrian hit-and-run crash — Marvin Daniel Cruz Serrano, a 16-year-old South Lakes High School student, was hit by a car while crossing South Lakes Drive Saturday evening. Fairfax County Police are still looking for the driver who killed the Reston teen. [Reston Now]
Metro’s “Rush Hour Promise” starts today — Starting today, Metrorail or Metrobus customers using a registered SmarTrip card who experience a rush-hour delay of 10 minutes or more will receive a Metro credit for future travel. [WMATA]
A look inside the upcoming Bombay Velvet — More details emerge about the Indian restaurant set to open in early 2019 at 12100 Sunset Hills Road. [Washington Business Journal]
Tons of toys — People donated more than three tractor-trailer loads worth of toys to Fairfax County’s fire and rescue stations for this year’s Toys for Tots campaign. [Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department]
Before we head off into the weekend, let’s take a look back at the biggest stories on Reston Now in recent days.
- Businesses Continue to Leave Reston Town Center
- Paid Parking Pushes Obi Sushi Out of Reston Town Center
- Seven Restaurants Slated to Open in Reston, Herndon in 2019
- Hen Penny Restaurant Set to Close in Reston Town Center on Sunday
- Jinya Ramen Bar “Coming Soon” to Reston Town Center
If you have ideas on stories we should cover, email us at [email protected] or submit an anonymous tip.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below.
Photo via Google Maps
(Updated at 9:30 p.m. on Dec. 30) Koko FitClub closed its doors in North Point Village Center last week.
The fitness club closed at 1424 North Point Village Center last Friday (Dec. 21), Owner Cheryl Butz told Reston Now. She declined to say what prompted the closure.
The club underwent renovations in 2017.
Koko FitClub has more than 60 locations spanning 21 states and Canada.
The “digital gym” offers a three-step Koko Smartraining System, individualized coaching, personalized nutrition, 30-minute strength conditioning and 15-minute HIIT cardio training.
Image via Google Maps
We’re counting down the top 15 most-read articles of 2018 this week. Here’s the final list of our top five stories.
5. Back in March, a lockdown at several schools following a report of a student with a gun gained 10,386 pageviews. Police said the report of a student with a gun at South Lakes High School turned out to be false.
4. Another school-related story was popular with 12,198 pageviews. In February South Lakes High School students staged a walkout in the aftermath of the aftermath of the shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida that killed 17 people.
3. A story about a car that crashed into the Trader Joe’s on Killingsworth Avenue in January garnered 13,760 pageviews. The building’s bricks sustained some damage. No injuries were reported.
2. A roundup of the businesses that left Reston Town Center this year brought in 13,942 pageviews. While a handful of places opened in RTC in 2018, nearly twice as many closed, with several small shops pointing to paid parking as a reason driving the closures.
1. The top story of the year — at 16,511 pageviews — was about a 71-year-old woman who died after getting hit by a car at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Bluemont Way. According to passersby, a mangled baby stroller was visible at the location of the incident.
It’s been quite a year, and we look forward to bringing you more stories in 2019.
File photo
Hit the trails on Jan. 1 if you want to enter a photo contest.
The Fairfax County Park Authority’s “First Hike Fairfax” returns this year with expanded hike options — including any FCPA trail — and photo contest prizes for hikes on New Year’s Day.
The FCPA teamed up with America’s state parks and Virginia State Parks for the First Day Hike Programs.
Locals can visit any FCPA trail on Jan. 1 and snap pictures for the photo contest. Nearby trails include the trails at Lake Fairfax and the Washington & Old Dominion Trail. More trails can be found at Trail Buddy.
Then, enter one photo in First Hike Photo Contest by Jan. 2. Park Authority staff will select a “Judges’ Choice,” and the general public will vote on a “People’s Choice” winner. Both winners will receive a free four-month RECenter pass valued at up to $300.
All photographers will receive two free RECenter guest passes.
“First Hike Fairfax” also kicks off the Park Authority’s “Healthy Strides 12 Steps for a Healthier 2019,” which offers monthly tips with healthy living ideas.
First Hike Fairfax 2019: Get outside on Jan. 1, participate in @fairfaxparks photo contest and win prizes! https://t.co/G7hdrm199R pic.twitter.com/OseW91RqCd
— Fairfax County Government 🇺🇸 (@fairfaxcounty) December 27, 2018
File photo
Ice House Cafe will raise a glass to toast to more than 40 years in Herndon before its Jan. 1 closing.
Two celebrations are set this weekend for the cafe and bar (760 Elden Street).
Locals can make reservations for the Sunday Dinner, which will include live jazz by E & Me Contemporary Jazz, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 30.
The next day marks the restaurant’s grand finale on New Year’s Eve. The party kicks off at 6 p.m. and will last until 12:30 a.m. The Mary Shaver and the Smokin’ Polecats are set to perform.
Resverations for both events will be by phone only.
Photo via Ice House Cafe/Facebook
Updated at 10:05 a.m. — Fairfax County Fire and Rescue provided more information about the fire.
A fire that broke out in the garage of a two-story house in Reston early this morning (Dec. 28) was caused by an overcurrent from an electric space heater plugged into an extension cord.
The smoke alarm alerted the three people in the house, according to Fairfax County Fire and Rescue.
Firefighters responded to the fire at the 1800 block of Cranberry Lane around 3:27 a.m. and had it extinguished by 3:35 a.m., the fire department tweeted.
No one was injured and damage totaled $250, according to the tweet.
UPDATE-House fire in 1800 block of Cranberry Lane in Reston this morning: 3 occupants alerted to fire by smoke alarms. Fire started in garage. Cause was an overcurrent created by electric space heater being powered through an extension cord. No injuries. Damages of $250. #fcfrd pic.twitter.com/jO1gQozxUg
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 28, 2018
Map via Google Maps
This story has been updated
Holiday movie time at the library — Christmas and Hanukkah might be over, but locals can still enjoy the Disney holiday movie “Frozen” starting at 10:30 a.m. today at the Herndon Fortnightly Library. [Herndon Fortnightly Library]
Dulles Toll Road hikes start next week — Starting Jan. 1, prices are scheduled to increase from $2.50 to $3.25 at the main toll plaza and from $1 to $1.50 on ramps, according to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority. [Tysons Reporter]
Beware of burglaries — Fairfax County Police are reminding residents to lock their doors after a wave of burglaries hit the McLean, Reston and Fair Oaks Districts. [Tysons Reporter]
Vote for Reston, Herndon theatre — The Reston Community Players and NextStop Theatre Company have several nominations for the BroadwayWorld Washington, D.C. Awards, including “Best Actor ina Community Theatre Production.” Voters have until Dec. 31 to pick the winners. [BroadwayWorld]
Last day to apply for the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival 2019 — Applicants can submit up to two applications by midnight tonight consisting of “original, well-conceived and expertly executed” works made within the last five years for the festival, which will be held in Reston. Art categories include ceramics, digital & multimedia art, furniture and more. The late fee is $60. [Zapplication]
Firefighters put out a “small” fire in an exhaust fan at the 11600 block of Stoneview Square.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue responded to the fire around 2:59 p.m. and extinguished it by 3:04 p.m. today (Dec. 27). The units responded to “light smoke showing in the front of the building,” the fire department tweeted.
UPDATE – 11600 block of Stoneview Square in Reston area: small fire in exhaust fan. Fire is out. Crews checking for extension. Several units going in back in service. #fcfrd #news #fairfaxcounty https://t.co/hOFfGNCM47
— Fairfax County Fire/Rescue (@ffxfirerescue) December 27, 2018
This post will be updated
Map via Google Maps
Take one last splash in the pool at Reston Community Center’s Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center before it closes for renovations.
Built in 1979, the Terry L. Smith Aquatics Center will undergo a more than $5 million renovation starting on Jan. 2.
The pool area is expected to reopen in October, featuring an expanded lap pool with a zero-depth entry and water play area and another pool for warm-water therapy, exercise and teaching.
During the construction period, Reston patrons can receive discounted rates, which are offered through RCCs’ partnership with the YMCA Fairfax County Reston, Reston Association and Herndon Community Center. Patrons can pick up a “Construction Pass” at RCC’s Customer Service desks to take to the partner locations and get special rates.
“The Last Splash Aquatics Renovation Party” is set for Friday (Dec. 28) from noon to 9:00 p.m. Admission is $1. The pool party will include open swimming with games and races, music, a farewell gift and a graffiti wall for locals to pen their pool goodbyes.
Rendering via Reston Community Center
(Updated at 1:47 p.m.) We continue to count down the top 15 most-read articles of 2018 this week. Here’s the breakdown for list #6-10.
10. The news that paid parking pushed Obi Sushi Japanese Bistro out of Reston Town Center gained 7,839 pageviews. The restaurant, which had been open in RTC for 14 years, closed on Saturday (Dec. 22). This story jumped from the #15 spot to #10.
9. Plans for the Reston Crescent development — now known as Halley Rise — brought in 8,275 pageviews. The major mixed-use project at the northwestern corner of the intersection of Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive includes a Wegmans.
8. The Dulles Toll Road’s increased rates starting in January was a popular post with 8,574 pageviews. The hike will raise the toll from $2.50 to $3.25 at the main toll plaza and from $1 to $1.50 on the ramps to fund the Silver Line extension project and improvements on the Dulles Toll Road.
7. An article about M & S Grill shutting down in Reston Town Center on New Year’s Day garnered 8,933 pageviews.
6. The deaths of a mother and her two children in Herndon a few months ago brought in 9,490 pageviews. The Fairfax County Police Department said the deaths are being investigated as a double murder and suicide.
Look out for the final #1-5 list on the countdown tomorrow.
File photo
This story has been updated
What a difference a year makes — for Reston Town Center’s retailers, that is.
While RTC has welcomed a number of new tenants this year, including Honeygrow, Balducci’s, Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls, &pizza, and Lululemon, the closures outnumber the newcomers.
Businesses are closing twice as fast as they are opening in RTC. Several small businesses and restaurants that have been in the area for decades have pointed to dwindling numbers of customers due to paid parking as the main reason behind their closures.
The shift from free to the ParkRTC paid parking initiative at RTC began at the start of 2017. Then in June 2017, Boston Properties, RTC’s owner, changed its paid parking structure, which originally charged for weekday parking, following a major outcry from tenants and customers.
Still, some Restonians are boycotting RTC.
Red Velvet Cupcakery Owner Aaron Gordon previously told Reston Now that his decision to close the Reston location was driven by Boston Properties’ paid parking structure.
Employees at Busara Thai Restaurant, which served up authentic Thai cuisine in RTC for 13 years, and Obi Sushi Japanese Bistro, which recently closed after 14 years, said the paid parking drove customers away.
When Appalachian Spring closed at the start of 2018, the store’s president told Reston Now that customer traffic dipped over the last few months and that customers often complained about the paid parking.
The handcrafted gifts and handmade jewelry store, one of the first tenants in RTC, opened its Reston location in 1990.
Reston Now reported on the following closures at RTC this year:
- Dec. 30: Hen Penny set to close at 1820 Discovery Street
- Dec. 26: Dawn Baby Price closed at 11985 Market Street
- Dec. 22: Obi Sushi Japanese Bistro closed at 1771 Library Street
- Aug. 28: Edibles Incredible Desserts closed at 11917 Freedom Drive
- May 28: The Bike Lane closed at 11943 Democracy Drive
- May 27: Red Velvet Cupcakery closed at 11939 Democracy Drive
- May 19: Busara Thai Restaurant closed at 11964 Market Street
- Jan. 24: Appalachian Spring closed at 1187 Market Street
- January: Neyla Mediterranean Bistro closed at 11898 Market Street
While 2018 saw several small businesses and restaurants shutter their doors, large department stores are slated to close in RTC next year.
Williams-Sonoma and Pottery Barn, which are both operated by Williams-Sonoma Inc, are set to close at RTC in January.
Pottery Barn (11937 Market Street) will close sometime around Jan. 21, a store employee told Reston Now. A specific closing date has not been announced yet for Williams-Sonoma (11897 Market Street).
File photo
Dawn Price Baby closed yesterday (Dec. 26) in Reston Town Center — the first of four locations set to shut down.
The baby store has been around for 15 years with two stores in D.C., one in the Mosaic District and the Reston store at 11985 Market Street in Reston Town Center, according to its website.
The stores offered a variety of items for babies and toddlers, including clothing, gear, toys, books and gifts.
“Our store leases have come up for renewal and we have decided to start a new chapter,” Owner Dawn Price posted on the website. “Dawn Price Baby has been one of the most rewarding, challenging and exciting times of my life.”
The Reston store was the first one to close its doors.
The stores in Georgetown and the Mosaic District are set to close before Jan. 31. The Capitol Hill location will close “sometime in the months following the beginning of the year.”
Price wrote that good news may arrive in the future. “We are currently working with a couple interested parties and another baby resource may soon be coming your way,” Price wrote. “Once we have more news, we will share it with you.”
Customers are encouraged to check back on the website in January for updates.
Photos via Google Maps and Dawn Price Baby/Facebook
Police are looking for three women and one man in connection with two separate robberies that occurred on Saturday night (Dec. 22).
Around 7:30 p.m., a store manager at the Victoria’s Secret store in Reston Town Center (11929 Market Street) confronted three women who were seen shoplifting, according to the Fairfax County Police Department.
One suspect pepper-sprayed the manager and a security guard as they attempted to intervene, before all three suspects drove off in a dark-colored Nissan Altima, according to the report.
The report gave the following description for the women:
They were described as black women in their 20s. The first suspect had a thin build, long black hair, a pink jacket with strips, and white sneakers. The second suspect had red hair, a blue jacket, a black shirt, and white and black sneakers. The third suspect had a black jacket, black pants, a white hat, and white and black sneakers.
A second robbery took place at 8:05 p.m. at the intersection of Monroe Street and Sunrise Valley Drive in Hunter Mill.
Police say a man with a gun approached a victim walking down the street and demanded money. The man then fled in a black sedan after taking money from the victim. The amount of money taken was not included in the police report.
“The man was described as black, with a deep voice, around 6 feet 2 inches tall, wearing a white coat,” according to the report.
Police say the victim was not injured.
Maps via Google Maps
