Car Taxes Due Next Month — “Personal property taxes — better known as car taxes — are due on Wednesday, Oct. 5. Bills were mailed this summer, and there are many convenient ways to pay…Car tax bills increased on average by 33% this year, due to the pandemic-induced shortage of new and used cars.” [Fairfax County Government]
Six Displaced by North Springfield Fire — A malfunctioning propane grill ignited a fire on the deck of a one-story house in the 7500 block of Inzer Street at 6:15 p.m. on Saturday (Sept. 17). No injuries were reported, with one resident going to the hospital for a check-up, but the fire displaced six people and resulted in approximately $93,750 in property damages. [FCFRD]
Metro Faces $185M Budget Deficit — “Metro is in better financial shape next year than previously hoped, but the transit agency will still face a tough fiscal road in the years ahead. Leaders say addressing the shortfall will require a wholesale look at the operation — from who it serves, to how much service it will provide and when.” [DCist]
Legal Experts Skeptical of Proposed Transgender Student Policies — “Legal challenges will likely start to take shape this week against Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s new policies restricting the rights of transgender students at schools…Legal experts say Youngkin is likely violating both state and federal laws.” [NBC4]
Marshall HS Student Makes Ice Skating History — Ilia Malinin, a senior at Marshall High School who competed in this year’s Winter Olympics, landed the first-ever quadruple axel in competition last week, according to U.S. Figure Skating. Jeffrey Litz, principal of the Idylwood-based school, praised Malinin for his ability to “perform at such a high level while also balancing his schoolwork and social life.” [FCPS]
Black Bear Spotted in Vienna — “Black bear sightings in Vienna have prompted multiple calls to the Vienna Police Department, the town government said Sunday night. The most recent black bear sighting was reported in the area of the 300 block of Park Street NE. That follows a sighting earlier this month at a McLean home” [Patch]
Oakton Student Gets Perfect SAT Score — “Stephen Kennedy, a senior at Flint Hill School in Oakton, recently learned he had received a perfect 1600 score on the SAT he took at the school in late August…He was among only 500 of the 2 million students who took the SAT this year to notch a perfect score.” [Sun Gazette]
Groveton Neighborhood Celebrates Anniversary — “I had the honor of presenting a proclamation to the Jefferson Manor Citizens Association in celebration of its 75th anniversary. Thank you, President of JMCA, Derek Cole, and Jefferson Manor residents for continuing the tradition of being a beautiful and welcoming community!” [Supervisor Rodney Lusk/Twitter]
It’s Tuesday — Clear throughout the day. High of 81 and low of 67. Sunrise at 6:56 am and sunset at 7:10 pm. [Weather.gov]
Fairfax County will install six new historical markers over the next year honoring Black and African-American history. The markers will highlight local civil rights activists, enslaved peoples, educators, and a famed four-star general.
At last week’s Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting, it was revealed that a Board-appointed committee had chosen the winners of the inaugural “Historical Marker Contest.”
The student-led contest, which was launched a year ago, was designed “to focus on narratives and oral histories of our African American communities, whose history, culture, and accomplishments in the County are underrepresented in our history books, lessons, and markers.”
Local students submitted 53 proposals for potential markers that held relevance to Black/African American history in the county. From there, 14 finalists were considered, and six were chosen.
The winning proposals will become physical historical markers sometime in the next year, per Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik, who presented the joint board matter at the meeting on Sept. 13.
The six markers are:
- Louis Archer — The principal at a one-room schoolhouse in Vienna during the early part of the 20th century. She also established one of the county’s earliest 4-H Clubs for African Americans
- Lillian Blackwell — A civil rights activist who successfully sued Virginia to ban segregation in public accommodations, including schools and movie theaters
- Annie Harper — A Gum Springs resident who successfully challenged Virginia’s poll tax.
- Gunnell’s Chapel — A small wooden post-Civil War Methodist church in Langley
- General Colin Powell — A four-star general who was also the first African American to be appointed Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as well as Secretary of Staff. He was a McLean resident.
- The West Springfield 16 — A group of 16 enslaved persons who lived and worked on the property where West Springfield High School now sits
Next, staff and the History Commission wil work to “refine the language of the marker,” have the marker made, and plan the eventual installations.
As Palchik noted at the meeting, the process to get each marker made and installed can be a “lengthy one” but the plan is to have them all in place within a year.
The board matter also authorized the preparation of a proclamation honoring the students, county and Fairfax County Public Schools staff, and the voting committee for their ideas and work to make these markers a reality.
Their work “has allowed us to engage deeply and authentically with the contributions of our Black/African American community in Fairfax County,” the board matter says.
Rescue Reston, a volunteer organization that seeks to preserve Reston’s open space, is officially marking its 10-year anniversary.
The grassroots organization plans to host a rally on Oct. 15 from 1-3 p.m. to celebrate its efforts to protect Reston’s recreational open space.
Rescue Reston formed in 2012 in an effort to successfully oppose the redevelopment of Reston National Golf Course. The owners of the golf course sought to redevelop the golf course into a residential development.
“The Rescue Reston 10th Anniversary Rally for Open Space will show all how strong we are together and demonstrate the level of community support there is for protecting Reston’s recreational open spaces for current and future generations,” organizers said on the event page.
Participants will get a chance to learn how to get get involved with the organization.
“In 2012 we coalesced around a common vision and purpose and have moved forward with unwavering community support over the past 10 years,” organizers say.
Here’s more from Rescue Reston’s president Connie Hartke:
Hidden Creek’s owners made their pitch for development a few years ago, but on March 23, 2020, Supervisor Alcorn stated “…there is not support from surrounding communities for changing the comprehensive plan. In fact it is not even close – there are more than five residents against for every supporter of possibly changing the plan. Therefore, I do not support changing the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan’s current designation of this property as a golf course and consider the matter closed.”
The community around Reston National Golf Course has stayed united against development, even after listening to the RNGC developer-owners pitches for the last 18 months.
The Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan for Reston recently went through a 2.5 year update process by a 31-member community task force. Reston currently has a population of slightly over 60,000, but when all the development under the current plan draft is approved and built, the total population will nearly double to an estimated 110,000 to 120,000 people. Over half of the new housing population will be in the Transit Area between Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Drive, where it is expected and planned for.
Our designated Biophilic City of Reston continues to grow and evolve. The speculators who own the two golf courses need to stop attempting to upend our careful planning. They bought golf courses.
Since its inception, the organization has fought a battle on two fronts: preserving the Hidden Creek Country Club and Reston National. Reston’s comprehensive plan — the county’s official guiding document on planning and development for the planned community — designates both golf courses for private recreational use and specific to remain as golf course.
New draft policies that would limit schools’ ability to support transgender students are currently under review by Fairfax County Public Schools.
Unveiled Friday afternoon (Sept. 16), the Virginia Department of Education’s proposed 2022 model policies directs schools to defer to parents in determining accommodations for LGBTQ students, including the names and pronouns staff can use for them.
The proposal upholds Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s commitment to “preserving parental rights and upholding the dignity and respect of all public school students,” spokesperson Macaulay Porter said in a statement to The Washington Post.
If the policies take effect, staff must refer to students by the name and sex on their official school records or a “commonly associated” nickname. To change their official records, a student or parent must provide legal documentation, such as a birth certificate, passport, a state or federal identification or court order, supporting the change.
Even with a records change, though, schools can’t require staff and other students “to address or refer to students in any manner that would violate their constitutionally protected rights,” suggesting misgendering and deadnaming will be permissible despite state prohibitions against discrimination and harassment, including based on gender identity.
Under the draft policies, bathroom usage and participation in athletics and other activities must be based on students’ sex as assigned at birth, though “single-user” facilities are supposed to be “made available in accessible areas and provided with appropriate signage” indicating universal accessibility.
The guidelines reverse model policies that the state education department released last year and contradict FCPS’ regulation supporting equity for transgender and gender-expansive students — a policy that Youngkin specifically criticized late last month.
“I understand the concerns that our LGBTQIA+ staff, student, and family community have about what this change of direction by the state may mean for our school division,” Superintendent Michelle Reid said in a message sent to families yesterday (Sunday). “Please be assured that FCPS remains committed to an inclusive learning environment for each and every student and staff member and that our schools will continue to be safe and respectful learning spaces.”
FCPS is in the process of “thoroughly reviewing” the draft guidelines and will release “a more detailed response” soon, Reid said.
The draft policies “betray” a state law adopted in 2020 to protect transgender and queer students, who have become a frequent target of anti-LGBTQ legislation nationwide, says the Pride Liberation Project, an advocacy group of over 200 students.
Calling on the state to withdraw its proposed revisions, the LGBTQ student advocacy group argued that the model policies would require schools to out students, prevent students from expressing their gender identity, and enable parents to block their kids from accessing critical counseling services at a time of increased concern about students’ mental health.
“As a closeted student, I wouldn’t be able to come home if my parents found out that I was Queer. I am terrified that these draft regulations will take away one of the few places I can just be myself,” an anonymous Fairfax County student said in a press release from the student-run group.
Fairfax County School Board Chair Rachna Sizemore-Heizer didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment from FFXnow, but multiple school board members promised on social media that FCPS will continue to support LGBTQ students.
We will not stand silent as Youngkin tramples the rights of LGBTQIA+ students and their families. He’s putting the lives of young Virginians in jeopardy to score political points and he should be ashamed.
https://t.co/1SHpeRtfef
— Karl Frisch (@KarlFrisch) September 17, 2022
I know many of our families are waking up to the news from the Governor. Please know your students are safe & we will do everything in our power to ensure they stay that way.
To our— Laura Jane Cohen (@LJ4fcps) September 17, 2022
Our schools’ mission is to keep students safe and educate them. That is what we will continue to do for our #LGBTQIA+ students, and all students. We will not be bullied.
— @MelanieForEdu (@MelanieForEdu) September 19, 2022
Reid’s full message to families is below.
September 18, 2022
Dear FCPS Families,
On Friday evening, we became aware of a new proposed model policy from the Virginia Department of Education regarding the privacy, dignity, and respect for all students, staff, and families in Virginia’s public schools. The newly proposed model policy is scheduled for a 30-day public comment period starting September 26.
I understand the concerns that our LGBTQIA+ staff, student, and family community have about what this change of direction by the state may mean for our school division. Please be assured that FCPS remains committed to an inclusive learning environment for each and every student and staff member and that our schools will continue to be safe and respectful learning spaces.
Here at Fairfax County Public Schools, we are dedicated to providing a caring climate and culture where each and every student, staff member, and family is welcomed, respected, valued, and supported, as they experience a deep sense of belonging.
Our core beliefs and mission hold that:
Fairfax County Public Schools inspires and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead healthy, ethical lives, and be responsible and innovative global citizens:
- Each student is entitled to an excellent education that meets his or her individual needs.
- Everyone thrives in a vibrant, healthful, safe, enriching, and respectful environment.
- Our diversity is a strength that creates resilient, open, and innovative global citizens.
These core values and beliefs speak to the very heart of who we are at Fairfax County Public Schools, and our students, staff, and families, are counting on us to adhere to them. These core values — to enhance school safety and create a fair, equitable, and supportive school environment — are also outlined in the 2022-23 Student Rights and Responsibilities.
We will be thoroughly reviewing the new state proposed model policy in the coming days and will share a more detailed response to the newly proposed policy soon. In the meantime, we remain committed to maintaining equitable opportunities and access for each of our students, staff, and families in a justice-centered, future-focused, and student-driven school environment.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Michelle Reid
Superintendent
Fairfax County Public Schools
Photo via Alexander Grey/Unsplash
The Town of Herndon is moving forward with a multi-million-dollar contract to restore more than 1,000 feet of Sugarland Run Stream.
At a Herndon Town Council meeting tomorrow (Tuesday), the council is expected to vote on awarding a nearly $964,000 contract to KBS Earthworks, Inc. to complete the project.
Public bidding on the project closed on Sept. 9. The lowest bidder — Geomorphic Restoration — did not respond to the town’s request for additional documentation.
“The next lowest bidder KBC Earthworks, Inc., has been found to be responsive and responsible,” John Irish, deputy director of the town’s public works department, said in a statement.
The project includes restoring 1,100 linear feet of the stream, along with 250 linear feet of three tributaries on the town’s property. The design also includes pedestrian access to the east side of the project.
The trail will remain open during restoration, but the portion of the trail central to the site will be replaced during the construction project.
“Stream restoration will include but are not limited to constructed riffles, rock cross vanes, rock toe revetments, plunge pools and rock outfall channels,” a staff memo says.
The project has been in the works for years. Stream restoration creates a stable channel using natural materials to restore the function, dynamics and structure of the stream to the maximum extent possible, according to the town.
A project timeline was not immediately available.
Extended Route 50 Lane Closure in Seven Corners Starts Today — “The northbound lane of the bridge over Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) just west of Route 7 (East Broad Street/Leesburg Pike) that connects the eastbound Route 50 service road with the westbound Route 50 service road will be closed from 9 a.m. Monday, Sept. 19 through Friday, Oct. 7 for cleaning and painting” [VDOT]
Four Sentenced in 2019 West Falls Church Gang Murder — “Four individuals were sentenced Monday and yesterday to multiple life terms and 26 years in prison for numerous charges relating to a murder, a violent gang enterprise, and a drug trafficking conspiracy operating in Virginia, California, and several other states.” [DOJ]
Virginia Proposes Changes to Policies for Transgender Students — “Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s administration on Friday night released policies that roll back LGBTQ students’ rights in Virginia schools. The ‘2022 Model Policies‘ will require that students use facilities and programs that ‘match the sex they were assigned at birth,’ and require parental permission to change their names and genders at school.” [WTOP]
Dominion Energy Rate Increase Approved — The State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved an increase on Friday (Sept. 16) to the fuel rate for Dominion Energy customers in Virginia. Effective on an interim basis since July 1, the increase adds $14.93, on average, to the monthly bill for residents who use 1,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month. [SCC]
Two Arrested for Shoplifting and Assault at Tysons Nordstrom — “Two juveniles, from Falls Church and Annandale, took merchandise without paying on Sept. 5 at 3:40 p.m. at the Nordstrom store in Tysons Corner Center, Fairfax County police said. When confronted by a store employee, one juvenile allegedly assaulted the victim, police said.” [Sun Gazette/Inside NoVA]
FCPS to Boost Mental Health Support — “During Thursday night’s school board meeting, Superintendent Michelle Reid said the district is working to secure a ‘telemental health group’ that will provide short-term, evidence-based counseling sessions with therapists for high school students…As part of the $3.3 billion budget, school board officials allocated $500,000 for the telemental health services.” [WTOP]
Car Flips Over Into Lorton Yard — “A car flipped over into a yard in Lorton, Va. Saturday near I-95, but the driver only suffered minor injuries. A witness told 7News’ Victoria Sanchez one woman was in the car and was talking to first responders.” [ABC7]
New Chantilly Street Signs Honor Tamil Poet — “The Fairfax County Department of Transportation installed new signs designating the honorary Valluvar Way on Brentwall Drive in Chantilly. A thriving Tamil community of over 50,000 residents in Virginia, including 10,000 residents in Fairfax County, celebrates the Tamil poet, ThiruValluvar, also known as Valluvar” [FCDOT]
It’s Lanternfly Egg Season — “Fairfax County Forest Pest Management is asking residents to ‘search-scrape-and destroy’ spotted lanternfly egg masses. Adult females lay their inconspicuous egg masses in September and through the first few hard frosts of November.” [DPWES]
It’s Monday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 83 and low of 66. Sunrise at 6:55 am and sunset at 7:12 pm. [Weather.gov]
Before you soak in the last summer rays before leaf-gathering season arrives or head to bed for some much-needed sleep, let’s revisit the past week of news in Fairfax County.
Here are the five most-read stories on FFXnow this week:
- North Carolina truck driver killed in I-495 crash
- Hiring underway ahead of Wegman’s 2023 opening in Reston
- County board approves preferred path for Soapstone Connector in Reston
- Inova gets green light for new Springfield hospital from Fairfax County
- Fast-casual Indian restaurant to open in the Town of Herndon
Ideas for potential stories can be sent to [email protected] or submitted as an anonymous tip. Photos of scenes from around the county are welcome too, with credit always given to the photographer.
Feel free to discuss these topics, your weekend plans, or anything else that’s happening locally in the comments below. Have a great weekend, Fairfax County!
Trash troubles keep piling up with the county out of trash cans for at least another two months.
Fairfax County has “exhausted” its inventory of trash cans and won’t be able to provide new ones to residents until later this fall, Dept. of Public Works and Environmental Services (DPWES) spokesperson Sharon North told FFXnow.
“A new order already has been placed and should be in-house by early November,” she said via email.
In the meantime, North suggested that residents who are waiting on a new trash can to put their trash in a box or another container and leave it curbside on their pick-up day.
“It will be picked up, even if it’s in a box,” she said.
The missing trash can issue was brought to FFXnow’s attention by a Dranesville District resident.
Just called @fairfaxcounty to get a new #trash can after mine cracked. Was told they don’t have any and don’t know when they will be getting any. Also said they won’t reimburse me for one I buy. Told me to put my trash in a box 🤔 @ffxconnector @TysonsReporter @washingtonpost
— Kate Hawken (@katehawken) September 15, 2022
About 90% of county residents and businesses have their trash picked up by private haulers, but about 10% have theirs picked up by the county. That’s about 43,000 residential units.
It’s those 43,000 that are potentially impacted by the shortage, though it only applies to those who are requesting a new trash can due to theirs being broken, moving into a new house, or are otherwise in need.
Live Fairfax is a bi-weekly column exploring Fairfax County. This recurring column is sponsored and written by Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney Associates. Questions? Reach Sharmane at 813-504-4479.
The fun only picks up as summer turns to fall in our area. Maybe you are new to the area or just need some fresh ideas of how to fully experience fall in Fairfax County and the surrounding areas!
As a Florida girl, I still marvel at the fall foliage at the numerous parks and trails, and I love running as the weather cools down. (Check out my previous trail video!)
And fall festivals are definitely one-stop opportunities to honestly embrace all things FALL. If you are like me with 3 kids in tow, I am all about efficiency in creating memories. Here are few of our favorites!
- Cox Farm Fall Festival: September 17-November 7
Cox Farms has hayrides, the corny Cornundrum mazes, giant slides, pumpkin smashing and of course yummy apple cider doughnuts — there is something for every age! - 46th Annual Falls Church Fall Festival: September 17
This family-fun event features The Taste of Falls Church, a beer garden, live music, children’s entertainment, and booths from local crafters, businesses and civic organizations. - Oktoberfest at The Boro: September 17
Enjoy a Polka concert, playing games in Boro Park, and crafts there is something fun for all ages. - Reston Farm Garden Festival: September 24-October 30
This Reston tradition will guarantee a day of games, activities, pumpkins and more.
- Mosaic Fall Festival: September 24-25
Live entertainment, FRESHFARM Farmers Market, URBNmarket, Caboose Brewing Beer Garden, Wine Garden and so much more. NOVA Fall Music Festival is September 24. - Vienna Oktoberfest: October 1
A day full of fun with a Beer/Wine Garden, food court, live music (including a German band), free children’s activities, children’s entertainment stage, acoustic stage and a festival marketplace - City of Fairfax Fall Festival: October 8
City of Fairfax Fall Festival will have more than 400 arts, crafts, information, food and gourmet food vendors, children’s activities and three stages of music and entertainment for all ages. - Clifton Day Festival: October 9
Marketplace with around 150 artisans, antique dealers, vintage sellers and other vendors. Live music, children’s activities, pony rides, a beer and wine garden, and other delicious food and beverage choices add to the fun.
Explore Fairfax with Sharmane Medaris of McEnearney.
Sharmane Medaris | Live Fairfax | www.soldbysharmane.com | [email protected] | @soldbysharmane | 813-504-4479 | 374 Maple Avenue Suite 202, Vienna, VA 22180
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Exposures Deported Three Times — “Northern Virginia authorities have put a hard stop to a terrifying summer of attacks by an alleged serial sexual predator. Juan Rodriguez-Alfaro, 42, has been arrested for nearly a dozen attacks along the Washington & Old Dominion Trail dating back to July 15. Rodriguez-Alfaro is from Honduras and has been living in Herndon, Virginia. Immigration and Customs officials say he was in the U.S. illegally and has been deported three times already.” [WUSA 9]
Local Students Take Park in Food Donation Effort — “More than 50 volunteers spent Thursday morning packing bags of shelf-stable food as part of the Assistance League of Northern Virginia’s Weekend Food for Kids program.” [Reston Patch]
Special Open House Slated for Historic Oak Hill Manor — The historic Oak Hill Manor will be open for a once-a-year event this Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. [Fairfax County Government]
State Tax Rebates Coming Soon — “Virginia taxpayers will want to keep an eye on their bank accounts as the state is preparing to send out millions of tax rebates. ‘We expect to issue about 3.2 million one-time tax rebates and get these rebates to taxpayers, either in the form of direct deposit or check,’ said Virginia Tax Commissioner Craig Burns.” [WTOP]
It’s Friday — Clear throughout the day. High of 80 and low of 59. Sunrise at 6:52 am and sunset at 7:17 pm. [Weather.gov]
Despite the economic uncertainty of 2022, FFXnow’s advertisers have helped us continue to report on your community.
We wanted to take a moment to thank those that have advertised with us so far this year, as of Sept. 1. This list includes a diverse range of businesses, nonprofits and governmental entities, some of whom have been long-term clients since our days of publishing only on Reston Now and Tysons Reporter.
To the long-term and new advertisers alike, we say: thank you for supporting local news in Fairfax County.
To readers: these sponsors make our local journalism possible, without paywalls, popups or other impediments. Please consider supporting them.
FFXnow’s 2022 advertisers include:
- A Cleaning Service
- Arlington Community Federal Credit Union
- Arrowine & Cheese
- Berry & Berry, PLLC
- Buffalo Wing Factory
- Clarke College Insight
- Eve Thompson Reston Real Estate
- Fairfax County
- Furniture Max
- George Mason University Schar School of Policy and Government
- Laura Schwartz
- McEnearney Associates
- McLean Project for the Arts
- Northern Virginia Orthodontics
- Reston Association
- Reston Community Center
- Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
- Synergy Design & Construction
- The Kensington Reston
- The Mather
- The Reston Historic Trust & Museum
- Van Metre Homes
(The list above does not include those that have advertised through our new Community Content Hub.)
The preceding sponsored post was also published on FFXnow.com
Reston Association is seeking more time to work through the county’s appeals process on its proposed upgrades to the Barton Hill tennis courts.
At a board meeting last night (Thursday), RA’s Board of Directors unanimously approved a motion to request more time to gather information and for the appeals process. The board met in closed session and approved the motion with no public discussion.
Trail Upgrades Planned Near Dulles Access Road — “In just about two weeks, a Fairfax County Park Authority trail improvement project will get underway on the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail in Difficult Run Park near the Dulles Access Road. On or around Sept. 22, 2022, site prep work will begin on a trail maintenance project that will alleviate the issue of constant standing water on the trail, reinforce the trail to protect it from washouts, and overlay the existing trail.” [Fairfax County Government]
Community Meeting on Reston Comprehensive Plan Underway — The county’s Department of Planning and Development has kicked off a series of community meetings on changes to the Reston Comprehensive Plan at 5 p.m. [Hunter Mill Supervisor Walter Alcorn]
Resurfacing of Borge Street Courts Begin — “Beginning next week, site prep work will start on a Fairfax County Park Authority project that will replace the asphalt surfacing, color coating, fencing and gates, net posts, footers, and nets at the Borge Street Park basketball courts. This park is located at 3030 Borge Street in Oakton, Virginia.” [Fairfax County Government]
Lewis High Clark Closed for Repairs — “Beginning this week, the Lewis High Park tennis courts will close for repairs. The closure is estimated to be about two weeks in duration. Tennis courts #1 and #2 will be closed until Sept. 30, 2022. Additionally, the service road off Deepford Street and the grassy area between the service road and the tennis courts will also be closed.” [Fairfax County Government]
It’s Thursday — Clear throughout the day. High of 77 and low of 64. Sunrise at 6:51 am and sunset at 7:18 pm. [Weather.gov]
Construction is ramping up today (Sept. 14) on the $5.2 million project to replace the one-lane Hunter Mill Road bridge that runs over Colvin Run near Vienna.
A new two-lane bridge where Hunter Mill crosses Colvin Run right near the border of Reston and Vienna is set to replace the nearly five-decade-old, weight-restricted one-lane bridge currently there.
While construction began a year ago, this week marks the beginning of using temporary traffic signals and Driveway Assistance Devices (DADs) in the vicinity of the bridge to allow crews to complete construction on the new bridge. Those will be in place until the new two-lane bridge reopens to traffic in the spring of 2023.
Vienna: Around noon Wed 9/14, temporary traffic signals and Driveway Assistance Devices (DADs) will be activated along Hunter Mill Rd in the area of Colvin Run to allow construction to continue on the new bridge. Sadly, these DADs won't have jokes. More: https://t.co/RnOKQkydae pic.twitter.com/aZACjX6nUw
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) September 12, 2022
The existing bridge was built in 1974 and is being replaced both because it’s in need of major repairs and to help with traffic, per Mike Murphy with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
“The new bridge will have two lanes, thereby improving traffic flow as traffic in one direction will no longer have to yield to the other when crossing the bridge,” Murphy told FFXnow.
That section of Hunter Mill Road averages about 7,400 vehicles per day.
Beyond a new bridge, there will also be a landscaped median/splitter island and abutments for a new trail bridge over Colvin Run. Fairfax County is responsible for the trail bridge and it’s expected to be built in the future.
The project is costing $5.2 million in total, including $1 million for engineering and $4.2 million for construction. Funding is a mix of federal, state, and county funds with the state contributing about $3.3 million from its State of Good Repair program and the county about $400,00 to the project, per Murphy.
The full VDOT press release on the use of temporary traffic signals and DADs:
Temporary traffic signals on Hunter Mill Road (Route 674) will be activated just north and south of Colvin Run around noon Wednesday, Sept. 14 as part of the Hunter Mill Road over Colvin Run bridge project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Construction is ramping up today (Sept. 14) on the $5.2 million project to replace the one-lane Hunter Mill Road bridge that runs over Colvin Run near Vienna.
A new two-lane bridge where Hunter Mill crosses Colvin Run right near the border of Reston and Vienna is set to replace the nearly five-decade-old, weight-restricted one-lane bridge currently there.
While construction began a year ago, this week marks the beginning of using temporary traffic signals and Driveway Assistance Devices (DADs) in the vicinity of the bridge to allow crews to complete construction on the new bridge. Those will be in place until the new two-lane bridge reopens to traffic in the spring of 2023.
Vienna: Around noon Wed 9/14, temporary traffic signals and Driveway Assistance Devices (DADs) will be activated along Hunter Mill Rd in the area of Colvin Run to allow construction to continue on the new bridge. Sadly, these DADs won't have jokes. More: https://t.co/RnOKQkydae pic.twitter.com/aZACjX6nUw
— VDOT Northern VA (@VaDOTNOVA) September 12, 2022
The existing bridge was built in 1974 and is being replaced both because it’s in need of major repairs and to help with traffic, per Mike Murphy with the Virginia Department of Transportation.
“The new bridge will have two lanes, thereby improving traffic flow as traffic in one direction will no longer have to yield to the other when crossing the bridge,” Murphy told FFXnow.
That section of Hunter Mill Road averages about 7,400 vehicles per day.
Beyond a new bridge, there will also be a landscaped median/splitter island and abutments for a new trail bridge over Colvin Run. Fairfax County is responsible for the trail bridge and it’s expected to be built in the future.
The project is costing $5.2 million in total, including $1 million for engineering and $4.2 million for construction. Funding is a mix of federal, state, and county funds with the state contributing about $3.3 million from its State of Good Repair program and the county about $400,00 to the project, per Murphy.
The full VDOT press release on the use of temporary traffic signals and DADs:
Temporary traffic signals on Hunter Mill Road (Route 674) will be activated just north and south of Colvin Run around noon Wednesday, Sept. 14 as part of the Hunter Mill Road over Colvin Run bridge project, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
