Silver Line pleads guilty to falsifying concrete tests — A contractor admitted to falsifying concrete quality tests for stations on the Silver Line extension to Dulles International Airport last week. The contractor, Andrew Nolan, 28, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and faces up to five years in prison. [The Washington Post]
LED lights the way — Fairfax County has entered into a new regional agreement with Dominion Energy that would convert existing streetlights into more energy-efficient LEDs. The company installs, owns and maintains most of the nearly 58,000 streetlights in the county. [Fairfax County Government]
Commuter alert: Lane and ramp closures — A number of lane and ramp closures are effect in Reston and surrounding areas, including Herndon Parkway, Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road through Aug. 11. [Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project]
Photo by Mike James
After ten years of business in Reston Town Center, The Bike Lane has officially moved to 11150 Sunset Hills Road — roughly 50 feet away from the Washington & Old Dominion Trail.
With the new relocation, the bike shop has also added two new elements to its business: a nano-brewery and coffee bar.
“Our new location takes us into the heart of cycling traffic along the W&OD trail while giving cyclists the boost of a fresh cup of coffee and the relaxing atmosphere of a pub. Todd has been a home brewer for years and I love coffee,” said Anne Mader, co-owner of The Bike Lane. Mader also grew up in Reston.
Amongst various road and mountain bikes, beer will be brewed on site. The Bike Lane has partnered with Swings Coffee, a local D.C. roaster, to serve coffee drinks and snacks. The Bike Lane will also host food trucks on weekends.
“Cyclists love coffee and beer. This is a no-brainer. We are thrilled to combine top-quality cycling service and products along with tasty beverages and treats all in a warm and welcoming environment,” says Mader.
The Bike Lane has another location in Springfield. The Reston Town Center location – which first opened in 2008 – last year.
Photo by Anne Mader
An aerial bridge on the Washington & Old Dominion Trail over Wiehle Avenue could be constructed by October 2022.
Earlier this week, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved final design plans for the project, which is expected to cost $11.4 million, according to the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.
The bridge includes retaining walls and directional access to Wiehle Avenue for trail users. Wiehle Avenue would be widened from Sunset Hills Road to the Reston Fire Station property in order to make way for future on-road bike lanes.
Plans have long been identified by the Reston Metrorail Access Group’s plan to improve vehicle, bicycle and pedestrian access near the new Wiehle-Reston East Metrorail Station.
Robin Geiger, a spokeswoman for FCOD, said design plans are currently 90 percent complete. The project timeline expects utility design and relocation to take a little over a year-and-a-half, land acquisition to take a year, construction authorization and permitting to take eight months and construction to take one year.
Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins said the project faces the challenge of ensuring the bridge maintains synergy in the midst of urban properties that are coming together down the street.
The developer of the Isaac Newtown properties, which are being redeveloped, said they were concerned the project’s scale interferes with the development. County officials said they would work with the developer to mitigate any concerns.
However, according to FCDOT, the height of the bridge is necessary because the design of the bridge uses existing infrastructure in order to cut cost costs. The height is also vital to meet grade requirements and requirements stipulated by the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Rendering via FCDOT
State officials have modified a proposal to re-stripe South Lakes Drive between Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive as a two-lane road with buffered bike lanes.
Based on community feedback and updated traffic analysis, the Virginia Department of Transportation will maintain four travel lanes between Reston Parkway and Colts Neck Road; between Soapstone Drive and Ridge Heights Road; and Twin Branches Road and Sunrise Valley Drive.
Striping modifications on South Lakes Drive were reduced to between Colts Neck Road and Soapstone Drive, as well as between Ridge Heights and Twin Branches Road.
The on-street bike route will only be connected between the Colts Neck Road bike lanes with the bike lanes on Twin Branches Road. A signed detour will be placed via the Soapstone Drive bike lanes and the new Ridge Heights bike lanes.
“The compromise solution will create a safer east-west bike route and address many of the road safety concerns. It is not expected to negatively affect traffic,” state officials wrote in a statement.
County and state officials held a meeting on March 19 to discuss the proposal, along with other paving and re-striping changes in the Hunter Mill District.
Traffic lights on Colts Neck Road, Soapstone Drive and Twin Branches Road are expected to “create breaks in traffic which will aid left turns,” according to Robin Geiger, head of communications for the Fairfax County Department of Transportation.
The project will be implemented in late June and early July. A more precise starting date was not available.
File photo
Fit(ted) bikes — The Reston Bike Team fitted the entire fifth-grade class at Hutchison Elementary School with bike helmets. [Fairfax County Police]
Last chance: summer art camp registration — Looking to enroll your child in Greater Reston Arts Center’s camps this year? There are only a few spots left. Registration is open online. [Greater Reston Arts Center]
Take a Break concert: Mystic Warriors — Enjoy world music at Lake Anne Plaza in this free concert series on Thursday nights from 7-9 p.m. [Reston Community Center]
Nearby: Meet the Northern Virginians of the year — This year’s service, honor, excellence, leadership, and dedication award was given to Michael Rossiter, and Alexandria Police Department sergeant. [Northern Virginia Magazine]
Photo by Maureen Jules-Perez
Following the death of a 71-year-pedestrian who was hit by a car in May, local police have launched a pedestrian and bicyclist public safety campaign in Reston.
The Fairfax County Police Department’s Reston District station will display information signs at busy intersections and step up enforcement of violations. The campaign began on Monday (June 4) and will continue through the end of the summer.
Changes in traffic patterns and an increase in pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents motivated the police department to launch the campaign, according to Sgt. Aaron Pfeiff.
“Historically the Reston district has seen an increase in pedestrian versus motor vehicle accidents, and with the WOD bike trail running through the district, there are larger numbers of bicyclists,” Pfeiff told Reston Now.
Police will have an increased presence at “problem intersections” and intersections with heavy traffic from vehicles and pedestrians. Pfeiff said the department will also monitor the number of accidents at problem intersections. The police department was not immediately able to identify intersections that will be the top priority.
On May 21, Glanetta Nunn was crossing at the intersection of Reston Parkway and Bluemont Way when she was hit by a car and killed. The incident remains under investigation.
Photo via FCPD
A Reston resident will lead RCC Cycles, a program by Reston Community Center that aims to teacher riders of all ages the fundamentals of cycling.
Kelley Westenhoff, a certified cycling instructor, will teach three-hour sessions for students age 13 and up on April 8 and 29 and sessions for students between ages 6 and 12 on April 21 and May 5.
The cost, which includes rental of a bike and the use of a helmet, is $65 for Reston residents and $98 for all others. Each class is limited to 10 students.
For more information, visit RCC’s website. Registration is available online.
Here’s more from a release by RCC:
Topics addressed in class will be basic braking, steering and balance. Westenhoff is a cycling advocate and serves as vice chair of the Reston Bicycle Club. Her technique, certified by the League of American Cyclists, is intuitive and will take students through a progression of skills to launch participants on their way to riding with confidence.
RCC Leisure and Learning Director Eileen Boone said RCC Cycles was started last year in order to support Reston’s growing cycling opportunities, including the many miles of bike trails and the new Capital Bikeshare stations.
“For those who haven’t had the opportunity to learn, this class is a great start down the healthy road of cycling for fun and transportation,” said Boone.
Photo via Reston Community Center
Prepare for a sea of orange cones. With spring quickly approaching, Virginia Department of Transportation officials are gearing up for re-stripping, road redesigns, and new bike lanes on multiple Reston roads this year.
Roadwork will take place from April through November. The Virginia Department of Transportation is holding a public meeting on plans on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. in Terraset Elementary School‘s cafeteria.
In response to residents’ concerns about safety along the South Lakes Drive corridor, the county plans to redesign a strip between Reston Parkway and Sunrise Valley Drive by converting an outside travel lane to a buffered bike lane — a move the county hopes will address concerns about limited sight distance for vehicles turning onto Sunrise Valley Drive and pedestrian traffic.
Bike lanes on South Lakes Drive between Reston Parkway and Sanibel Drive would be extended. The county will keep one travel lane in each direction due to the limited projected impacts of future development on traffic in that area.
Other plans include adding or expanding bike lines on Bennington Woods Drive, Bowman Towne Drive, Explorer Street, Lawyers Road, Pinecrest Road and others. South Lakes Drive, Bluemont Drive and Fountain Drive are slated for redesigning.
A complete breakdown of plans in the Hunter Mill District is below:
- Bennington Woods Drive: Addition of bike lanes.
- Bowman Towne Drive: Addition of northbound bike lane, southbound shared line markings and striped parking lanes on both sides.
- Bracknell Road: Addition of buffered bike lanes between Stevenage Road and commercial driveways.
- Explorer Street: Addition of bike lanes. On-street parking on both sides of the street will remain.
- Fountain Drive: Road redesign to “increase traffic safety.” There will be one travel lane in each direction, with one dedicated left turn lane and buffered bike lanes.
- Stevenage Road: Addition of buffered bike lanes between Bennington Woods Road and the northern Home Depot driveway and Reston Parkway. Existing parking restrictions will not be changed. Timed parking will remain.
- Temporary Road: Addition of bike lanes.
- Walnut Branch Road: Addition of eastbound buffered bike lanes and westbound shared lane markings.
- Lawyers Road: Extension of existing bike lanes west to Reston Parkway and upgrades to existing shoulders between Twin Branches Road to Hunter Mill Road to buffered bike lanes.
- Pinecrest Road: Addition of buffered lanes between South Lakes Drive and Glade Drive. On-street parking will remain.
- Ridge Heights Road: Addition of bike lanes. On-street parking will remain. “Extra wide” parking lanes will be provided for school bus parking.
- Soapstone Drive: Addition of buffers to existing bike lanes.
In addition to attending the meeting, residents can submit online feedback. A complete list of impacted is online.
Photo via Fairfax County Government
Nordine Salon & Day Spa to Celebrate Grand Opening – On Thursday, the salon will host a ribbon cutting ceremony from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The spa moved from Reston Town Center to 11389 Reston Station Blvd. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]
Reston Recognized as Bicycle Friendly Community – The League of American Bicyclists gave Reston the recognition once again this year. The program allows states, localities, businesses and others to make bicycling a transportation option for all. [Reston Association via Twitter]
Herndon Man Arrested After Police Pursuit – On Saturday, Herndon police arrested Corey Rogers for fleeing from an officer on Herndon Parkway during a stop for a traffic violation. After a short pursuit, the driver lost control and the vehicle struck a light pole. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, eluding officers and reckless driving, among other charges. [Herndon Police Department]
Photo by Fatimah Waseem
South Lakes High School Collaborates with Lake Anne Service Center — The high school’s Parent Teacher Student Association has partnered with the center on 11410 North Shore Drive. For every gallon of gas pumped, the service center will donate $0.005 to the PTSA. Customers should save their receipt and drop it off at the school’s main office. [South Lakes High School PTSA]
Donate New or Gentled Used Coats and Winter Clothes Through Jan 31. — The office of Hunter Mill District Supervisor Cathy Hudgins is collected new or gently used men’s, women’s and children’s coats, hats, gloves, scarves and mittens at the office on 1801 Cameron Glen Drive. Items can be donated in a 24-hour drop off box or during operating hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 – 7 p.m. [Cornerstones]
Tour de Lights Holiday Bike Road on Saturday — Reston’s Multimodal Transportation Committee will take a bike tour around north Reston to experience the holidays lights on Saturday from 5 – 7 p.m. Participants must be able to keep a pace of around 10 miles per hour over a 1.5-hour drive. [Reston Association]
Bicyclists no longer have to visit The Bike Lane, a Springfield-based company with locations in Springfield and Reston, for repairs. The company has partnered with San Fransisco-based Beeline Bikes, to bring bike repairs to the road.
The service, which will operate for the first time on the East Coast, will be available in Reston, Ashburn, Tysons Corner and Herndon later this month.
Both natives of Northern Virginia, Todd and Anne Mader launched The Bike Lane 17 years ago in Springfield. The couple opened another location in Reston (11943 Democracy Drive) seven years later.
“We have been serving cyclists in this area for almost two decades and know that they lead busy, active lives and are very tech-savvy. With Beeline‘s unique ‘We Come to You’ service, we will now be able to meet their needs in their homes or at work, in addition to our brick-and-mortar business,” said Todd Mader.
Anne Mader said the partnership with the franchise leverage the largest mobile bike service’s customer service and local support from their bike company.
“Beeline Bikes has the innovative technology and manufacturer partnerships needed to meet our customers’ needs wherever and however they shop and wherever they ride, and at The Bike Lane, we can also provide expanded services such as advanced fittings, group rides, classes, clinics and more,” she said.
The service will operate under the name Beeline Bikes Northern Virginia Powered by The Bike Lane. Any new bike purchased through the websites of Diamondback Bikes and Raleigh Bikes USA will also be delivered for no additional cost.
Customers can schedule a request for repairs online or by calling 855-58-BIKES. Prices for services, which range from a full tune-up to flat tire fixes, differ based on the customer’s location.
Photo courtesy of Fish Consulting
Plans to extend Soapstone Drive could move forward as Fairfax County officials seek public comment tonight on the project, which would create an additional crossing on the Dulles Toll Road for cars, pedestrians and cyclists.
At Dogwood Elementary School (12300 Glade Drive) from 6:30 – 8:30 p.m., the floor will be open for the public to comment on a environmental assessment completed as part of a multi-step process since the Board of Supervisors approved the project in 2014. The study examines the potential effects of the project for properties listed in or eligible for the National Register of Historical Places, the country’s official list of historic sites worthy of preservation.
The new roadway will provide a half-mile extension between Sunrise Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Road and a new crossing over the Dulles Corridor. County officials have said the project is necessary to tackle congestion on Wiehle Avenue, limited access for buses to Wiehle-Reston East Station and the lack of connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists in the area.
Completed in August, the assessment reviews impacts of the project on surrounding land. For example, the assessment finds the project rests within 200 feet of on two sites with hazardous materials and would result in increased noise for two areas near the project.
Overall, the assessment concludes the project will not “contribute substantially to cumulative impacts, particularly in light of the efforts to minimize adverse impacts of the project and other mitigation measures to be implemented.”
Following the public hearing, the county will revise the assessment as needed and submit it to the Federal Highway Administration, the body which will make a decision about the feasibility of the project.
In 2014, the county’s supervisors included $2.5 million for the preliminary design of this project as part of its Six Year Transportation Project Priorities. At that time, they also put the project — estimated to cost $91.75 million — on the county’s list of high-priority projects for 2015-20.
More information on the project is available on the county’s website. Written or oral comments may be submitted at the hearing or in writing within 10 days after the hearing to [email protected]. Include “Soapstone Connector” in the subject line.
