Other News and Information
Signal and Pedestrian Improvement Work Underway at Burke Lake Road and Shiplett Boulevard
In response to citizen requests, VDOT is finally undertaking work to improve the pedestrian crossings at the intersection of Burke Lake Road and Shiplett Boulevard. This project will add four crosswalks, provide ADA ramp improvements, and also add flashing yellow turn arrows for Burke Lake Road traffic. This much needed project will improve pedestrian and driver safety as well as traffic operations at the intersection. The total project cost is $590,00 and is funded with federal and state Highway Safety Improvement Program funding. More information is available on VDOT’s project webpage at https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern-virginia/burke-lake-and-shiplett.asp
Closure of Main Street at the Railroad Crossing in Clifton on May 19th
Our office has just received word from the Town of Clifton, after they were informed by Norfolk Southern, that Main Street will be closed in both directions at the railroad crossing this coming Thursday, May 19th from approximately 6:45 AM to 6 PM for Norfolk Southern to complete its railroad repairs. This will have a significant impact on travel in the entire Clifton area, so please make alternate travel arrangements and help spread the word to those that might be impacted.
Help a West Springfield HS Student Make the Guinness Book of World Records on May 22nd (May 22nd)
Sebastian is a West Springfield High School student who needs your help as he tries to set the world record of building the largest Lego set (the Titanic) on May 22nd. He needs non-family members to volunteer to be witnesses and timers in order to qualify according to Guinness Book of World Records. There are different time slots to register for, so feel free to go show your support!
For more information or to sign up, click here.
Secure Document Shredding at Rolling Valley Park and Ride on July 23rd
The County is once again providing document shredding service, which is open to residents of Fairfax County, Herndon, the Town of Vienna, and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church. Springfield District’s shredding event will be at Rolling Valley Park and Ride on July 23rd. (It was originally set for May 21 but had to be rescheduled due to lack of vendor availability)
Events are from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., unless the trucks fill up prior to the end time. All participants must be in line by 11 a.m. to be served. Shredding is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Please be aware that when the shredding trucks are full, the event will end.
There is a four (4) box limit, based on standard banker/copy box size (12.5” W x 15.5” L x 10.5” H). If you bring documents in plastic bags, please do not tie them. All boxes, plastic/paper bags, or other containers will be returned to you after emptying.
Due to traffic and safety concerns, you may not exit your vehicle or stay in the area to watch shredding. The contractor guarantees all documents will be shredded on-site.
Visit the Dept. of Public Works webpage for the full list of shredding dates.
LymeX Diagnostics Prize Submissions Due August 8th
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Steven and Alexandra Cohen Foundation have launched the LymeX Diagnostics Prize, a $10 million competition to accelerate the development of Lyme disease diagnostics. Phase 1 calls on scientific, technical, and clinical experts to submit innovative methods for detecting active Lyme disease infections in people. The goal of the multiphase competition is to advance the development of these diagnostics toward Food and Drug Administration review.
An estimated 476,000 Americans are diagnosed and treated for Lyme each year, but the true number of infections is unknown. Lyme disease symptoms vary from patient to patient, and if the bacterial infection is left untreated, the disease can become harder to eradicate and spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Early diagnosis is critical — but there is currently no FDA-cleared test for active infections.
Entrants should submit detailed concepts and plans for development of innovative detection methods by 4:59 p.m. ET on August 8, 2022. The competition seeks concept papers that describe proposed solutions and scientifically rigorous rationales for success, including ambitious but achievable roadmaps for prototyping, iteration, testing and validation, and evaluation.
The competition judging panel — made up of experts in vector-borne disease biology, clinical and technology translation, patient experience and advocacy, and diagnostic science and technology — will evaluate eligible submissions according to the official Phase 1 evaluation criteria. Based on this evaluation, the panel will recommend up to 10 Phase 1 winners, who will receive an equal share of the $1 million Phase 1 prize pool and will be invited to participate in a planned Phase 2.
To learn more, register for the virtual information session on June 16. The LymeX team will present an in-depth overview of the competition and answer questions.
