Issue 6 | November 2019
Along about seven miles of Route 7, we're adding a third lane and shared-use paths in each direction, building a pedestrian underpass to access Colvin Run Mill Park , replacing and raising the bridge over Difficult Run, and making many intersection, bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Learn more.
Construction and Design Updates
In October, crews made major strides on construction including:

  • Completing and opening a new shared left-turn and through lane on southbound Towlston Road, providing 250 feet of space to vehicles turning onto eastbound Route 7 or crossing Route 7 to continue on Towlston Road. The original target for these improvements was Summer 2020. Read more>>
  • Storm sewer installation between Amanda Drive and Baron Cameron Avenue.
  • Shifting traffic to newly completed eastbound Route 7 lanes in the median between Reston Parkway and Baron Cameron Avenue.
  • Completing weekend intersection reconstruction work at Reston Parkway, Utterback Store Road, and Markell Court/Amanda Drive.
  • Shoulder strengthening on westbound Route 7 between Faulkner Drive and Baron Cameron Avenue along with a minor lane shift to the north.
Looking toward Tysons in the distance, traffic on eastbound Route 7 is shifted to new temporary paved lanes.


New intersection construction at Route 7 and Reston Parkway.
 In October, f inal roadway and Difficult Run bridge plans were approved. Preliminary design work continues for:

  • Preparation of final noise analysis 
  • Bridge load rating analysis
  • Lighting and landscaping design
  • Intelligent transportation systems (ITS) and electrical design

Environmental permitting and utility design work continued:

  • Clean Water Act permits were obtained for the project area east of Delta Glen Court: US Army Corps of Engineers Individual Permit NOA-2014-01572 and Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) Individual Permit 19-0554.
  • A modification of the VPDES Construction General Permit was obtained to cover the entire project area.  
  • Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) issued final permit for signature.
  • Project staff collaborated with Fairfax County Water Authority on the design for the 54-inch water main relocation.

Click to learn more on the design and construction schedule, environmental efforts, right of way and other project details.
Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

As work progresses in the coming months, crews will be working in close proximity to shared-use paths along the corridor. Please watch for signs and barriers indicating travel routes, and be alert to flaggers who may be directing foot and bike traffic through an active work zone. Other tips for negotiating paths near the construction include:

  • Keep your distance, and when possible, avoid walking near areas where crews are actively working.
  • Avoid distractions like cell phones.
  • Wear clothing that increases your visibility, particularly in the evening and early morning.
  • Stay outside of all temporary barriers. Never attempt to cut corners by walking or biking through the work zone.
  • Follow all directional signage.
  • Be aware that temporary paths may not be paved and use caution.
  • When walking past a work area where equipment is being used, make sure the crew can see you, and maintain visual contact until you are well past the work area.

Click here f or additional pedestrian and cyclist safety tips.

Did You Know?
You can check out photos, project progress and lane closures planned at connectroute7.org . Click N ews & Updates.

Lane closures for the following week are posted each Friday.
Sign Up for Traffic Alerts on Virginia 511
Don't forget you can get the latest on work zones, accidents and other incidents by visiting 511virginia.org, using the Virginia 511 app, or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. Visit the site or app to create and configure your account for alerts.

You can also check out updates for major incidents @ 511northernvirginia on Twitter.
Questions?
Call: 833-777-7411