Issue 17 | October 2020
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 September, crews continued construction activities along the corridor:


Area 1 West: Reston Avenue to Baron Cameron Avenue:
  • Shifted traffic along Route 7 between Utterback Store Road and Baron Cameron Avenue.
  • Began construction of the extension of the Dog Run box culvert on the north side of Route 7 between Northfalls Court and Utterback Store Road.
  • Commenced drilling noise barrier foundations (see photo below) between Reston Avenue and Reston Parkway.
  • Continued tree clearing and earth-moving activities between Reston Avenue and Utterback Store Road.
  • Continued construction of stormwater management pond west of Baron Cameron Avenue.

Area 1 East: Baron Cameron Avenue to Carpers Farm Way
  • Completed construction of the common duct bank between Baron Cameron Avenue and Delta Glen Court.
  • Started construction of the common duct bank between Delta Glen Court and Carpers Farm Way.
  • Continued earth-moving operations between Baron Cameron Avenue and Carpers Farm Way.
  • Continued storm sewer installation.


  • Stage 2 construction pending right-of-way acquisition.


  • Continued relocation of communication utilities.
  • Continued the temporary realignment of Colvin Run.
  • Installed sheet pile in the Colvin Run area east of Carpers Farm Way.
  • Completed setting precast elements of the triple box culvert on the west side of Carpers Farm Way.


  • Began the installation of a water line between Middleton Ridge Road and Trotting Horse Lane.
  • Started storm sewer and water line installation between Lewinsville Road and Jarrett Valley Drive.
  • Continued construction of stormwater management pond near Trotting Horse Lane.
  • Continued earth-moving operations between Lewinsville Road and Jarrett Valley Drive.

Design work continues for lighting and landscaping. Third-party utility design and relocation activities are also ongoing.  

Click here to learn more on the design and construction schedule, environmental efforts, right of way, noise walls and other project details.
Crews began reconstructing the intersection of Utterback Store Road and Route 7.
Drilled shafts will support the foundations of the noise barriers along the corridor.
Upcoming Work
During the fall months, crews will start the demolition of the old eastbound Route 7 lanes on the Difficult Run bridge. Work will be ongoing through the fall and winter months to prepare this area for the construction of the new bridge over Difficult Run.

Other work starting this fall in the Colvin Run/Difficult Run area includes construction of the articulated block channel for the relocation of the Colvin Run stream and Phase II construction of the box culvert under Carpers Farm Way. Later this year, following completion of the box culvert and new stream channel, Colvin Run stream will be diverted into the relocated channel. Lane closures may occur through this area in support of the work.

While crews are working near Colvin Run and Difficult Run, access to the Gerry Connolly Cross County Trail will be maintained.

Please note that on Tuesday, Nov. 3 (Election Day), the project will have no scheduled lane closures along the corridor.
In Case You Missed It
Construction activities will continue along Route 7 during the fall months, and drivers can expect lane closures and traffic pattern changes along the corridor between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive. Click here for previously-issued traffic alerts.

Work will occur during the daytime and overnight hours, and all homes, businesses, and public facilities will remain accessible via posted detour routes.

As a reminder, please refrain from walking through work areas with equipment, materials, and ongoing construction activities. If you have questions regarding work areas, please contact us at the email or phone number shown below.

Click here for the latest updates on the Washington Gas work that is ongoing along Route 7, including the closure of the west end of Colvin Run Road. For more information on the Washington Gas work, please contact Jeff Hicks, [email protected].
Thanks for Giving Our Crews S P A C E

Our crews are continuing to practice social distancing. If you have questions or concerns about the construction, please give them the space they need to work, and call or email us instead of approaching the work site.

833-777-7411

Need to Know More?
You can check out photos and project progress on our website at connectroute7.org. Click News & Updates.

Planned 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