07.02.2026



Dear Neighbor,

Of all the days on the calendar, the Fourth of July was my father’s favorite. And this year, as we mark 250 years of this country, I keep thinking about him because his story and the country’s have always felt, to me, like the same story.

My dad came here from India with not much more than a suitcase and a stubborn kind of hope. He didn’t grow up here. He chose here. And the day he finally became a citizen, after 30 years of working, waiting, and hoping, his coworkers surprised him by decorating his entire cubicle in red, white, and blue. He left it up for months. He couldn’t bring himself to take it down. He treated it like a rebirth, because to him, that’s exactly what it was.

That’s why he loved the Fourth the way he did - the flag on the porch, singing his adopted anthem, the fireworks he watched every year like it was the first time. He never took a single one for granted. He knew what it cost to belong here and the family, the friends, the life he had left behind.

For him, the Fourth was never just a day off. It was the day we celebrate an idea that we declared in 1776: that we are all created equal, born with rights no government grants and none can take away. Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

And our founders weren’t so different from my dad. Many of them, or their families not long before, had crossed an ocean for the same reason he did: to live freely and shape their own future. They fought a war to win it, then did something bolder still: they declared that this liberty didn’t belong to them alone. It belonged to everyone. And yet, in nearly the same breath, they drew the lines tight, such as reserving the vote for white men who owned property. The principle was universal, but the practice was narrow.

My father understood that gap. He knew those beautiful words were a promise the country hadn’t yet kept. “All men are created equal” was written even as human beings were held in slavery, as women belonged in law to their husbands, on land taken from Native nations who were here long before us. It would be generations before LGBTQIA Americans could live and love openly under equal law, and longer still before people with disabilities are no longer shut away as if they didn’t count and instead included and valued fully in schools, the workplace, and society. The words were luminous. The reality still hasn't caught up, although many have fought to get us closer to the goal of a "more perfect union."  

The abolitionists who refused to accept that freedom could be owned, the suffragists who were jailed so “all” would include women, the indigenous peoples who fought to keep their land and their place in the story, the activists of the Civil Rights Movement who sat at counters and the front of busses and crossed bridges so the law would mean the same thing for every American, the LGBTQIA+ Americans who insisted on the right to be who they are, the disability advocates who literally crawled up the Capitol steps because a building paid for by everyone wasn’t yet open to everyone - they are all American heroes. These individuals took the ideals this country was founded on and did the hard work of making them real for everyone. On this 250th anniversary of our country's birth, we also celebrate them.

That work is what let a young man from India keep a cubicle full of flags he couldn’t bear to take down, and raise a child who would be the first in the family to vote and then be trusted to serve this community. I cast every ballot partly for the parents who set aside their vote in their home country, their own say in their own political representation, so I could have one here. I’m standing in a doorway other people pried open.

So, this Fourth, on our 250th, I’ll do what my dad always did: stand with my neighbors and watch the sky light up. I think of him with every firework - his face, his wistful joy. Two hundred and fifty years in, that promise belongs to all of us and it’s still ours to keep and expand, for ALL of us.

Happy Independence Day to you and the people you love. Dad would have loved this one.

With gratitude,

Supervisor Rachna Sizemore Heizer

In this issue:

• Rachna in the Community
• From the Desk of Tom Dannan
• Extreme Heat Resources
• Community Heroes
• Community Happenings
• Pet Adoption Corner
• Public Safety Updates
• Land Use Updates
• Transportation Updates

Rachna in the Community

The Lodge at Autumn Willow Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

When I was running for Braddock District Supervisor, one of my biggest priorities was ensuring the creation of more affordable housing in our County. Which meant that it was that much more exciting when I was invited to celebrate the opening of The Lodge at Autumn Willow on June 29th and attend their ribbon-cutting ceremony. 



The Lodge at Autumn Willow is a beautiful new senior-oriented housing development that offers older residents in our community 150 affordable independent living homes. Seeing the private and public sectors come together to make this happen was inspiring, and it's a powerful reminder that when we work together, we can create affordable housing solutions that serve everyone in our community.

First Braddock Nights Concert

The 2026 Braddock Summer Entertainment Series is officially underway! Last Friday, we kicked off the season with the first Braddock Nights concert, bringing together neighbors for an enjoyable evening of music, community, and summer fun.

Attendees were treated to a fantastic performance by the King's Park Concert Band, one of the few remaining community bands in the region. Their talented musicians delighted the crowd and helped make the evening a memorable start to this year's series.

vMark your calendars for the next Braddock Nights concert on Friday, July 10 from 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Lake Accotink Park, 7500 Accotink Park Road, Springfield VA, featuring an evening of blues and soul performed by the Gayle Harrod Band. We hope you'll join us for another wonderful night of music at the park!

This is one of the most cherished traditions our community shares together — gathering together to enjoy live music. This summer, we’re thrilled to bring you a lineup as vibrant and varied as Braddock itself

See the Full Braddock Nights Schedule.

Klub Kudzu - Removing Invasives in Lake Accotink Park

I was grateful to join the Friends of Accotink Creek and dedicated community volunteers at Lake Accotink Park for their recent "Klub Kudzu" invasive plant removal event.

Invasive plants pose a significant threat to our local ecosystems, harming native plants and the insects, birds, and wildlife that depend on them. Across Fairfax County's park system, hundreds of acres have been identified as needing invasive species management, making volunteer efforts like these critically important.

I was inspired to learn that volunteers with the Friends of Accotink Creek contributed more than 400 hours removing invasive plants last year and have already devoted more than 790 hours to this important work in 2026. Removing invasive species is no easy task. It requires persistence, repeated visits, and a willingness to brave the elements, poison ivy, and plenty of insects along the way.

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Avril Garland, Philip Latasa, and all of the volunteers who generously give their time to protect and restore the natural beauty of Lake Accotink Park and Accotink Creek. Their dedication is helping ensure that these treasured community spaces remain healthy, vibrant, and welcoming for current and future generations of Fairfax County residents.

Ribbon Cutting for the Improvement of the Wakefield Park Softball Field

I was thrilled to celebrate the completion of major improvements to the softball fields at Wakefield Park, including the opening of Fairfax County's first athletic field dedicated specifically to girls' softball.

The project includes renovated playing surfaces and amenities, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts and fencing, added batting cages, and new picnic tables and bleachers. Field Eight has also been transformed into a state-of-the-art synthetic turf field, providing a durable playing surface that will reduce weather-related cancellations and expand opportunities for practices, games, and tournaments.

This investment is about more than improving a park, it's about investing in the next generation of female athletes. More than 50 years after the passage of Title IX helped open doors for girls and women in sports, we continue to see the importance of providing equitable opportunities and quality facilities where young athletes can develop their skills, build confidence, and experience the lifelong benefits of teamwork and competition.

As Fairfax County's first softball field dedicated specifically to girls' softball, this project represents an important milestone in our commitment to supporting girls' athletics. Every young athlete deserves access to safe, modern, and high-quality facilities, and these improvements will help ensure that girls have a place to play, compete, and thrive for years to come.

I want to give a special thanks to Chairman Jeff McKay and former Braddock District Supervisor James Walkinshaw for putting this funding in the FY24 Budget.

I look forward to seeing the upgraded field filled with athletes, families, and fans.

From the Desk of Tom Dannan

Dear Neighbors,

We had another busy past week, including a Thursday Regular Meeting (video | agenda), where we covered a range of items including welcoming a new Chief of Schools, the extension of the Superintendent’s contract through 2030, and highlighting our pyramid art shows.

The Board also unanimously endorsed a resolution which I brought forward on the use of technology in classrooms–centering the teacher-student relationship and calling for further work on screen time limits, device access, and digital literacy.

I was happy to support a number of Board proclamations, including Immigrant Heritage Month, LGBTQIA+ Month, and gun violence awareness. Proclamations like these help reinforce the Board's dedication to cultivating a culture in which all students and staff can be themselves while feeling seen and safe in their learning environment.

The Board also recognized teams and clubs that took home the state championships, including the Robinson Secondary School Girls Outdoor Track and Field team and the Robinson Girls Crew team.

I spent time last week joining a Facilities Condition Assessment and tour of athletic fields at Lake Braddock Secondary School, and have been closely following boundary discussions. Next week, I’ll be hosting a Braddock District Virtual Town Hall on Instructional Technology on Tuesday evening at 7pm. If you would like to attend, please email jmiravite@fcps.edu to receive the meeting invitation.

If you haven't already, please sign up for my newsletter to stay up to date on FCPS and Braddock District happenings and, as always, feel free to reach out to share your thoughts with me at braddock@fcps.edu.

Yours In Service,

Tom Dannan

Braddock District School Board Representative

Extreme Heat Resources

The heat wave is here, and with temperatures climbing, I encourage everyone in our community to take a extra precautions to stay safe during periods of extreme heat. 

If you haven't already, please take a look at my July 1, 2026 Braddock Heat Advisory.

Because of the continued extreme heat expected through the holiday weekend, the county has activated a 24-hour cooling center at the Jim Scott Community Center.

The county’s heat plan, already activated through Friday, has been extended through Saturday, July 4. When the plan is activated, cooling centers around the county are available during normal operating hours for individuals needing relief from the heat.

Today, Thursday, July 2, that includes:

• Rec Centers
• Libraries (Note: Reston Regional Library is closed today, July 2, due to HVAC issues.)
• Community Centers
• Human Services regional offices
• Homeless shelters

If you or someone you know needs a cool place to get out of the heat, these locations are available during their regular operating hours.

Because many county facilities will be closed for the Independence Day holiday on Friday and Saturday, July 3-4, cooling options will be more limited. Fairfax County Rec Centers will remain open and available for cooling during the following hours:

July 3

• All Rec Centers (except for George Washington) are open from 5 a.m.-9 p.m.
• George Washington Rec Center is open from 6:30-11:30 a.m.

July 4, 2026

• All Rec Centers (except for George Washington) are open from 7 a.m.-4 p.m.
• George Washington Rec Center is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Cooling centers will also have supplies available including bottled water, sunscreen, insect repellent and body wipes. During extreme heat, facilities may have unexpected closures due to HVAC issues so please verify that the location is open by visiting www.fairfaxcounty.gov/status.

Three emergency shelters for single adults will activate day and night overflow shelter capacity. Residents are encouraged to check our status page or contact the facility in advance to verify they are open.

24-Hour Cooling Center

In addition to the resources above, the county has opened a 24-hour cooling center at the Jim Scott Community Center, 3001 Vaden Drive, Fairfax.

While regular programming at the community center concludes tonight at 10 p.m., cooling center operations will remain open continuously until Sunday, July 5, at 8 a.m.

This overnight location was activated to ensure residents have access to a cool, safe place throughout the Fourth of July holiday weekend, when many regular county buildings may be closed.

Residents needing transportation to or from the 24-hour cooling center can call the Jim Scott Community Center at (703)865-0520.

Community Heroes

Virginia Task Force 1 Assisting with Earthquake Rescue Efforts in Venezuela

Following two devastating earthquakes in Venezuela that have claimed more than 1,400 lives, members of Virginia Task Force 1 (VA-TF1) have deployed to support international search-and-rescue efforts.

The highly trained urban search-and-rescue team is working in some of the hardest-hit communities, searching collapsed buildings for survivors alongside local emergency responders, K-9 teams, and rescue personnel from Florida.

One of the team's most inspiring rescues was captured on video as first responders pulled a mother and her 9-month-old baby alive from the rubble of a collapsed building. Wearing their signature neon green helmets, VA-TF1 members continue working around the clock to locate survivors trapped in dangerous void spaces.

"It's emotional," said VA-TF1 member John Morrison. "You're hugging, you're high-fiving. The whole community is clapping around you. It is really an amazing experience."

Morrison said the team trains extensively for disasters like this and remains committed to working 24 hours a day until every possible rescue has been made.

"We're always ready for these types of incidents," Morrison said. "We are incredibly motivated. We have rescue squads and reconnaissance teams out right now trying to find victims in these void spaces."



Virginia Task Force 1 deployments typically last between 10 and 14 days, though team members say they will remain in Venezuela for as long as they are needed. Their dedication serves as a powerful reminder of the courage and compassion displayed by first responders, both here at home and around the world.

Community Happenings

Microburst Virtual Town Hall Information Session

Mark your calendar for next Wednesday, July 8th, 7:00 p.m. to join Supervisor Sizemore Heizer, Fairfax County First Responders, and the Braddock District Council for a virtual Microsoft Teams Townhall on the impacts of the microburst storm that hit the Braddock District on the evening of June 22nd.

County officials from the Department of Emergency Management and Security, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Land Development Services, and additional agencies will be on hand to discuss the storm impacts and resources available to the affected communities. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions and consider next steps for ensuring good communication amongst neighborhood organizations when disaster strikes.

Please use this Microsoft Teams Link to join the conversation.

Meeting ID: 293 696 709 233 534

Passcode: vb9cK6qb

Workhouse Arts Center - Open Call for Exhibitions

Workhouse Arts Center's open call for proposals facilitates submissions from parties interested in having a solo or group exhibition in the Workhouse Arts Center’s Building W-16, in the McGuire Woods, Vulcan, and Muse Galleries.

Summer 2026 review

Opens: May 1, 2026

Deadline: July 12, 2026

Notification: July 31, 2026

Application fee: $30

Contact: Sarah Berry, Curator at SarahBerry@workhousearts.org

Help Shape the Future of the Pinn Community Center

The community is invited to participate in an engagement session to discuss future programming and services at David R. Pinn Community Center. 

On May 5, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the FY 2027 Budget. Due to challenging budget environment and declining attendance trends, the budget includes the phasing out of County-operated programing at the facility. NCS will work to transition the center to community partners that can continue to provide programs, activities and services to the community. 

The center will remain open and continue offering current programming through end of summer 2026. Before engaging potential partners, NCS will host an engagement session in early July to hear from the community members on their needs, priorities and goals for these important community space. 

The community is invited to attend in person or via Zoom link to learn more and share their thoughts:

David R. Pinn Community Center Community Engagement Session

» Flyer - English   Flyer - Spanish

Thursday, July 2, 6:30 – 7:30 pm.

• In Person: Pinn Community Center (10225 Zion Dr., Fairfax)
• Zoom: tinyurl.com/pinnjuly2

Goal! World Cup and Soccer Resources

GOOOOAAAAAL!

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway through July 19, bringing together nations from around the globe in a celebration of sport, teamwork, and international pride.

In Fairfax County, our diverse community means residents will be cheering on teams from every corner of the world, making this tournament an especially exciting time to come together and celebrate our global connections.

Looking for a place to watch the action? Fairfax provides a calendar with several watch parties.

Library Events

Come and partake in the wonderful activities taking place in the Kings Park and Burke Centre Libraries this week.

A full listing of library activities throughout Fairfax County may be found on the Library Calendar.

Burke Centre - The Really Big Dinosaur Show

Imagine the bones and fossils of ancient dinosaurs could come back to life — what stories they might tell. Well, there’s no need to imagine any more as Rainbow Puppet Productions presents "The Really Big Dinosaur Show." Through original songs and the use of over twenty giant puppets, the time of the dinosaurs appears at the library. Co-sponsored by the Friends of George Mason Regional Library.

This program is appropriate for preschoolers ages 3-5. Seats are limited.

Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2026

Time: 11:00am - 12:00pm

Location: Burke Centre Meeting Room 116, Burke Centre Meeting Room 117

Kings Park - Protect Yourself from Mosquitoes and Ticks this Summer!

Interested in learning how to keep youself and your yard safe from mosquitoes and ticks this summer? This program, presented by the Fairfax County Health Department, will include information on mosquitoes, ticks, diseases they transmit in our area, how to prevent them around your yard and how to protect yourself from their bites.

You'll also have the opportunity to learn about two Fairfax County Health Department services that are available to residents: free yard inspections to help residents address mosquito problems in their yard, and a free tick identification program.

This program is intended for adults. Registration is encouraged to receive a reminder email and updates if needed. Walk-in attendees are also welcome.

Date: Monday, July 6, 2026

Time: 7:00pm - 8:00pm

Location: Kings Park Meeting Room

Pet Adoption Corner

Meet Rainbow Brite!

Meet Rainbow Brite, a stunning 4-year-old tabby whose beautiful black, grey, and orange coat is as unique and colorful as her name! This lovely girl is ready to bring warmth, companionship, and a touch of feline magic to her next chapter.



At 4 years old, Rainbow Brite has the perfect balance of maturity and playful charm. She's past the kitten stage but still has plenty of personality to share-whether that means finding a sunny spot for a catnap, exploring her surroundings, or enjoying quality time with her favorite people. Her striking tabby markings make her a true standout, but it's her sweet spirit that will really capture hearts.

Rainbow Brite is looking for a family that will give her time to settle in, plenty of love, and cozy places to call her own. In return, she'll offer companionship, quiet comfort, and those special little moments only a cat can bring.



If you're searching for a beautiful companion with charm, grace, and a colorful personality all her own, Rainbow Brite may be the perfect match for you!

Be sure to check the "shelter information" box on the listing to see if the pet is located at our Fairfax Campus (4500 West Ox Road, Fairfax) or our Lorton Campus (8875 Lorton Road, Lorton). Then, come in during our open hours! Both of our locations are open Tuesdays and Wednesdays 12-5 p.m., Thursdays and Fridays 12-7 p.m., and Saturdays and Sundays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information on our adoption process, including requirements and fees, visit: https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/animalservices/adopt

Environment and Parks

Plastic Free July: Save Money and Protect Your Health By Ditching Plastic

We all know how much waste and pollution single-use plastics cause. But did you know that the average family could save $1,000-$2,000 per year by swapping out single-use items like food containers, water bottles, coffee mugs, shopping bags, and utensils for reusable ones? Switches like these also go a long way toward reducing litter, conserving resources, and lowering hidden costs of managing plastic waste. What with the 16,000+ undisclosed chemical ingredients found in plastics, reducing your exposure also benefits your health.

This Plastic Free July, stop by the Annandale Farmers Market on Thursday, July 9th and Thursday, July 23rd, 2026 from 8:00AM - 12:00PM at 6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA, 22003.

to learn more from Clean Fairfax. The Farmers Market will have a demonstration on safer alternatives to plastics for food preservation and talking about reusables.

Fairfax County’s Farmers Markets are leading the way in Virginia, now in their second year of being plastic bag-free, so remember to bring your own bag, box, tote, or cart to the market! Plastic Free July is a global movement to reduce single-use plastic waste and join together to find safer, cheaper, and more creative alternatives.



Clean Fairfax encourages environmental stewardship and urban sustainability in Fairfax County, Virginia through education, programming and community involvement. Learn more at www.cleanfairfax.org

Public Safety Updates

Stay Safe This Fourth of July: Firework Safety Guide

As we look forward to celebrating Independence Day with family and friends, let's make sure everyone in the Braddock District can enjoy the holiday safely! Here are essential fireworks safety tips from the Fairfax County Department of Fire and Rescue. 

Know What's Legal 

Many fireworks available in other states are illegal in Fairfax County. This includes: 

• Firecrackers 
• Cherry bombs 
• Skyrockets 
• M-80s and similar devices 

These restrictions exist to protect our community, so please be mindful of what you purchase and use. 

Essential Safety Tips 

Planning to use legal fireworks? Follow these guidelines: 

✓ Set up safely: Place fireworks on a flat surface, clear of combustible materials and buildings 

✓ Maintain distance: Keep all spectators at least 25 feet away 

✓ Protect children: Never let young children handle or light fireworks or sparklers (sparklers burn at 2,000°F!) 

✓ Store properly: Keep fireworks in a cool, dry place 

✓ One at a time: Light only one firework at a time 

✓ Never throw: Don't throw fireworks or point them at anyone 

Reporting Illegal Fireworks 

Suspect someone is using illegal fireworks? Call the non-emergency number: (703) 691-2131 

The Department of Public Safety Communications will alert the Fire Marshal's Office. 

Learn More 

Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/fire-ems/fire-marshal/fireworks-and-indoor-pyrotechnics for complete safety information. 

Let's celebrate safely and make this Fourth of July memorable for all the right reasons! 

Land Use Updates

Fairfax County Land Development Services Educational Opportunites

Does the heat of summer have you thinking you need to upgrade from a sprinkler to a pool in your backyard? Does your barbecue hangout spot have a few loose screws or rotted deck boards? Or maybe your AC stopped working and you want to install the HVAC yourself!  

Before you hand any money to a contractor or pick up a shovel to start digging, think about taking a Building Permits 101 class or Deck Details class from Fairfax County’s Land Development Services (LDS). LDS has classes available in several formats on their Education & Outreach website.  

If you belong to a neighborhood organization and would like to have LDS present a class for your whole neighborhood, they have staff that can teach you and your neighbors about building safely and sustainably in Fairfax County. Learn about the building permit process before you start your next home renovation and save time and money today!  

Click here to request a Building Permits 101 class for your neighborhood organization! 

Braddock District Land Use and Environment

Committee Meeting - Rescheduled for July 7th

The Braddock Land Use and Environment (BLUE) Committee has revised the date for its regularly scheduled July meeting. The next meeting will be virtual and is now scheduled for Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend by using the following Teams Meeting link: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/214298432286096?p=lrbgoQTqb5lvo77J7M. (The meeting ID is 214 298 432 286 096, Passcode: EN9e9j2)

The public can also join the meeting by phone: +1 571-429-5982,,183729285#, Phone conference ID: 183 729 285#.

The agenda for the next meeting will cover the development planned for 4035 Ridge Top Road, Olley Lane property and the storage space expansion planned for 6100 Fred's Oak Road.

Join the Braddock Land Use and Environment Committee

The Braddock Land Use and Environment (BLUE) Committee is looking for volunteers to join the committee to review and comment on land use, transportation, and environmental matters in the Braddock District.  

The BLUE Committee was established in 2012 to review applications for proposed land use changes in the Braddock District and other matters relating to the local environment. They make recommendations to the Braddock District Planning Commissioner and the Braddock District Supervisor. It is a self-selected, independent, nonpartisan, and volunteer advisory body that is comprised of interested citizens who live in the Braddock District. 

The Committee usually meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. virtually via Teams (see the online link in the article above), and also in-person at Braddock Hall, next to the Supervisor's office at 9002 Burke Lake Road, Burke, VA 22015, in the same building as the Kings Park Library. A virtual meeting option is also available. Committee meetings are open to the public and community members are welcome to attend. 

Any resident of the Braddock District may apply for membership on the Committee. Terms are one year, from July 1 to June 30, and may be renewed annually. Members are asked to make a commitment to at least one year of service and to serve on at least one subcommittee. Those interested are encouraged to attend a meeting, learn about the Committee's work, and talk with current members.  

An application may be downloaded here or may be requested by calling (703) 425-9300.  

Transportation Updates

Route 29 weekday lane closures in Fairfax June 29 - July 2 & July 6-10

Weather permitting, Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive (Route 8285) and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive (Route 1257) will continue to have lane closures from Monday, June 29, through Thursday, July 2, and from Monday, July 6, through Friday, July 10, for Route 29 widening project work, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Northbound Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive

Single-lane closures will occur along northbound Route 29 between Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive and Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive as follows:

• Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.
• Thursday, July 2: 9:30 a.m. to noon.
• Monday, July 6: Noon to 5 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 7, through Friday, July 10: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Southbound Route 29 between Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive and Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive

Single-lane closures will occur along southbound Route 29 between Summit Drive/Buckleys Gate Drive and Union Mill Road/Centreville Farms Drive as follows:

• Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.
• Thursday, July 2: 7 a.m. to noon.
• Monday, July 6: Noon to 3 p.m.
• Tuesday, July 7, through Friday, July 10: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.



Drivers should expect delays and are advised to use alternate routes.

The Route 29 widening project is making improvements along Route 29 between Union Mill Road and Buckleys Gate Drive to improve safety, traffic flow and bicyclist and pedestrian accessibility and connectivity. The improvements include:

• Reconstructing and widening 1.5 miles of roadway from four lanes to six.
• Correcting vertical alignment to improve sight distance.
• Adding shared-use paths on both sides of Route 29.
• Providing connectivity to pedestrian/bicycle trails at the Fairfax County Parkway/West Ox Road interchange.

The project is expected to be completed later this summer.