Repairs For Flood-Damaged McLean Road To Move Forward

MCLEAN, VA — It's been a month since July 8 flooding caused severe damage on two McLean roads, and at least one of them is close to having repair work done. The damaged portions of Kirby Road and Swinks Mill Road will likely be closed for months, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

In an Aug. 8 update, VDOT announced crews will repair Swinks Mill Road over Scott's Run once they receive ordered materials. Several hundred feet of asphalt approaching both sides of the bridge was damaged, as well as asphalt on the bridge deck. Other damage to the bridge includes the guardrails, abutments and retaining wall. Crews also found the flooding removed sand and gravel from around the abutments, which support the bridge deck.

VDOT said bridge design plans are ready for Swinks Mill Road. Crews have also removed asphalt and guardrail debris from Scott's Run, and survey work and underground utility location is complete. WTOP reported that Swinks Mill Road is expected to reopen by the time September ends, but that date could be earlier if all goes well.

As for Kirby Road over Pimmit Run, the timeline isn't as clear. Road and bridge repair work will require a contractor. Design plans are currently being finalized before an emergency contract will be sought. An estimated date for the work to be finished could become clear next week.

VDOT says a segment of Kirby Road just south of Claiborne Drive was washed away, and what's left of the asphalt has been undermined. The asphalt on the approaches to the deck of the VDOT bridge over Pimmit Run was also damaged, and crews made temporary repairs. Guardrails, abutments supporting the bridge deck, and retaining wall were damaged on the bridge.

Little Pimmit Run must be realigned to its previous position, which will require VDOT to coordinate with federal and state permitting agencies. Crews have removed debris from Little Pimmit Run and Pimmit Run.

VDOT says crews made repairs to 12 roads in McLean and other areas of Fairfax County: Barbee Street, Benjamin Street, Beulah Road, Churchill Road, Georgetown Pike, Ironwood Drive, Morningside Drive, Leigh Mill Road, Lorraine Avenue, Prosperity Avenue, Thrasher Place and Valley Wood Road. The long-term closures of Kirby Road and Swinks Mill Road do not prevent access to homes.