Road Diet, Other Improvements Planned Around Vienna Metro

UPDATE from VDOT: The virtual meeting will be rescheduled for March 18.

VIENNA, VA — A road diet near the Vienna Metro is one of the bicycle and pedestrian improvements being planned for a Virginia Department of Transportation project. A virtual meeting will be held on March 18 to seek input and provide information on the improvements around the Vienna Metro.

VDOT plans to improve bicyclist and pedestrian safety, accessibility and connectivity around the Vienna Metro. The project area focuses on the north side of the Metro: Country Creek Road and Virginia Center Boulevard between Sutton Road and the ramp to westbound Interstate 66, and along Sutton Road between Blake Lane and Country Creek Road. The preliminary design calls for a road diet along Country Creek Road/Virginia Center Boulevard from Sutton Road to the Metro North Parking Lot entrance. According to VDOT's website, "a classic Road Diet typically involves converting an existing four-lane, undivided roadway to a three-lane roadway consisting of two through lanes and a center, two-way left-turn lane and bike lanes or paved shoulders." At least 27 of these road diet conversions have happened in Virginia.

The preliminary design for the VDOT project also includes:

• Constructing shared-use paths along Blake Lane and Sutton Road from the I-66 bridge to Country Creek Road
• Adding a two-way cycle track with adjacent sidewalk along Country Creek Road/Virginia Center Boulevard from Sutton Road to the Metro North Parking Lot entrance
• Realigning the I-66 westbound ramp to Country Creek Road to improve safety and operations
• Modifying the traffic signals at the intersections of Sutton Road and Blake Lane, Country Creek Road and the ramp from westbound I-66, and Country Creek Road and Vaden Drive to improve safety and operations Installing new pavement markings and signs

Estimated project costs total $6.5 million, which account for preliminary engineering, right of way acquisition and utility relocation, and construction. The project is receiving federal, state and Fairfax County funding.

The timeline calls for a design public hearing in summer, right of way acquisition to begin in spring 2022, and construction to begin in fall 2024.

The virtual public meeting on March 18 will allow residents to learn about the project and provide feedback. See the project website for more information.