Project Background

The current culvert beneath Hickory Hollow Lane at Rocky Branch Stream, is severely undersized. Hickory Hollow Lane is owned and maintained by Fairfax County. During large rain events, the stream overtops the roadway, preventing safe access to the two residential properties located north of the crossing. Also, the overtopping water damages the roadway, resulting in regular maintenance operations and causes sediment to contaminate the waterway downstream from the crossing.

Project Description

Improve Hickory Hollow Lane to raise the roadway, install four culverts, pave the roadway with two 9-foot lanes and 6-foot shoulders at the stream crossing and install guardrail at the stream crossing. Beyond (north of) the stream crossing, the roadway section will consist of two 9-foot-wide paved travel lanes and 2-foot-wide gravel shoulders adjacent to each lane. This is the most minimal design allowed for this roadway. This work will convey Rocky Branch Stream under the newly constructed roadway and prevent the roadway from flooding and eroding during rain events. All improvements will be located within the County’s existing 50-foot-wide dedicated roadway. The purpose of this project is to prevent the roadway from being overtopped by the stream during heavy rain events, resulting in the roadway remaining passable to vehicles and reduce erosion of the roadway. This project will have no impact on Ashlawn Park, and this project is independent of the Rocky Branch at Hickory Hollow Lane Stream Restoration project.

Project Location

The project is located in the Providence District.

Project Phase

The project is on hold pending acquisition of a temporary construction easement. Although the roadway will be entirely within the County’s existing right-of-way, a temporary construction easement at 2600 Hickory Hollow Lane is necessary to allow for grading a stable transition from private property to the road. Without the temporary access easement, the project will require a retaining wall along 2600 Hickory Hollow Lane increasing the total project cost.

Project Timeline

Construction is scheduled to commence approximately 3 months after securing a temporary grading easement. Construction is estimated to take approximately 9 months.

What to Expect

The residents can expect construction noise during daytime hours, construction equipment moving along Hickory Hollow Lane and single lane traffic control. No work will be performed at night. Residents will have access to and from their homes at all times.

Project Cost and Funding Source

The estimated construction cost is approximately $1.5M. Funds are available from the roadway maintenance funds.

Presentations to the Community

Hickory Hollow Lane Improvement - November 9, 2023

Supervisor Dalia Palchik hosts a meeting for DPWES to provide the latest updates, provide historical perspective, and respond to community and stakeholder questions about the project.

Additional Information

Hickory Hollow Lane and Culvert Improvements Fact Sheet

Rocky Branch at Hickory Hollow Lane Stream Restoration

Contact

For more information contact us via email at HickoryHollowLane@PublicInput.com or by calling 703-890-5898, enter code 8402.