Project Background

Located on Pike Branch in the Cameron Run watershed between Telegraph Road and Wilton Road in Alexandria, the 1,300-linear-foot stream section has a long history of maintenance concerns. Prior to 1982, various types of retaining walls were built along this portion of the stream to address severe erosion and flooding issues in the Virginia Hills neighborhood. Despite repeated stabilization efforts, the stream continued to erode, and portions of the retaining walls failed. Sections of the retaining walls were undercut, and other channelized bank areas armored with grouted riprap were eroded or dismantled by erosive stream flows. Current conditions of the stream can be viewed on the Pike Branch at Wilton Road Stream Stabilization Project Story Map.

Project Description

The project will restore approximately 1,300 linear feet of stream channel. The existing channel is unstable as evidenced by the raw stream banks, undercutting of the retaining wall causing portions to fail, and the deep and widening stream channel. This instability erodes property, undermines trees causing them to fall, threatens the structural integrity of the retaining walls, and threatens sanitary and storm sewer infrastructure throughout the corridor. This project is part of larger efforts to restore many of Fairfax County’s degraded streams while improving overall water quality and the condition of the Chesapeake Bay.

Project Location

The project is located on Board of Supervisor property and private properties adjacent to Telegraph Road to the north, Wilton Road to the east, Pike Road to the southwest, and Pike Branch Drive to the southeast.

The project is in the Franconia Magisterial District in the Cameron Run Watershed.

Project Phase

The project is in the construction phase and is in contract negotiation. The project is expected to start construction after Labor Day 2024.

Timeline

The design was complete in winter 2022. Construction is anticipated to begin in September 2024. There will be a Pardon Our Dust meeting prior to the start of construction activity.

What to Expect

Flagging, survey markers, and tree tags are visible throughout the project area. During construction access and deliveries will enter the site from one of the two proposed access points at Pike Road and Telegraph Road. The typical work week is Monday through Friday starting after 7:00 a.m. Note that at some periods during construction, work may occur on weekends. Construction activities on weekends will begin after 9:00 a.m. These start times are in accordance with the Fairfax County Noise Ordinance.

Project Cost and Funding Source

The design of the Pike Branch at Wilton Road stream stabilization project is funded for $699,000. The construction is funded for $3.8 Million. Stormwater projects are funded through the county Stormwater Service District.

Presentations to the Community

Pike Branch at Wilton Road Pardon Our Dust Meeting

A community meeting was held on January 31, 2017, and the subsequent presentation is linked below. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a virtual community meeting was held on October 18, 2021, and February 21,2024, and the subsequent presentations are linked below. A Pardon Our Dust meeting will be scheduled during the month of August 2024 prior to construction start. Questions are encouraged and requests for additional information should be forwarded to the Project Manager.

The project site can be viewed by going to the Fairfax County Stormwater Projects Page and typing “Pike Branch @ Wilton Road” in the search window in the upper left corner of the screen.

Contact

For more information, please email Project Manager Jasdeep Saini, Stormwater Planning Division, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, or call 703-324-5675, TTY 711.