Project Background

Located on Pike Branch in the Cameron Run watershed between Telegraph Road and Wilton Road in Alexandria, the 1,350-linear-foot stream section has a history of channel instability and multiple 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, sections of the retaining walls are undercut, and channelized bank areas armored with grouted riprap are failing due to 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 stabilize approximately 1,350 linear feet of stream channel. The existing channel is unstable as evidenced by the raw stream banks and undercut retaining walls, portions of which are failing. This instability erodes real property, undermines trees causing them to fall, and threatens the structural integrity of the retaining walls and sanitary sewer and stormwater infrastructure throughout the corridor. This project is part of larger efforts to meet our Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) permit requirements.

Project Location

The project is located on Board of Supervisor property and private property. The project site is bounded by 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

A virtual meeting was held on November 18, 2021. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2023.

Timeline

Design was complete on April 21, 2022. Construction is anticipated to begin in fall 2023.

What to Expect

Flagging, survey markers, and tree tags are already visible throughout the project area. During construction, access and deliveries to the site will be from one of two proposed construction entrances, at Pike Road and Telegraph Road. The typical work week is Monday through Friday. Note that at some periods during construction, work may occur on weekends. To the greatest extent possible, we will provide advance notice of any expected weekend or holiday work. Construction activities on weekends will begin after 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Construction will be in accordance with the Fairfax County Noise Ordinance, with work starting after 7 a.m. Monday through Friday and after 9 a.m. on weekends and Federal holidays.

Project Cost and Funding Source

Construction for this project is estimated at $2.9 million. Stormwater projects are funded through the county Stormwater Service District.

Questions are encouraged and requests for additional information should be sent to the project manager, see Contact below.

You can view the project in the Stormwater Projects interactive map. Enter the project name Pike Branch @ Wilton Road (CA82-0002) in the search window in the upper left corner of the map.

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.