Project Background

The project was identified for stream restoration and stabilization activities in the Fiscal Year 2020 work plan. The project is in wooded, residential neighborhoods. The stream channel exhibits eroded and over-widened banks, head-cuts and the potential for further bed and bank instability. A sanitary sewer line is exposed within the Rocky Branch channel.

Project Description

The project area is generally identified as a floodplain and Resource Protection Area. The project will restore approximately 3,818 linear feet of degraded natural channel of Rocky Branch and its tributaries between Hunter Mill Road and Hill Road. The project area stream drains about 773 acres of surrounding neighborhoods that includes most of the Oakton’s shopping center. Restoration objectives include stream stabilization, water quality improvement, aquatic and riparian habitat enhancement, and reconnection of the channel with its floodplain. It is anticipated that the restoration will provide additional biological improvements with habitat features introduced to the restored stream channel and native vegetation plantings along the riparian corridor. Stormwater Planning staff will coordinate stream restoration design plans with Fairfax County Maintenance and Stormwater Management Division in their efforts to repair a culvert located at Hickory Hollow Lane.

Project Location

The stream restoration project is located along the main channel of Rocky Branch between the headwaters near Hill Road to the culvert at Hunter Mill Road.

The project is in the Providence District and in the Difficult Run Watershed.

Project Phase

The project is currently in construction.

Project Timeline

Construction began April 10, 2024, and is expected to be completed by October 16, 2025.

What to Expect

Contractor's crew will begin marking the project limit by late April. Heavy machinery for construction and tree removal will then follow. Natural trails within the project limit will be closed during the construction.

Project Cost and Funding Source

Restoring the section of Rocky Branch as part of this project is estimated to cost $6.3 million. Stormwater projects are funded through the county Stormwater Service District.

Presentations to the Community

Public meetings for the project will be scheduled online due to Covid-19 restrictions. Notifications about upcoming meetings will be sent to the Homeowner Associations and owners who are adjacent to the project area.

Rocky Branch at Hickory Hollow Lane Stream Restoration Project 65% Design Review - Nov. 17, 2022

Contact

For more information please contact the Project Manager Madeleine Alwine, Department of Public Works and Environmental Services, Stormwater Planning Division, or call 703-324-5687, TTY 711.