For Immediate Release
May 27, 2020

 

Fairfax County residents will soon have more space to stretch their legs and safely exercise in Tysons as approximately 0.5 miles of one northbound lane of Tysons Boulevard will be temporarily closed for dedicated pedestrian and bicyclist use beginning Friday, May 29, 2020, at 5 p.m. Even though there is a sidewalk along this stretch of road, this temporary closure will provide people a safer option, and more space for outdoor recreation while maintaining social distancing practices during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The duration of the closure will depend on the rate of reopening following the reductions of COVID-19 related restrictions.

The closure of Tysons Boulevard extends from Westbranch Drive to the pedestrian entrance of Lillian Court at Tysons II (right before International Drive) connecting with bike lanes on both Park Run Drive and Westpark Drive. Residents will also have access to community amenities such as nearby Capital Bikeshare stations and a park in the corner of Westbranch Drive and Tysons Boulevard.

“During these unprecedented times, innovative solutions are needed to support our residents today and to inform our planning efforts for the Fairfax County of tomorrow,” said Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay. “This project is a great example of how working with our community and government partners, we are able to quickly pivot and move the needle toward more flexible and innovative thinking to support our communities during even the most challenging of times.”

The Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) and Tysons Partnership requested Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) consider this solution to support active transportation during this difficult time. FCDOT and VDOT partnered to identify a suitable location and ultimately implement the project. The temporary closure is permitted through VDOT and funded by Fairfax County.

“Tysons is one of Fairfax County’s fastest growing business and residential communities, and the perfect test site for this innovative solution that supports active transportation,” said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik. “This temporary reconfiguration of existing transportation infrastructure provides not only an opportunity for our residents to safely exercise, but also gives us information on how these types of flexible solutions may work in the future.”

FCDOT and VDOT will closely monitor the traffic conditions and will reassess the closure if traffic patterns change or once travel restrictions begin to be lifted in Fairfax County. The data collected as part of this project will also be used to support assessment of future transportation projects.

Important Safety Information for Pedestrians, Bicyclists and Drivers

While using the dedicated travel lane, pedestrians and bicyclists should adhere to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines for protecting yourself and others from COVID-19:

• Wear a cloth face covering or a mask to protect yourself and others as you may meet or pass someone on the street. Here is how to make your own face covering.
• Do not forget to social distance! Maintain 6 feet of distance between you and those around you, except for those in your household.
• Do not gather in groups.
• Wash your hands before and after going outside.

With the new, temporary traffic pattern, vehicular travelers are reminded to:

• Slow down when driving and be on the lookout for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly when turning onto Park Run Drive.
• Watch out for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists turning into businesses or residences.

We want to hear from you!

Comments or questions about this project are welcomed and may be provided by emailing bikefairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling FCDOT Active Transportation Team at 703-877-5600, TTY 711.

For more information on this project and to stay informed, connect with us by:

• Visiting the project website at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/tysons-boulevard-lane-closure
• Following FCDOT on Facebook @FFXTransportation
• Subscribing to Fairfax County transportation text or email alerts at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/alerts

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