For Immediate Release
Aug. 31, 2020
Beginning today, a short segment of one eastbound lane of Government Center Parkway will be temporarily closed for dedicated pedestrian and bicyclist use. This temporary closure provides Fairfax County residents another improved and safer option for outdoor recreation while maintaining social distancing practices during the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The duration of the closure will depend on the rate of continued reopening following the reductions of COVID-19 related restrictions.
As seen from the project map, the eastbound right-turn lane of the Government Center Parkway will be closed between a driveway past Ridge Top Road and a driveway prior to Waples Mill Road. The closure creates a connection to existing sidewalks on both ends along Government Center Parkway bridging a gap where no sidewalk currently exists.
In the spring of 2020, the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling (FABB) and others requested Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) and Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) consider this solution to support active transportation during COVID-19. FCDOT and VDOT partnered to identify suitable locations and initially implement a temporary closure of .5 mile of one northbound lane of Tysons Boulevard for dedicated pedestrian and bicyclist use which has been in place since May 29, 2020.
These temporary road closures are permitted through VDOT and funded by Fairfax County. FCDOT and VDOT will continue to closely monitor traffic conditions and will reassess the partial closures of Tysons Boulevard and Government Center Parkway if traffic patterns change. The data collected as part of these project will also be used to support assessment of future transportation projects.
While using the dedicated travel lane, pedestrians and bicyclists should adhere to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines to protect 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.
- Watch out for cars, pedestrians and bicyclists turning into businesses or residences.
Comments or questions about this project are welcomed and may be provided by emailing bikefairfax@fairfaxcounty.gov or by calling the 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/governmentcenter-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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