News and Information

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) met with Annandale community members regarding the design of the Little River Turnpike Walkway project during three "pop up" events this fall. Residents and commuters had the opportunity to learn about plans for the project during the following times:

• Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2020, 8-11 a.m.
• Thursday, Sept. 10, 2020, 4-7 p.m.
• Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, 4-7 p.m.

The FCDOT tent was located at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Conwell Drive, near the bus stop. County staff practiced social distancing procedures to ensure the safety of the project team and the public. In the case of inclement weather, please check this page and the FCDOT Facebook page for cancellation announcements.

In addition to the pop ups, FCDOT collected comments through Monday, Sept. 28, 2020. To reach the project team, please use the Feedback Form at the bottom of this page.

Project Background

The goal of the project is to improve pedestrian safety in Annandale by providing an ADA compliant pedestrian walkway adjacent to the westbound lanes of Little River Turnpike, between High Place and Pinecrest Parkway. The project also features a proposed HAWK pedestrian crossing signal at the intersection of Little River Turnpike and Conwell Drive to improve safety for the high number of pedestrians who cross the road at this location.

The placement of this signal would impact traffic out of Conwell Drive, preventing left turns onto westbound Little River Turnpike. Southbound turns onto Conwell Drive from Little River Turnpike still would be permitted. The crosswalk will remain in the same location it is today.

The project includes approximately 1,800’ of 8-foot-wide concrete sidewalk; curb and gutter; curb ramps; a new bus stop loading pad; a retaining wall and drainage upgrades. For further details, please see the file below:

• Plan Overview
• Little River Turnpike Walkway Presentation (Coming Soon)
   

About the HAWK

HAWK (High-Intensity Activated CrossWalK) Pedestrian signals offer many benefits for pedestrians and drivers alike, including:

• increased pedestrian safety, particularly at midblock crossings where up to 70% of pedestrian fatalities occur;
• improved traffic flow compared to a flashing or full pedestrian signal, as it is activated only when a pedestrian is present. The HAWK signal will remain dark when not in use.

Once a pedestrian pushes the button to cross, the follow sequence is activated:

• The HAWK signal begins flashing yellow to indicate to drivers someone will be using the crosswalk.
• The signal turns solid yellow, advising drivers to stop if it is safe to do so.
• The signal then turns solid red, requiring drivers to stop at the stop line.
• When the HAWK flashes red, drivers can proceed with caution if the crosswalk is clear.
• The beacons finally returns to a dark state.

After pressing the button to cross, pedestrians need to wait for the HAWK signal to engage with traffic before crossing the street. Only cross when the pedestrian sign is lit indicating it is safe to cross. If you see the flashing hand while crossing, continue to the other side. However, do not step into the road if you see the flashing hand and you have not yet begun to cross. In this case, please push the button and wait for the pedestrian sign to light up, indicating it is time to cross.

For more information, please see the HAWK Signal Brochure or Guía (Spanish).
 

Next Steps and Community Feedback

Because of the proposed changes to the existing traffic pattern at Conwell Drive, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation is seeking citizens’ comments about the planned pedestrian signal. Project plans will be posted as soon as they are available.

In addition to feedback at the pop ups, FCDOT is collecting feedback via the following methods:

• Online: Use the feedback form at the bottom of this page to send an email to the project team.
• In writing: Mail comments to: FCDOT, Attn: Little River Turnpike Walkway Project, 4050 Legato Road, Suite 400, Fairfax, VA 22033
• Via Phone: Call FCDOT at 703-877-5730; TTY 711.

Questions, comments and feedback were due by Monday, Sept. 28, 2020.

Stay in touch with the Little River Turnpike Walkway Project and FCDOT:

• Visit this webpage for project updates and meeting notices
• Receive notifications to your phone or email by subscribing to Fairfax Alerts
• Follow FCDOT on Facebook

FCDOT ensures nondiscrimination in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). If you need this information in an alternate format or would like to request reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact FCDOT at 703-877-5600, TTY 711. Requests for assistance must be received at least 7 business days in advance of an event.