Project News and Updates
(January 2024) The FHWA has determined that the selected alternative will have no significant impact on the human environment. This Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) is based on the Environmental Assessment, which has been independently evaluated by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and determined to adequately and accurately discuss the need, environmental issues, and impacts of the proposed project and appropriate mitigation measures. As this will be a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) managed project, FCDOT will provide further information when it becomes available.
NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act) Materials:
Background
The Soapstone Connector Project (No. 2G40-078) aims to provide a direct connection between Sunset Hills Road and Sunrise Valley Drive crossing over the Dulles Toll Road (Route 267), as recommended by the Reston Metrorail Access Group (RMAG). The project is also included in the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan (2017 Edition, Area III, Reston Plan, Wiehle-Reston East Transit Station Area, Amended through 7-31-2018) to achieve the vision for Reston and enhance connectivity through the Wiehle-Reston East Transit Station Area by creating multiple and enhanced connections.
The proposed Soapstone Connector alignment is a combination of two previously evaluated alternatives and was chosen due to its advantages over the numerous alternatives studied. These advantages include benefits to multi-modal users, connectivity to Soapstone Drive, and minimization of impacts to environmentally-sensitive areas.