Project News and Updates
Public Meeting on Supplemental Phase I Architectural Survey Held July 19; Comments Closed Aug. 3, 2018
As requested by the Virginia Department of Historic Resources (VDHR), and in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) has completed a Supplemental Phase I Architectural Survey of the southern area of the project, including ten parcels on Association Drive, south of the Dulles Road. The survey was conducted to record the buildings in the office park and to make a preliminary recommendation regarding the eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). A public meeting was held on July 19 with the following information presented:
- Soapstone Connector Supplemental Phase I Architectural Survey Public Involvement Meeting - July 19, 2018
- Draft Report: Soapstone Connector Supplemental Phase I Architectural Survey
Comments regarding the potential eligibility of the sites will be accepted through Friday, Aug, 3. Respondents may use the self-addressed comment sheet from the meeting or the feedback form linked at the bottom of this page. When submitting comments electronically, please reply to the following questions:
- Do you support the study that states that the building and/or sites on Association Drive may be potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places? Or do you support the study that indicates that the site(s) are NOT eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places?
- Do you have any other comments relative to the eligibility of the building and/or office park along Association Drive for listing on the National Register of Historic Places?
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.
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 Reston Comprehensive Plan Amendment, which was approved by the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors in February 2014.
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.
Project Resources
- Soapstone Connector Environmental Assessment - Aug. 16, 2017
- Soapstone Connector Alternatives Technical Memorandum - March 31, 2017
- Soapstone Connector Noise Analysis Report - March 2017
- Soapstone Connector Noise Appendices - March 3, 2017
- Soapstone Connector Air Quality Technical Memorandum - Feb. 24, 2017
- Soapstone Connector Traffic Technical Memorandum - Feb. 3, 2017
- Soapstone Connector Architectural Survey - October 2016
- Soapstone Connector Cultural Resources Survey - March 8, 2016
Previous Meeting Presentations
Soapstone Connector Environmental Assessment Public Hearing - Nov. 8, 2017
- Soapstone Connector Environmental Assessment Public Hearing Presentation -
- Soapstone Connector Environmental Assessment Public Hearing Display Boards
- Soapstone Connector Brochure
Soapstone Connector Public Information Meeting for Environmental Assessment - June 15, 2016:
- Soapstone Connector Public Information Meeting for Environmental Assessment -
- Public Information Meeting Presentation Boards
- Public Information Meeting Brochure
Soapstone Connector Public Information Meeting Presentation - Oct. 26, 2015:
Engineering Feasibility Study
In 2012, Fairfax County Department of Transportation sponsored an engineering feasibility study to determine the feasibility of the Soapstone Connector. A consultant was engaged to conduct this study to:
- Determine the engineering feasibility of multi-modal roadway that would provide a connection for motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists, and transit vehicles between Sunset Hills Road and Sunrise Valley Drive.
- Identify the most feasible alignment for the Soapstone Connector for the most beneficial multi-modal access.
Based on the findings of the feasibility study, the Soapstone Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive intersection will serve as the southern end of the Soapstone Connector, while the northern end will connect to Sunset Hills Road. The connector will also create a new roadway and bridge that will traverse across the Dulles Toll Road and the future Silver Line Metrorail track.
The typical section of the roadway will include:
- Three (3) travel lanes (one lane in each direction and a center left-turn only lane).
- One (1) bike lane in each direction,
- A sidewalk on one side of the roadway and a shared use path on the other side of the roadway.
The typical section of the bridge will include:
- Two (2) travel lanes (one lane in each direction).
- One (1) bike lane in each direction.
- A sidewalk on one side of the roadway and a shared use trail on the other side of the roadway.
There also will be four (4) planned access points throughout the length of the roadway.
- Points North of the Dulles Toll Road include the intersection for Sunset Hills Road and the Soapstone Connector, and an at-grade intersection south of Sunset Hills Road.
- Points South of the Dulles Toll Road include an intersection north of Sunrise Valley Drive and the Soapstone Connector, and the intersection of Sunrise Valley Drive and Soapstone Drive.
Some generalized environmental data was also collected in conjunction with the Soapstone Drive Feasibility Study. Some preliminary issues involve wetlands, stream impacts, business displacements & relocations, noise impacts, and cumulative and indirect impacts. A copy of that study is available for review.
