Transportation Alert:
Fairfax County, again this year, will close one northbound lane of Tysons Boulevard for community recreation as the region continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, The closure is scheduled to begin Tues., July 14, 2021, which will give pedestrians and bicyclists access to a .5 mile stretch of road from Westbranch Dr. to the pedestrian entrance of Lillian Ct. at Tysons II (right before International Dr. around the Tysons Galleria area). The duration of the closure has not been determined.
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 in 2020. 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.
The closure of Tysons Boulevard extended from Westbranch Drive to just before International Drive and connected pedestrians and bicyclists to bike lanes on both Park Run Road and Westpark Drive. Residents also had access to community amenities such as nearby Capital Bikeshare stations and a park in the corner of Westbranch Drive and Tysons Boulevard.
Bicyclists, joggers and walkers should share the closed space just like they would on a shared use path, with bikes yielding to pedestrians.
When a car needs to cross the closed lane to make a turn, vehicles have the right of way, however, all users should slow down, establish eye contact and proceed with caution.
Bicyclists and pedestrians should yield to turning vehicles when approaching Park Run Drive.
The right, northbound lane of Tysons Boulevard will be closed mainly with concrete barriers, but also barrels and signs to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.
Tysons Boulevard serves a high population of residents and commuters in Fairfax County; and with only one cross-street (Park Run Drive) and no commercial or residential driveways. Even though there is a sidewalk along this stretch of road, this temporary closure will provide people with a safer option, and more space for outdoor recreation while maintaining social distancing practices during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic
To provide compliments, complaints or other comments, please: