Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Trail Repair Work on Fairfax County Parkway Trail
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| Sections of Parkway trail being repaired north of W&OD Trail |
When the Parkway trail was repaired in 2014 VDOT coordinated closely with FABB in advance of repairs on sections of the trail. VDOT also posted signs showing nearby bike routes that could be used for detours. During that time we asked that trail users be allowed to pass through the work areas when feasible. That arrangement worked well. Unfortunately there has been almost no coordination this year.
We hope that in the future the entire trail will be repaved, possibly in long sections. Patching small 2-3 foot sections of the trial is costly, takes significant manpower, and does not last as long as repaving.
If you hear of problems related to this maintenance work, please either comment below or send us a note at info@fabb-bikes.org.
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| Construction on Fairfax County Parkway Trail W&OD Trail bridge in background |
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail repair update
Below is the latest update from VDOT on the trails repairs underway on the Fairfax County Parkway Trail. It will be difficult to pass through the current section under repair due to the narrow right of way on the Dulles Toll Rd bridge:
Temporary Bike Trail Closure:
Fairfax County
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Dulles Toll Road to Sunset Hills Road.
When: Wednesday 11/5/14 thru Friday 11/7/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM-(weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Monday, October 20, 2014
Fairfax County Parkway Trail repair update
From VDOT regarding the latest phase of the Fairfax County Parkway Trail repairs:
Fairfax County
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Sunrise Valley Drive to Dulles Toll Road.
When: Monday 10/20/14 thru Friday 10/24/14 10/31/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
(weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Friday, October 17, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail closed north of Sunrise Valley Dr
We just learned that maintenance/repair work on the Fairfax County Parkway Trail started up again today. As a result, the trail is closed just north of Sunrise Valley Dr up to just south of the eastbound Dulles Toll Rd ramp. If you're riding south and encounter the barrier, you will have to backtrack all the way to Sunset Hills/Spring St near the Target to find an alternate route. You could also try to make your way through the closed trail section.
As you can sort of see from the map image above, there are not many alternative routes to bypass the closed trail section. You could ride east to Reston Parkway or west to Monroe Street. You should be able to click on the map to see the google map version.
We've asked that the north Trail Closed barrier be placed closer to the decision point for using an alternate route; at Sunset Hills/Spring Street.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
Latest Fairfax Co Parkway Trail construction update
Below is the latest information from VDOT on ongoing repair work on the Fairfax Co Parkway Trail:
Fairfax County
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway Trail.
Where: From Rte. 7 exit ramps to Lake Newport.
And at the intersections of Tuckaway Drive and Stringfellow Road.
When: Tuesday 8/5/14 and Wednesday 8/6/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
(weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Fairfax County Parkway trail repair - Tuckaway Dr to Franklin Farm Rd
We received the latest update from VDOT on the Fairfax Co Parkway trail repair work:
Fairfax County
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Tuckaway Drive to Franklin Farm Road.
When: Monday 6/30/14 thru Thursday 7/3/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (until noon Thursday)
(weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving, vdot
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail construction update
This is the latest information from VDOT about trail repair work on the Fairfax Co Parkway Trail. The repair crew are working north from Route 50 and they are currently working between Rubgy Road and Tuckaway Dr:
Fairfax County Parkway Trail Construction
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Rugby Road to Tuckaway Drive.
When: Monday 6/23/14 thru Friday 6/27/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Erwin Milian: 571-237-5211
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail repairs update
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| Trail signs at Baron Cameron - Note the page-size map (left) and info (right) signs |
When working from Route 7 south the contractor was having to work against traffic which was causing delays. Even though the trail work was off road, the asphalt truck was using the shoulder of the Parkway. VDOT has decided to begin work at the southern end of phase one at Route 50, working north with traffic to New Dominion Parkway.
We heard from a cyclist who was concerned about the smoothness of the new asphalt patches. VDOT has agreed make sure the patches pass their smoothness tests.
Here is the schedule for work on the trail next week:
Fairfax County
Direction: Rte. 286 N/B Fairfax County Parkway.
Where: From Rte. 50 to Stringfellow Road.
When: Tuesday 5/27/14 thru Friday 5/30/14 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Roy Leake: 540-860-2601
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail repairs progressing
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| Fairfax Co Parkway Trail work just north of New Dominion Parkway |
When work on the section between the W&OD Trail and Sunrise Valley Dr is underway, it will be very difficult for bicyclists to bypass the work area as there is no grassy median over the Toll Road and just south of there, so plan your trip accordingly. The trail should be open before 8 a.m. and after 4 p.m.
There are few detours in that area; the trail is a critical north-south link for a reason. During the most recent volunteer bike count at that location on May 8, during the evening rush, 5-7 p.m., 46 bicyclists were counted. As a side note, there were 362 bicyclists in that two-hour period on the W&OD Trail, nearly 100 more than in the Sept 2013 count during the same period.
Labels: bicycle counts, fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving
Friday, April 18, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway Trail repair work begins on Monday
Repair and repaving work on the Fairfax County Parkway Trail will begin on Monday, April 21. The work will begin at Route 7 and proceed south. We've asked that access be provided during construction but in some instances that won't be possible.Below is a draft of the signs that will be placed on each end of the section of trail under repair. Below that is a map of the appropriate section of the county bike map that VDOT has agreed to post as well.
These signs are a major step forward for VDOT in notifying users of trail closures. In the past very little notice was provided and trails were merely closed. Thanks to VDOT for working with the bike community to help inform users about trail closures and provide an aide in finding detours.
See earlier FABB blog posts about this project.
Fairfax County Parkway Trail Repair
Where: From Wiehle Avenue to Rte. 7 Leesburg Pike.
When: Monday 4/21/14 thru Friday 4/25/14 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (weather permitting)
What: Temporary Bike Trail closure.
Why: Maintenance repairs.
Project: 0286-029-112, N501
Police: NO
Contact Info: Roy Leake: 540-860-2601
Emergency Contact: Sam Ghobadian: 571-722-5315
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving, vdot
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
New Fairfax County Parkway trail signage installed
VDOT recently installed wayfinding signage on the Fairfax County Parkway trail between Route 50 and Route 29. FABB has been advocating for these signs since we formed in 2005. Thanks to VDOT and Fairfax County for working together to install the signs. |
| New Fairfax Co Parkway trail signs |
The trail diverges from the Parkway in this area and continues along West Ox Road to reconnect with the Parkway just south of Route 29. Until now trail users were left to fend for themselves. Several cyclists have said they have gotten lost when the Parkway trail suddenly diverted from the Parkway at Monument Drive and West Ox Rd. These signs will be a big help to all trail users.
The county recently allocated $80,000 to place signs on the full length of the Fairfax County Parkway and Franconia-Springfield Parkway (item 117 on Approved Projects List).
In other news about the Parkway trail, work will begin this month, starting at the Route 7 end, on repairing and repaving sections of the trail. FABB worked closely with VDOT to identify needed repairs and to develop a strategy for informing cyclists about the progress of the work.
From the VDOT news release about the new signs:
Fairfax County Parkway Bike Trail Signs – VDOT placed a series of new signs to help Fairfax County Parkway trail bicyclists navigate through Fair Lakes. The FC Parkway bike trail separates from the main roadway in Fair Lakes in order to avoid I-66 ramps. Cyclists are directed onto trails on West Ox Road and Monument Drive or Fair Lakes Drive. VDOT coordinated with FABB (Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling) and Fairfax County DOT.
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving, signs
Saturday, March 1, 2014
March-April 2014 FABB Newsletter
MARCH-APRIL 2014 FABB News
A bi-monthly publication of Fairfax Advocates for Better Bicycling
Bicycle Master Plan Public Hearings Scheduled
The Fairfax Co Bicycle Program Manager recently announced dates for public hearings on the Countywide Bicycle Master Plan. The Planning Commission hearing is scheduled for Thursday, May 8 in the evening, and the Board of Supervisors hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, June 17. Both hearings will be held at the Fairfax County Government Center. This is a great opportunity for you to show your support for better bicycling in the county, either by attending a public hearing or writing a letter of support to your county Supervisor.
FABB plans to hold rides to the public hearings. Having a number of cyclists present at the hearings shows we care about our community and that we want the Board to approve the plan. The plan is not yet available on the county website but FABB has posted the July 2012 Draft Bicycle Master Plan text and maps (see FABB homepage for map links).
Wiehle Station Bike Room Applications Being Taken
Fairfax County DOT recently sent out applications to over 130 cyclists who requested information about renting a space in the new Wiehle-Reston East Metro station bike room. The room has capacity for over 200 bikes. Rates for use of the bike room are $40 for six months or $60 for a year plus a one-time $15 fee for a key fob. See the Wiehle Bike Room page for details and to request an information packet or see the FABB blog for other details, including the bike room FAQ.
Fairfax County Parkway Trail Repair to Begin in March
VDOT recently held an information meeting on the Fairfax County Parkway Trail repair project scheduled to begin this month. The first phase of the project will extend from Route 7 to Route 29, although the section around the I-66 overpass will not be included. Only the most damaged sections of the trail will be repaved. Where large cracks have developed but the remainder of the trail is in good condition, the cracks will be sealed. Where the asphalt has deteriorated, those sections will be repaved.
The section of trail being repaired will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Cyclists using the trail for commuting during regular business hours should be able to complete their trips before and after those times. Otherwise we've asked that where possible, trail users be allowed to carefully bypass work in progress. Informational signage and maps will be posted on site. See the FABB blog for more info about the meeting. The work is a major undertaking and will greatly benefit cyclists who use this important north-south trail connection. Thanks to VDOT for funding the work and listening to our concerns. Their efforts are very much appreciated.
Fairfax County Board Approves Funding for New Bike Projects
The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently approved over $200 million in funding for pedestrian and bicycle projects as part of a major 6-year transportation funding package. The majority of the projects are pedestrian sidewalks. Bicycle project funding was not identified separately. We've estimated that approximately $40 million is available for bike projects, approximately $7 million/year. This is a significant increase in funding from previous years although it is only a small portion (3%) of the nearly $1.3 billion in total transportation funding. Bike projects will be included in many of the road projects that were part of the package. Funds for improving bike access to the Silver Line stations are also available. Unfortunately none of these funds can be used for maintenance.
Meeting to Discuss Bike Lanes on Sherwood Hall Lane
On Wednesday, March 12 Fairfax DOT and VDOT are holding a meeting to discuss proposed bike lanes on Sherwood Hall Lane. This road is an important connection between Mt Vernon Parkway/Fort Hunt Rd and the Route 1 Corridor. Some nearby residents have voiced strong opposition to the plan. Cyclists are encouraged to attend the meeting and support the proposal. The meeting is from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306. See the meeting announcement for more details.
Fairfax County to hold Sidewalk Snow Removal Forum
At the Fairfax Co Board of Supervisors meeting on February 25 Hunter Mill District Supervisor Hudgins raised the issue of snow removal on sidewalks. She asked the Board to direct staff to hold a "forum for discussion of sidewalk snow removal." The Board has addressed this issue repeatedly in the past as we outlined in a recent blog post on snow-covered sidewalks and trails. We will suggest that snow removal on trails and bike lanes be included in the discussion. See the FABB blog for more info on Supervisor Hudgins' request. When a date for the forum is announced we'll spread the word via FABB social media.
- March 3 - National Women's Bicycling Forum
- March 4-6 - National Bike Summit (March 6 is Lobby Day)
- March 12, Wednesday - Sherwood Hall Lane public meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Mount Vernon Governmental Center, 2511 Parkers Lane, Alexandria
- March 19, Wednesday, FABB Monthly Meeting, Vienna, VA
Labels: bicycle master plan, fabb newsletter, fairfax county parkway trail repaving, sherwood hall lane, snow
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway trail repaving meeting recap
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| VDOT presentation on Parkway trail repaving |
The entire trail will not be repaved. Where large cracks have developed but the remainder of the trail is in good condition, the cracks will be sealed. Where the asphalt has deteriorated, those sections will be repaved. While the trail will be closed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., those using the trail for commuting during regular business hours should be able to complete their trips before and after those times. Otherwise we've asked that where possible trail users be allowed to carefully bypass work in progress.
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| Sample of an info sign at limits of project work |
FABB has worked closely with VDOT on this project, helping identify where repairs are needed and discussing processes used during construction. The work will be a major benefit to cyclists who use this important north-south trail connection. Thanks to VDOT for funding the work and listening to our concerns. Their efforts are very much appreciated.
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, fairfax county parkway trail repaving, vdot
Monday, February 17, 2014
Fairfax Co Parkway repaving meeting Tuesday evening
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| Phasing segments for parkway trail repaving |
Find out which sections are being paved, how cyclists will be accommodated during the repaving, and when the project is expected to start. See a previous blog entry about the project.
If you plan to ride to the meeting, don't plan on riding on any of the trails along West Ox Rd or the Fairfax Co Parkway trail as they will very likely still be covered with snow.
