I recently sent the following letter to Sharon Bulova, the Chairman of the Board of Supervisors regarding Route 7 and Georgetown Pike.
July 12, 2010
The Honorable
Sharon Bulova
Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors
12000 Government Center Parkway Suite 530
Fairfax, VA 22035-0071
Dear Chairman Bulova,
I am writing to let you know of my opposition regarding VDOT’s plans to
construct dual turn lanes at the intersection of Route 7 and Georgetown Pike.
As you may know, our local Supervisor, John Foust, our Congressman Frank
Wolf, our state Senator Janet Howell, as well as myself all oppose the current
plan.
The Great Falls Citizens Association and the McLean Citizens Association have
passed detailed resolutions in opposition to the dual turn lanes. Our
Great Falls neighbors overwhelmingly oppose the dual turn lane, which not only
would increase the volume on an already heavily congested Georgetown Pike, but
would also divert resources from the effort to widen Route 7.
We support the need to widen Route 7 and support the overall widening project
to promote better traffic flow. By deflecting resources to widening
the turn lane and reconfiguring Georgetown Pike, the project as currently
designed doesn’t accomplish as much widening of Route 7 – the primary goal of
the project.
Georgetown Pike is not identified for improvements in County or Commonwealth
transportation planning documents, and the project design as endorsed by the
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and approved by VDOT’s Chief Engineer is
not in conformance with the Fairfax County Comprehensive Plan (2007 Edition,
Area III, Pages 95 and 103, Transportation) or Senate Document No. 47 (page 83)
direction as to the alignment and widening of Georgetown Pike or the use of
alternative means of dealing with traffic volume in order to maintain this
byway.
For many in our neighborhoods, Georgetown Pike is the only access from their
homes. Many have concerns about the extended effect of these plans not
only on Great Falls but also on Old Dominion Drive and the Langley areas.
I ask that as Chairman of the Board of Supervisors, you revisit this issue, and
join our local Supervisor in opposition to the dual turn lanes.
Sincerely,
Barbara Comstock
Delegate, 34th
District