FAIRFAX?Reconstruction is in full swing on the three bridges and three roads in northern Virginia that have been closed since Tropical Storm Lee, all of which require extensive repairs. At least another nine other roads, while open, are also being repaired, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
“Despite heavy rain for the past several days our crews and contractors are making steady progress at each of the reconstruction sites,” said VDOT northern Virginia district administrator Garrett Moore. “By Oct. 7, Hunter Mill Road is expected to reopen to traffic, weather permitting. Repairs to Carper’s Farm Way and Walker Road, which were damaged but not closed to traffic, will also be complete next week.”
VDOT expects the other roads and bridges to reopen—weather permitting—in early to mid-November. Residents and motorists will be given advanced notice as each road is about to open.
Up to 100 roads were flooded, damaged or closed in northern Virginia during the Sept. 8 storm, and VDOT crews spent the days following removing debris, patching potholes, and making repairs to open many of the roadways. At the same time, work began to secure emergency contracts for the most damaged bridges and roadways, all in Fairfax County. The total estimated damage to roads and bridges in northern Virginia is likely more than $10 million.
Hillside Road in West Springfield
Crews have been working since Sept. 12 on Hillside Road, which is closed between Moverly Court and Cameo Square. It is the most extensively damaged road, but should re-open by Thanksgiving.
Essex Avenue in West Springfield
Closed in both directions at Middlesex Avenue due to road washout and pipe damage. Contractor will be working through October for a reopening in early November.
Sunrise Valley Drive in Reston
Crews placed a temporary steel plate over the sinkhole on Sept. 16. Permanent repairs and pipe replacement will be complete by the end of October.
Hunter Mill Road in Reston
Closed between Crowell Road and Chamberlain Drive. Repairs will be made to bridge approach and shoulder damage, as well as washed-out pavement. Barring inclement weather, Hunter Mill Road should reopen by Oct. 7.
BRIDGE REPAIRS
Beach Mill Road over Nichols Branch in Great Falls
Construction of the temporary culvert is underway and could reopen to traffic in mid-November. The posted detour is approximately six miles.
Lorton Road over Giles Run in Lorton
On Lorton Road, where the posted detour is a little more than eight miles, crews pour concrete and work in non-stop rain to complete repairs by late October.
Towlston Road over Rocky Run in McLean
Contract is underway for repairs to install a temporary culvert. The posted detour is approximately two and a half miles. Plans were already underway and will continue for permanent future bridge replacements on Beach Mill Road and Towlston Road.
OTHER EMERGENCY REPAIRS
At least nine additional roads, while open or partially open to traffic, also require emergency repairs and will be completed by early November, or earlier as noted:
• Carper’s Farm Way – Repairs should be complete by Oct. 7.
• Walker Road – Repairs should be complete by Oct. 7.
• Cinderbed Road
• Old Colchester Road
• Tanager Street
• Millwood Drive
• Ridgely Drive
• Falls Forest Place
• Valley View Drive – The road was closed Sept. 23 for a pipe failure. Temporary repairs made same day to reopen roadway; permanent repairs begin in October.
For more photos of road and bridge damage from Tropical Storm Lee in Fairfax County, visit VDOT’s Flickr set athttp://www.flickr.com/photos/vadot/sets/72157627537543943/