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, 34^th District