The latest news from the Virginia Department of Transportation on plans to improve Route 7.
Thanks again to all who came out to the public hearing in the fall to learn more about the project, to talk with the project team and ask questions, and to provide your feedback. We wanted to provide a quick update on comments received and the latest on the project schedule. As always if you have any questions, please reach out to the project team at
[email protected].
DESIGN PUBLIC HEARING COMMENTS NOW AVAILABLE
Check out the transcript from the November 2016 public hearing on the project website. It includes the compilation of comments received and responses to each from the project team, with the exception of noise and environmental topics--- they will be included in the final environmental document, which is expected to be completed later this summer.
WHERE ARE WE NOW? SCHEDULE UPDATE
The project team is currently working to obtain a design-build contractor. Once selected, the design-build team will finalize the design and construction of the improvements. This method is ideal to reduce costs and schedule for this major project.
Several minor design changes that will lessen impact on residential properties and utilities are being considered to reduce the project estimate so that it is balanced with the overall Route 7 budget. We will send more details soon as they become available.
A few highlights for the coming months:
In June, the Fairfax County Board will vote on approval of the project's design.
As procurement progresses, design teams will be given the opportunity to submit their qualifications based on specific criteria set by the team. The team is working to advertise the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) at the end of May (note this is about a month later than shown at the public hearing as the team is working through utility coordination).
Firms that qualify will then be allowed to submit proposals when the Request for Proposals (RFP) is advertised late this summer. The final contract is expected to be selected and awarded in early 2018.
This project will improve about seven miles of Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive, the last segment of this vital corridor with two lanes in each direction between Leesburg and Tysons Corner. The project will widen the road to three lanes in each direction to improve capacity, make major intersection and access improvements along the corridor, and provide new facilities for bicyclists and pedestrians.
