Construction on the multimodal improvements project has begun. Contractors are approved to work 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Motorists should expect single-lane closures to allow for excavation and concrete work. All work is weather dependent.

What to Expect

• Wesbound Blenheim Boulevard will be closed Aug. 5-6 for tree removal. The eastbound lane will be closed Aug. 6-7.
• The westbound lane is expected to be closed most of the week of Aug. 10 for trenching work and duct bank construction under the roadway. 
• Workers will install erosion and sediment control fencing. This black fabric prevents loose dirt from washing into the stormwater inlets and creeks.
• Pedestrian detours and traffic management in the right-of-way will occur intermittently. Please slow down and mind the flaggers.
• Single-lane closures will be in effect in both directions, with flagging operations used to maintain alternating traffic through the work zone. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes.

To receive updates about the project, text BBLVD to 844-543-4554. View this StoryMap to learn about the different projects planned along Blenheim Boulevard. 

In April the city began installing hi-vis backplates to traffic signal faces in 36 locations to improve their visibility. Installation is 50% complete. The backplates provide enhanced signal visibility by introducing retroreflective material that contrasts against the dark backplate. This helps motorists distinguish the signal face assembly from background lighting, signs, and other visual distractions.

The new backplates also improve signal face recognition during power outages and times of limited visibility (e.g. night, fog, heavy precipitation). Finally, the hi-vis backplates draw attention to an intersection after a long roadway section without signals.

City crews install the backplates mostly on weekends and at night. Traffic disruptions have been minimized. The total cost for the project is approximately $100,000 and is fully funded by VDOT's Virginia Highway Safety Improvement Program. (Image courtesy of Federal Highway Administration.)

Government Center Parkway is open to traffic. The city will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 10, to celebrate the completion of the Government Center Parkway Extension Project.

Funded by the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, the project provides a new east-west roadway connection between Fairfax County and Fairfax City. The project also includes sidewalks, crosswalks, on-road bike lanes, lighting, and landscaping.

The ceremony will take place near the intersection of Jermantown Road and Government Center Parkway. Attendees will meet in the grassy area located in the northeastern corner of the Lowe’s parking lot.

Farr Avenue and Northfax Street are open to traffic. The city will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 24, to celebrate the completion of the new road network in Northfax West. The ceremony will be held on Farr Avenue between BrightView and the Safford Mazda building.

This project was a partnership between the city, Virginia Department of Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and adjacent property owners, and is an important new connection between Chain Bridge Road and Fairfax Boulevard. 

The city is starting a roadway safety evaluation of Pickett Road between Main Street and Route 50. A community meeting will be held 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at Historic Blenheim. Input received from attendees will directly inform the safety audit.

The city is receiving technical assistance from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments to conduct a Roadway Safety Audit of Pickett Road.

If you plan to ride your bicycle to the 50^th Annual Fall Festival on Oct. 10, Bike Valet will provide secure parking at no charge to you. Biking to the festival is a great way to avoid traffic and parking.