Old Lee Highway Multimodal Improvements Project Update

Press release from the City of Fairfax:

12/16/2020 11:38 AM

In 2015, the City of Fairfax completed a conceptual plan for Old Lee Highway. Conceptual planning took about six months and included extensive public involvement. The result was a recommended concept for the corridor that includes separated bicycle lanes, upgraded pedestrian and transit amenities, and improved lighting, landscaping, and buffering.

The redesigned Old Lee Highway corridor will:

• Improve safety;
• Provide continuous multimodal connections from Old Town Fairfax to Fairfax Circle;
• Promote alternatives to driving for people accessing the library, community center, three schools, and commercial properties along the corridor; and
• Reduce impervious surface area by nearly an acre.

Current Phase

The project is now in the preliminary engineering phase, and plans are approximately 30 percent complete. City staff are developing an engineered plan that includes the recommended components from the conceptual planning process. Feedback from the community emphasized a desire for better pedestrian and bicycle amenities, and landscaping buffers. Care is being taken to minimize impacts to private property and trees.

When complete, Old Lee Highway will feature:

• Two-way, 10-foot bicycle track and a shared-use path on the north side of the road;
• Continuous five-foot sidewalk on the south side;
• Consolidated crossing locations with consistent signage;
• Reduced crossing widths on side streets;
• Upgraded bus stops and shelters throughout the project area; and
• Improved lighting, landscaping, and buffering.

Stakeholder Advisory Group

City staff members are working together with a stakeholder advisory group to refine the preliminary plans. The stakeholder advisory group is includes representatives from the Preserve at Great Oaks, Historic Blenheim, Great Oaks, Old Lee Hills, St. Leo’s. Fairfax HS, Country Club Hills, Daniels Run ES, Christian Science Church, Army Navy Country Club, City Council, Daniels Run Peace Church, City School Board, Farrcroft, and the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.

Major decisions agreed upon by City Council include:

• Maintaining existing travel lanes;
• Maintaining existing turning lane locations;
• Adding bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure; and
• Locating bicycle lanes on north side of roadway only.

Cost and Funding

The estimated project cost is $25.2 million. Funding sources include state revenue sharing ($10 million), regional Northern Virginia Transportation Authority funding ($13 million), and the city’s commercial and industrial tax ($2 million) – a fund dedicated to increasing transportation capacity. Construction is tentatively scheduled to start in spring 2023.

New FAQ

An FAQ is available on the project website.

This press release was produced by the City of Fairfax. The views expressed here are the author’s own.