Major Milestones on Telegraph Road

Two months prior to the project’s final completion, the Virginia Department of Transportation has opened major improvements along Telegraph Road in Alexandria, according to VDOT.

Drivers on Telegraph now have two lanes in each direction between South Van Dorn Street and South Kings Highway, as well as the following new turn lanes to relieve backups accessing I-495 via South Van Dorn and the bottleneck south of the intersections:

· Right-turn lane from northbound Telegraph Road to South Kings Highway

· Right-turn lane from southbound Telegraph Road to South Van Dorn Street

· Dual left-turn lanes from South Kings Highway to southbound Telegraph Road

· Dual left-turn lanes from South Van Dorn Street to northbound Telegraph Road

While the new lanes were finished ahead of schedule, major work remains and drivers can expect off-peak lane closures to continue through October as crews complete sidewalks, shared-use paths, pavement markings, medians and other improvements. The new lanes will remain open for rush hours.

The final project will also include replacement and widening of the existing culvert carrying Dogue Creek under the road, and improving the Huntley Meadows Park entrance and parking lot on South Kings Highway to provide safer access.

Shirley Contracting Company is completing the $11 million project. For additional details: http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/telegraph_road_improvements.asp.

PHOTO: South Kings Highway and Telegraph Road; photo courtesy of VDOT