VDOT To Host 'Pardon Our Dust' Meeting for Route 1 Utility Project

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a “pardon our dust” meeting Monday on a project to construct a ductbank that will carry new underground utility lines along Route 1 between Mary’s Way and Annapolis Way. Meet the project team to learn more about construction and traffic impacts expected to begin this month.

The public can stop by between 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 9, at O.W.L. (Occoquan-Woodbridge-Lorton) Volunteer Fire Department-Station 2 (previously known as Botts Fire Hall), 1306 F Street in Woodbridge. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

These utility lines are being placed underground in advance of the Route 1/123 Interchange project. The first phase of road construction would widen Route 1 and make improvements to Occoquan Road, and it is anticipated to begin in early 2016.

When additional funding is identified, the second phase would construct additional Route 123 improvements and the proposed interchange.

• Raised grass medians on Route 1
• A new Route 1 bridge at Marumsco Creek
• A ten-foot shared-use path and 6-foot sidewalk on Route 1
• Enhanced access to the Woodbridge VRE/Amtrak Station for vehicles, bicycles and pedestrians

The cost of the underground utilities ductbank is about $12 million; the cost estimate for the overall Route 1/123 Interchange project is $259 million.