Major Reston Bridge Project Planned

RESTON, VA -- The Virginia Department of Transportation will be hosting a meeting next week to discuss plans to replace the one-lane Hunter Mill Road (Route 674) bridge over Colvin Run with a two-lane bridge in order to cut down on congestion and improve safety.

The bridge currently carries about 7,2000 vehicles each day and vehicles must be under 19 tons to cross it, according to a statement from VDOT.

With traffic expected to increase to 11,000 vehicles per day by 2043 -- or 28 times the standard limit for a one-lane bridge -- authorities believe it is time to replace it with a larger bridge.

According to VDOT, the planned improvements would include:

• Widening the bridge to allow one lane in each direction and four-foot-wide shoulders
• New concrete bridge deck and abutments
• Upgraded bridge railings
• Eliminating vehicle weight restrictions
• Repaving the road just north and south of the bridge
• Aesthetic treatment of the bridge walls to blend with the surrounding area and maintain the historic character of Hunter Mill Road

State and federal "State of Good Repair" funds will be used to finance the project.

The public meeting will be held at Forest Edge Elementary School at 1501 Becontree Lane in Reston between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. on Monday, April 16.

Visit the project's VDOT page to learn more.

Image via VDOT