Streetscape Improvements Underway, Prompting Lane Closures In Vienna

VIENNA, VA — Vienna's commercial corridors are getting a facelift with a streetscape project requiring lane closures into November.

The streetscape project approved by Vienna Town Council will add 81 landscape planters on both sides of Maple Avenue and 46 planters. The streetscape will showcase a variety of shrubs, ornamental grasses, perennials and annuals. Maple Avenue's understory plantings will be replaced, while Church Street's existing plantings will remain with additional plantings.

Some trees in poor or declining condition will be removed during the project to "improve the health of remaining street trees, reduce root competition, and increase sunlight exposure to foster optimal plant conditions," according to the town. Some trees will be replaced, while others will be planted in other locations to make up for the lost trees.

The work is being done by town contractor LSG Landscape with Merrifield Garden Center. The town anticipates the plantings will result in the first blooms in spring 2024.

Prep work and planting will result in lane closures on Maple Avenue. No closures are planned on Church Street.

"The plan calls for 81 landscape planters on both sides of Maple Avenue and 46 planters on both sides of Church Street to be transformed into a welcoming, vibrant display of seasonal color from spring to fall," said Parks and Recreation Director Leslie Herman in a statement. "While some work will take place during daytime hours, much of the initial work to remove tired or declining plants and prepare the planters for their new look will take place from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. to help mitigate the impact of lane closures on residents and commuters."

Work begin last Thursday on the eastbound side of Maple Avenue from Courthouse Road SW to East Street, NE. Work on the westbound side continues Monday, which will close one lane of traffic.

In addition, lane closures will happen on weeknights from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. through Nov. 17. One lane of Maple Avenue will be closed during the work. Lane closures will be paused for the Vienna Halloween Parade, which will close Maple Avenue on Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 7 p.m.