South Washington Street Multimodal Improvements

Project Status: Construction in progress

December 2022

  • Contractor has received a Certificate of Substantial
  • Awaiting installation of additional benches, trash cans and bollards to finish project
  • Completion of project is schedule for January 31, 2023

August 2021

  • Placed concrete for brick pavers (sidewalk). 
  • Relocated fire hydrant. 
  • Installed conduits for traffic signals. 

July 2021

  • Installed street light pole foundations. 
  • Installed storm pipe and stormwater infrastructure. 
  • Excavated for tree planters and placed planting soil. 

June 2021

  • Removed existing traffic signal poles; temporary signals installed. 
  • Installed brick pavers on West Bound S Washington St. 
  • Demolished existing asphalt, sidewalk, curb, and gutter. 

March 2021

  • Began concrete placement for brick pavers. 
  • Demolished existing driveways and sidewalks. 
  • Placed concrete for new driveways, ADA ramps, and curb/gutter. 

Winter 2020/2021

  • Began storm pipe and storm structure (e.g. manholes) installation.
  • Demolished existing sidewalks and combination curb/gutters. 
  • Began conduit installation for irrigation system. 
  • Installed new curb and gutter on west side of S Washington Street.
  • Installation underway of new electrical conduit for street lights and signal.

September 2020

The City began construction to upgrade South Washington Street and Hillwood Avenue, and provide needed improvements to the intersection of those two streets.

A contract has been awarded to Fort Myer Construction and work is expected to take about one year.

The project includes many elements designed to improve safety and pedestrian accessibility, including – wider sidewalks on both streets, re-design of the intersection at South Washington and Hillwood, new crosswalks with ADA compliant ramps and push button pedestrian signals, new traffic signals, street lights, street trees and benches and a new Intermodal Transit plaza with bus shelters, bike racks and artistic features.

About the Project

In a 2008 study (PDF, 31 pages), funded by a grant from the Council of Governments (COG), the need and viability for transportation improvements along the S Washington St. corridor were assessed.

The goals of this study were to:

  • Encourage multi-modal transportation options
  • Create a more walkable corridor
  • Connect the area to City Center, N Washington St, and the East Falls Church Metro Station

The study concluded that there were definite needs for improvement along this corridor. Working in conjunction with VDOT and Fairfax County, City staff have generated a comprehensive plan to address the additional deficiencies. Input garnered at community meetings held earlier in 2013 was taken into consideration, and the current plan reflects that feedback.

The following streetscape improvements are planned:

  • Transit plaza at Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St. which will include bus shelters, benches, and bike racks.
  • Intersection changes at Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St. including new traffic signals, pedestrian push buttons, intersection geometric changes, and removal of the "free right" turn lane from north bound S Washington St. to Hillwood Ave. 
  • Crosswalks at the Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St. intersection.
  • Improved streetscapes along both sides of S. Washington St. from Annandale Rd. to Tinner Hill St. , including brick pavers, street lighting, trees, and ADA compliant curb ramps. 
  • Interpretive signage and paving.
  • Landscaping and rain gardens. 

Presentation and Concept Drawings (PDF, 18 pages)

History Panels

One of the unique aspects of this project was the creation and installation of the history panels. They tell the transportation story of the City of Falls Church (and area and town preceding "city" status). Read the full PDF of the panel text here (PDF, 8 pages).

History Panel

Funding 

A total of $2.7 million in federal and state funds were designated for an Intermodal Transit Plaza, whose construction is bound by federal milestone dates.

This multimodal project is funded through a combination of grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and Six-Year Improvement Program/Urban funds.  

Public Outreach

December 2015

March 2015: Stakeholder Meeting

February 2015: Stakeholder Meeting

May 2014: Traffic Analysis

October 2013: Adopted S. Washington Street Area Plan

May 2013: City Council Meeting

May 2013: Public Meeting

January 2013: Public Meeting

More Information

Any questions related to this project, please contact Susan Long at 571-651-0133 or slong@fallschurchva.gov.