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VDOT's comments on the Tysons 527 TIA did, indeed, have an impact on Fairfax County's transportation planning. But what actually happened is laid out in my prior response to AWalkerInTheCity's comments and questions. John Foust, Barbara Comstock, Janet Howell and Frank Wolf's support of the Great Falls Citizens Association's desire for an alternative to the two left turn lanes on Route 7 and the support given by other associations to support the GFCA was what jump-started the project. There is strong support for widening Route 7 and expanding transit to avoid cut-through traffic. One of the biggest complaints in northern Fairfax County is cut-through traffic.

I believe that elected officials see widening Route 7 as taking some pressure off the DTR and the need to widen it by as many as three-to-five lanes to handle urban growth at Tysons. I've heard representatives of Tysons residents state they support widening Route 7 west of Tysons to take traffic out from Tysons more quickly. I am sure that their views are not unanimous. But the speakers have the seats on the various community boards and committees.

Until WMATA makes public the number of Silver Line trains, I'm withholding judgment on the relief rail will bring. But I do know FC DOT has made great progress on their three consolidated TIAs and is telling the public that there will likely need to be more road improvements to handle the urban growth than is contained in the famous Table 7. There will need to be more left and right turn lanes, some additional right-of-ways for widened roads, and a superstreet on Route 123. The county is also looking at a number of intersections outside Tysons, e.g., Lewinsville-Great Falls-123. That one will probably need an underpass and a diamond interchange.

by tmtfairfax on Jun 25, 2012 6:34 pm • link • report