Design approved for Route 7 sidewalk

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Sept. 15 endorsed VDOT’s design for a sidewalk along the north side of Leesburg Pike in Bailey’s Crossroads between Magnolia Avenue and the Hunan Plaza in Glen Forest Plaza.

The project will improve pedestrian safety along a roadway that has been called one of the most hazardous in the county.

Related story: Leesburg Pike unsafe for pedestrians

The sidewalk would extend for 500 linear feet and would be five feet wide. A four-foot buffer would separate the sidewalk from the curb and gutter.

Travel lanes along Route 7 would remain 11 feet wide. The two-way left turn lane will be reduced to 12 feet.

The project also includes accessible, ADA-compliant curb ramps at Magnolia Avenue, the Shell gas station, the Liberty gas station, and the entrance to the shopping center.

Construction is anticipated to start in early 2029. The project cost, $2.9 million, has been funded.