Covering Annandale, Bailey's Crossroads, Lincolnia, and Seven Corners in Fairfax County, Virginia

Mason District needs better pedestrian and bicycle connections

Old Columbia Pike could use a walkway. Mason District doesn’t have enough safe, connected bicycling routes or pedestrian pathways, which makes it hard to get around without driving. That’s the key message local residents brought to a meeting on the ActiveFairfax transportation initiative April 8 hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT).

Traffic signal improvements set for Columbia Pike

Columbia Pike as seen from Maple Court. Construction is expected to start this month on two traffic signal upgrades aimed at improving safety on Columbia Pike: at John Marr Drive/Chatelain Road in Annandale and at Lacy Boulevard/Maple Court in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Virginia Department of Transportation will install at each intersection two twin signal poles with mast arms, … Continued

Community meeting will address Backlick Road improvements

The main north-south road is Backlick Road. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation invites the public to an online meeting Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., on the Backlick Road Spot Improvements Project. The project is aimed at relieving congestion and improving safety at the intersection at Backlick Road and Industrial Road in Mason District … Continued

Residents urged to comment on potential Route 50 improvements

Eastbound Route 50 approaching Allen Street. [VDOT] The Virginia Department of Transportation is considering a long list of alternatives to improve traffic and pedestrian safety along Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) between Jaguar Trail and Wilson Boulevard in the Falls Church area. This study is being conducted through VDOT’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) program. … Continued

Fire department hosts virtual events during Fire Prevention Week

Due to the need to maintain safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairfax County fire stations are not inviting the community to open house events this fall.  Instead, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is hosting interactive, virtual events every day during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-10. This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety … Continued

Public comment sought on pedestrian signal at dangerous Annandale intersection

The Conwell Drive intersection at Little River Turnpike.  Representatives from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will be at a tent at the corner of Little River Turnpike and Conwell Drive in Annandale tomorrow and Monday seeking public feedback on a proposed HAWK signal for improving pedestrian safety. Residents are invited to drop by and discuss … Continued

Fairfax County seeks input on new pedestrian signal for Little River Turnpike in Annandale

A HAWK signal is planned for this crosswalk on Little River Turnpike at Conwell Drive. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation seeks feedback from the community on a HAWK signal planned for Little River Turnpike at the Conwell Drive intersection in Annandale.  The HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) is aimed at improving pedestrian safety, especially as … Continued

Southern Towers tenants call for rent strike

Southern Towers Residents of the Southern Towers apartment complex in Alexandria’s West End are organizing a rent strike. According to a story published by WAMU, many tenants have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and can’t afford rent and are also concerned about unsanitary conditions in the building’s common areas. A petition circulated … Continued

Health officials working to contain spread of coronavirus, identify people at risk

Health and government officials speak at a March 8 briefing on coronavirus. From the left: Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Avensu, Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay.  Two people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (officially known as COVID-19) in Virginia, but, “at this … Continued

Pedestrian fatalities most likely to involve seniors

“Walking seniors are dying in record numbers on Virginia’s roads,” reports AAA Mid-Atlantic. Statewide, there were 37 fatalities involving pedestrians age 65 or older in 2019, compared to 19 in 2018. Fairfax County had 16 pedestrian deaths in 2019, including six people age 65 or older, the most of any jurisdiction in Virginia. There were … Continued

Residents urge officials to curb speeding and ban trucks on Backlick Road

An accident on Backlick Road and Jayhawk Street on Jan. 6. [Aaron Kelley] Two serious accidents that occurred within 10 minutes of one another at about 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 6 highlight the safety concerns on Backlick Road in Annandale. A witness, Aaron Kelley, saw people holding infants as they got out of their wrecked … Continued

Christmas trees will be picked up in January

If your live Christmas tree has dried out, it’s time to dispose of it to avoid a fire hazard, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department warns.  Christmas tree fires aren’t that common, but when they do occur, they are more likely to be serious, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Dried out trees … Continued