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

Annandale is more than a zip code: Dan McKinnon reflects on his vision for creating a “sense of place”

Annandale booster Dan McKinnon, chair of the Annandale Central Business District Planning Committee, has done more than just about anybody to promote positive change for Annandale. His goal: to transform Annandale, an unincorporated suburban community in Fairfax County, into a “hometown” with “a sense of place.” The revitalization efforts are focusing on the commercial center … Continued

New details emerge on Beltway HOT lanes project

The HOT lanes project on the beltway is expected to be completed and operational by the end of 2012 or early in 2013. The project involves widening the 14-mile stretch of the beltway between the I-395 interchange and Old Dominion Road, with the middle lanes reserved for high-occupancy toll-paying vehicles, installing an electronic toll collection … Continued

Northern Virginia streetcar plans bypass Annandale

There are streetcar and other mass transit projects in the works all over Northern Virginia. Unfortunately, nothing is planned near Annandale. Alexandria and Arlington are moving forward with ambitious plans for streetcars. Fairfax County’s transit plans are focused on the Silver Line under construction, which will extend Metro from Tysons Corner to Dulles airport. Transportation chiefs from … Continued

Community meeting scheduled on Annandale redevelopment plan

The Fairfax County Office of Community Revitalization and Reinvestment is seeking community input on proposed changes to the comprehensive plan for the Annandale Community Business Center. Local residents are encouraged to attend a meeting Thursday, April 29, 7-9 p.m., at the Annandale High School auditorium. The proposed plan would transform Annandale into a pedestrian-friendly “urban … Continued

Braddock Road beltway exit closures planned

You might want to avoid the Braddock Road beltway exit this weekend, as there will be lane closures to accommodate the HOT lanes construction project. The Braddock Road eastbound exit ramp to I-495 south will be closed April 9, 9:30 p.m.-April 12, 5 a.m., to allow construction crews to relocate utilities. Police will direct traffic. … Continued

VDOT holds community meeting on HOT Lanes

The VDOT Megaprojects Office will host a briefing March 30 at 7 p.m. at Annandale High School on the HOT Lanes projects and the new Little River Turnpike bridge over the beltway. Construction of the eastbound bridge is almost complete. Once the new bridge opens, all traffic will be shifted to the new bridge, allowing … Continued

Bicyling advocates press for more trails

If you’re a bike rider, you should check out Fairfax Advocates for Better Biking (FABB). This group, founded in 2005 by 10 bicycle enthusiasts, pushes for more bike trails, bike racks, and better protection for bike riders; provides bike valet parking at community festivals; sponsors training courses for bikers; and helps produce bike trail maps. … Continued

Community groups can seek grants for projects near HOT lanes

Fluor and Transurban, the two companies working on the beltway High Occupancy Toll (HOT) Lanes Project, have announced a grant program to support nearby communities. The HOT lanes will extend from the Springfield interchange to just north of the Dulles Toll Road. Communities and organizations can apply for grants ranging from $250 to $5,000 for projects … Continued

Contact VDOT for snow plowing

Is your street still unplowed? The Virginia Department of Transportation, 703/838-8368, is responsible for nearly all road plowing. Property owners or homeowner associations are responsibly for private roads (which are not identified with a route number sign at intersections).Visit the winter weather preparedness section on the Fairfax County website for more information on snow removal … Continued

Broyhill Crest residents propose ‘traffic calming’ measures for Wayne Drive

Thanks to all the speeders tearing up and down Wayne Road (pictured), some residents of the Broyhill Crest neighborhood are asking the county to install speed humps. Other main access roads to the neighborhood from Gallows Road—Oliver Avenue and Valleycrest Boulevard—could be affected, too. The Broyhill Crest Community Association (BCCA) has approved a request by … Continued