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, high-visibility
backplates for all signal heads, and new flashing yellow arrow signals for
protected-permissive left turns. 

The flashing yellow arrow allows drivers to make a
left turn when there is no oncoming traffic instead of having to wait for a
green light. 

The project also includes ADA-compliant curb
ramps, high visibility crosswalks, and audible pedestrian signals at all four
approaches at the intersections. 

The work will be done Monday through Friday, 9:30
a.m.-3 p.m. Travel lanes will be open through the intersections during
construction unless VDOT authorizes a temporary closure. Both intersection
projects are expected to be completed this fall.

Traffic at the Annandale intersection averages 27,000 vehicles a day on Columbia Pike and 10,000 a day on John Marr Drive. The Bailey’s Crossroads intersection averages 33,000 vehicles a day on Columbia Pike and 5,000 a day on Lacy Boulevard.  

The improvements at John Marr Drive cost $925,000, including $100,000 for preliminary engineering, $100,000 for right of way acquisition and utility relocation, and $725,000 for construction. The project at Lacy Boulevard costs $626,000. Funding for both projects comes from the Highway Safety Improvement Program.