Work starts on Justice Park sidewalk

Construction began this week on a sidewalk at Justice Park that residents say is unnecessary and a waste of money.

The $900,000 project consists of an 825-linear-foot concrete sidewalk, five feet wide, along the south side of Peace Valley Lane across the street from Justice High School. It is expected to be completed by the end of September.

Related story: FCDOT to proceed with Justice Park sidewalk despite community opposition

So far, workers contracted by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation have put up a fence and laid a line of gravel. Trees have not yet been taken down.

The project includes a new crosswalk at the Peace Valley Lane cul-de-sac.

The sidewalk was first proposed in 2018, but residents haven’t been updated and only learned about the project when a sign was posted last fall.

Residents say it’s no longer needed because a sidewalk was installed a couple of years ago on the other side of Peace Valley Lane. As a result, they say, the cost would be better spent on more urgent sidewalk projects elsewhere in Mason District.

Related story: County officials fail to address residents’ concerns with Justice Park sidewalk

Residents also expressed concern that the sidewalk would encroach on Justice Park, which is one of the few parks in the densely populated area, hasn’t been coordinated with a stream restoration project planned for Justice Park, and would damage native plantings installed by volunteers as part of an invasive management program.

And since the sidewalk won’t go all the way to Mansfield Road, Justice students will still need to walk in the street.

Members of the Board of Supervisors have refused to meet with residents to hear their concerns about what they call “the sidewalk to nowhere.”