The canopy is almost complete at the McLean Station. Photo by Stephen Barna, Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project Stephen Barna/Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project
With construction completion of Phase 1 of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project anticipated in September, motorists and pedestrians are seeing an increase in project-related activities all along Leesburg Pike (Route 7) from the Dulles Toll Road to the overpass at Route 123.
Project construction crews are completing the paving of the traffic lanes closest to the median of the road and moving the three left lanes into their final configuration
The work on the sidewalk at McLean station has been taking place in hases and is being followed, also in phases, by the demolition and reconstruction work on what will become the permanent fourth lane and final curbsides along eastbound and westbound Route 7.
Also, preparations for the installation of the permanent traffic signals are taking place. Timing for the traffic signals will be based on the final four-lane configuration.
Meanwhile, other crews are installing the permanent sidewalks, planters and foundations for streetlights. Dominion Virginia Power will install the streetlight poles.
Once this work is done, landscaping will begin along the sides of the roads.
Schedules call for all of this work to be completed in June. Lane closures, pedestrian detours and temporary walkways will be in place while this work is being done.
Rail project officials have encouraged drivers, pedestrians and bikers to be very careful when walking or driving through these areas while all of this work is taking place.