The Arlington County Board approved contracts on June 18 for two projects, one to restore the lower section of the Four Mile Run stream and another to upgrade the storm sewer and install new water mains and four facilities to filter stormwater runoff in north Arlington.
The board approved a $3.5 million contract to restore the lower section of the Four Mile Run stream. This will implement the first phase of the Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan, approved in 2006. The project will naturalize the stream bank and construct living shoreline features along Four Mile Run between Mount Vernon Avenue and Route 1. The living shorelines is intended to reduce erosion along the bank, improve water quality by capturing sediment and utilizing nutrients, and provide habitat for fish and waterfowl. The stone riprap that currently covers the stream banks will be replaced with native plants.
In addition, the asphalt trail adjacent to the project will be rebuilt.
The project is expected to begin in late summer and last about one year. Several Four Mile Run trail detours will be in place throughout much of the construction. The public will be notified in advance through many channels, and there will be signs on the trail.
In a separate action, the Board approved a $3.5 million contract to upgrade the storm sewer, install new water mains and four green street “bioretention” facilities to filter stormwater runoff for West Little Pimmit Run. The project is located at Nottingham Street and John Marshall Drive, and North Kensington Street along 33rd Street North. Approximately 1,500 feet of existing 48-inch storm sewer pipes will be upgraded to 54- or 60-inch pipes.