Construction Updates
(Updated May 7, 2013)
Arlington Mill Community Center: May 2013
Construction work continues on the Community Center Plaza. The building interior and exterior finishes, including flooring and painting, are well underway. Construction of the residential building is progressing on schedule, with the wood structure reaching the top floor and exterior masonry work underway. The new center is slated for completion in summer 2013, and the residences in winter of 2013. (Updated May 7, 2013) Learn more about Arlington Mill Community Center.
Columbia Pike Undergrounding & Streetscape Improvements: May 2013
Construction continues for the Utility Undergrounding and Streetscape Improvements project, located between S. Wakefield Street and S. Four Mile Run Drive. The County’s contractor performed trench restoration along this segment of roadway. County staff and the contractor will continue to monitor the roadway pavement for needed repairs.
Realignment of S. Four Mile Run Minor is underway. This project will allow the County’s contractor to perform final construction of the utility undergrounding duct system. This is a construction method designed to consolidate wiring into centralized underground paths. Once the duct system is completed, Dominion Virginia Power, Verizon and Comcast representatives will begin pulling lines and making the necessary connections to allow for the removal of the existing utility poles along this segment of the Pike.
Street work has started at the northeast corner of Columbia Pike and S. Buchanan Street with the construction of a retaining wall along the frontage of the property at 4707 Columbia Pike. The street improvement phase of this project includes: installation of curb and gutter, storm drains, wider sidewalks, street trees, and street lights, and is expected to run concurrently with the utility wiring. Construction for the street improvements will require lane closures with at least one westbound and one eastbound lane open at all times. Crews may perform some of this work during evening hours to minimize the impact to businesses and motorists. Residents can expect some construction noise associated with this work. The County appreciates your patience during this time! Businesses located along Columbia Pike remain open during construction and owners greatly appreciate the community’s continuous support. Completion of this project is scheduled for fall/winter 2013. (Updated May 2, 2013) Learn more about Undergrounding & Streetscape Improvements.
Columbia Pike Water Main Replacement S. Wakefield Street to S. Taylor Street
The replacement of an 80 year old, 8-inch water main along Columbia Pike from S. Wakefield Street to just beyond S. Taylor Street is expected to be completed the week of May 13-17, with pavement restoration to follow pending any unexpected weather delays. The main has failed several times over the past year resulting in emergency repairs and traffic disruptions.
Contractor crews will begin work in the center of Columbia Pike from S. Wakefield Street to just beyond S. Taylor Street. At least one lane of traffic in each direction will remain open during the project. The hours of operation for this project will be 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday – Friday. Please note that the main replacement could potentially be delayed, pending any water emergencies requiring immediate attention.
The water main replacement project is part of Arlington County’s ongoing maintenance program and efforts to renew its aging infrastructure. Additionally, the newer main will be relocated to avoid any potential conflicts with the future streetcar development.
If you have questions regarding this project, please contact Marlee Franzen at 703-228-6495. (Updated May 7, 2013)
Bike Boulevards: April 2013
To provide safe and convenient bike routes along the Pike, Arlington County will create two bike boulevards parallel to Columbia Pike on low-volume and low-speed (25 MPH) streets. Work will begin with placing street markings and signs on the 9th Street S. and 12th Street S. side of the bike boulevards. Street marking placement will begin later this spring.
Sign and street marking placement is slated for completion this summer. Staff has started to design curbs, medians, ADA compliant ramps and sidewalk re-alignments. Following this design phase, the project team will meet with the community to discuss these new features and the HAWK (High-intensity Activated crossWalK)-related left turn restrictions. Staff is exploring options for testing the HAWK turn restrictions and researching any implications of leaving out the restrictions. (Updated April 12, 2013) Learn more about Bike Boulevards.
Super Stops: March 2013
Read Latest Super Stop Update from Arlington County Manager Barbara Donnellan (March 29, 2013) >>
The first of 24 planned Columbia Pike Super Stops has opened at Walter Reed East. The County is currently reassessing the design and timing of the roll out of its planned Columbia Pike Super Stops in the wake of public concern about the recently opened Walter Reed Super Stop. (Updated March 29, 2013) Learn more about Super Stops.
Ongoing Lane Closures Washington Boulevard at Columbia Pike
During the project, drivers can expect single lane closures daily on Washington Boulevard in both directions from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Drivers can also expect periodic traffic shifts. Up to five weekend closures per year of Columbia Pike are expected for work such as bridge demolition and erection of high beams. These closures will begin after rush hour Friday evening and reopen by rush hour on Monday morning. Traffic will be rerouted between S. Quinn Street and S. Orme Street around the north side of the intersection. Message signs will notify motorists of these closures in advance.
Penrose Square: November 2012
Penrose Square Phase 1 was completed in November 2012. Learn more about Penrose Square.
Variable Message Signs
To provide real-time traffic information and emergency messages, Arlington is installing eight Variable Message Signs, including four on Arlington Boulevard, two on Columbia Pike, and two on Lee Highway. The signs will be installed in phases with the two on Arlington Boulevard at Fillmore Street and Pershing Drive going live this spring. All signs will be installed and online by mid-2013. Learn more about Variable Message Signs.
