Utility Undergrounding & Streetscape Improvements

Construction Update

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 South 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)

Phase 1: Utility Undergrounding

As of January 2011, construction crews have installed new water, sanitary sewer and gas utility lines in the middle of the road. Work on undergrounding overhead telephone, electric and cable TV lines has been delayed. Project staff discovered a previously unknown concrete duct that conflicted with existing underground utilities. The issue has been resolved by a coordinated redesign with Dominion Virginia Power and Verizon.

Arlington is securing a contractor for construction of the remaining utility undergrounding and street improvement work between S. Wakefield Street to Four Mile Run. The County Board is expected to review the contract in May, and if approved, construction will start again this summer. The utility work, once resumed, will last about 15 months.

Streetscape Improvements Concept Plan from S. Wakefield Street to Four Mile Run.

Phase 2: Streetscape Improvements

The Streetscape Improvements Concept Plan includes the following enhancements and amenities, and are expected to begin from S. Wakefield Street to Four Mile Run after the utility undergrounding work is complete:

Wider sidewalks
New lighting
Street trees
Bus shelters

Phase 3: Pavement Repairs

The County is currently monitoring the roadway along Columbia Pike to assure safe road conditions. The excessive heat and rain during the summer combined with construction and bus traffic have taken a toll on the Pike. Over the next few weeks crews will be accessing trouble spots, patching and making improvements.

Upon completion of the street improvement phase, Columbia Pike from S. Wakefield Street to Four Mile Run will be milled and repaved.