Issue 8 | January 2020
Along about seven miles of Route 7, we're adding a third lane and shared-use paths in each direction, building a pedestrian underpass to access Colvin Run Mill Park , replacing and raising the bridge over Difficult Run, and making many intersection, bicycle and pedestrian improvements. Learn more.
Construction and Design Updates
In December, crews continued construction activities along the corridor, including:

  • Completing pavement demolition between Reston Parkway and Baron Cameron Avenue
  • Placing roadway fill between Reston Avenue and Utterback Store Road  
  • Earth-moving operations between Utterback Store Road and Bishopsgate Way  
  • Clearing tree and brush and installing erosion and sediment controls within the VDOT right-of-way between Reston Avenue and Bishopsgate Way  
  • Installing storm sewer between Reston Avenue and Markell Court  
  • Placing traffic barrier along the Route 7 median between Baron Cameron Avenue and Delta Glen Court  
  • Removing the raised median at the Difficult Run bridge
  • Removing topsoil between Baron Cameron Avenue and Delta Glen Drive  
  • Strengthening the right shoulder of eastbound Route 7 between Lewinsville Road and Jarrett Valley Drive.

Design work continues for lighting and landscaping and the electrical and intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Third-party utility design is also ongoing.
Hydro excavation locates and exposes utilities near Utterback Store Road.

Crews began removal of the raised concrete median at the Difficult Run bridge in December.
Click here to learn more on the design and construction schedule, environmental efforts, right of way and other project details.
What is Hydro Excavation?

With more than 20 different utilities along the Route 7 corridor, locating and exposing utilities to prevent damage are critical elements of the work plan for all project construction activities. Hydro excavation uses a controlled flow of pressurized water to remove the soil around underground utilities. Route 7 crews use this non-destructive method to accurately identify the type, depth, and location of utilities within and near the work areas.

A hand-held wand washes away fill material with pressurized water, and a vacuum hose transfers the debris to a holding tank. This method minimizes soil disturbance, provides a cleaner excavation site, reduces the environmental impact of excavation, and safeguards against damaging underground pipes and cables.
Hydro excavation safely exposes a communications utility.

Did You Know?
You can check out photos, project progress and lane closures planned at connectroute7.org . Click N ews & Updates.

Lane closures for the following week are posted each Friday.
Sign Up for Traffic Alerts on Virginia 511
Don't forget you can get the latest on work zones, accidents and other incidents by visiting 511virginia.org, using the Virginia 511 app, or by calling 511 from any phone in Virginia. Visit the site or app to create and configure your account for alerts.

You can also check out updates for major incidents @511northernvirginia on Twitter.
Questions?
Call: 833-777-7411