Issue 22 | March 2021
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 February, crews continued construction activities along the corridor:


Area 1 West: Reston Avenue to Baron Cameron Avenue:

  • Continued noise barrier construction between Reston Avenue and Utterback Store Road.
  • Began construction of the retaining wall west of Utterback Store Road along westbound Route 7.
  • Storm sewer installation and earth-moving activities continued between Reston Avenue and Baron Cameron Avenue.

Area 1 East: Baron Cameron Avenue to Carpers Farm Way:

  • Started installation of the 54" water main relocation between Colvin Forest Drive and Carpers Farm Way.


  • Stage 2 construction pending right-of-way acquisition.


  • Continued the installation of the articulated block lining in the new Colvin Run channel.
  • Resumed excavation for the pedestrian tunnel under Route 7. 
  • Commenced installation of the east half of the box culvert under Carpers Farm Way.
  • Finished placement of four elliptical storm sewer pipes at the east end of Colvin Run.


  • Water main relocation work between Beulah Road and Towlston Road was ongoing.
  • Removed the existing asphalt of the old eastbound Route 7 lanes between Lewinsville Road and Jarrett Valley Drive.
  • Reestablished direct access between eastbound Route 7 and Old Ash Grove.

Design work continues for landscaping. Third-party utility design and relocation activities are also ongoing.  

Click here to learn more on the design and construction schedule, environmental efforts, right of way, noise walls and other project details.

The triple box culvert will carry Colvin Run beneath Carpers Farm Way.
Four elliptical storm sewer pipes are installed at the confluence of Colvin Run and Difficult Run.
Upcoming Work
Diversion of Colvin Run to the new stream channel between Carpers Farm Way and the Difficult Run bridge is scheduled for late March, weather permitting. The new stream channel is intended to reduce flooding and erosion in this area.

Construction activities along Route 7 will be ongoing through the spring months, and additional traffic changes will occur. Please see the project website for information on upcoming lane shifts and other roadway impacts.
In Case You Missed It
As a reminder, please refrain from walking through work areas with equipment, materials and ongoing construction activities. If you have questions regarding work areas, please contact us at connectroute7@vdot.virginia.gov or 833-777-7411.

Click here for the latest updates on the Washington Gas work that is ongoing along Route 7. For more information on the Washington Gas work, please contact Jeff Hicks, jhicks@washgas.com.
Thanks for Giving Our Crews S P A C E

Our crews are continuing to practice social distancing. If you have questions or concerns about the construction, please give them the space they need to work, and call or email us instead of approaching the work site.

833-777-7411

Need to Know More?
You can check out photos and project progress on our website at connectroute7.org. Click News & Updates.

Planned 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