Issue 1 | December 2018
Introducing the Design-Build Team
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has selected the design-build team of Shirley Contracting Company, LLC and Dewberry to provide engineering services for the project, which includes widening almost seven miles of Route 7 from four to six lanes between Jarrett Valley Drive and Reston Avenue, adding shared-use paths, and making substantial intersection improvements along the corridor.

Crews have already begun some preliminary soil and utility tests along the corridor in preparation for final design work which will continue through the fall and winter months.

During the first half of 2019, we'll announce public information meetings to share specific design information, and as the team moves toward construction in the second half of 2019, "Pardon Our Dust" meetings will include details of upcoming work phases and schedules. Meeting dates and times will be posted on the project website .
What's Happening Now: Geotechnical Testing
You may have seen the equipment along Route 7 recently and wondered what it was—drill rigs similar to the one here are used to bore small-diameter holes in the ground to determine soil conditions and drainage properties, evaluate the stability of natural slopes, measure the depth of the bedrock beneath the soil and more. Project engineers will use this information to design the foundations, earthwork, structures and pavement subgrade accordingly.

Drivers can expect lane closures in each direction on Route 7 while crews work through the fall and winter to complete the geotechnical testing.

Our first priority is safety, both for road crews and drivers. Learn more about how you can help us all by driving safely near work areas.
Sign Up for Virginia 511 Route 7 Traffic Alerts
Did you know that you can receive traffic alerts about work zones, accidents and other incidents via text message and email? Visit 511virginia.org , then:

  • Click on My 511 on the left side of the orange menu bar near the top of the page. 
  • Select Log in, or create an account to customize.
  • Follow the system prompts to log in if you already have a Virginia 511 account, or follow the instructions to create one.
  • Once you are logged in, click on My 511, then Set Up Alerts and follow the instructions to customize your text and email alerts.

Anticipated lane closures and other traffic pattern changes associated with the Route 7 Corridor Improvements Project will also be posted each week on the project web site .

Find the latest information on travel conditions and work zones by visiting 511virginia.org or downloading the Virginia 511 app.
Questions?