Van Buren Bridge/W&OD Work in Falls Church, Oct-March

[Henry]

Detours coming to Van Buren Street in East Falls Church neighborhood, potentially as soon as Oct. 2 and lasting until March 2018. Construction technically in City of Falls Church.

Will affect thru-riders on W&OD.

Project Page: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1568/Van-Buren-Bridge

Text of official letter to nearby residents:

September 14, 2017

Subject: VAN BUREN BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION

Dear Resident:

The City of Falls Church Department of Public Works will begin the replacement of Van Buren Bridge in the first week of October 2017. Our current construction schedule has access across the bridge shut down starting October 16th, 2017. Given the large scope of the project we anticipate the bridge will be closed till the end of March 2018. This closure is required as the entire bridge will be removed and rebuilt. Marked detours will be set up, routing vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle traffic around the work zone.

Construction will typically occur on weekdays from 7 A.M. to 5 P.M. and may include some weekend work, dependent on weather impacts. As with most construction projects, nearby residents can expect inconveniences such as noise, dust, and construction traffic.

Residents will have access to driveways and entrances during this time period.

More information on this project, as well as project updates, are available at the City’s project website: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1568/Van-Buren-Bridge

If you have concerns or questions at any time please call James Mak at 703-248-5105 or via email at jmak@fallschurchva,gov. In the event of an emergency outside of business hours please call the City of Falls Church Police non-emergency line at 703-241-5053 (TTY 711).

Sincerely,

James Mak
CIP Engineering Manager
Department of Public Works
City of Falls Church

[Steve O]

What exactly is the point of a 12-foot wide sidewalk across a bridge that connects to 5-foot wide sidewalks on both ends?

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[mstone]

@Steve O 165635 wrote:

What exactly is the point of a 12-foot wide sidewalk across a bridge that connects to 5-foot wide sidewalks on both ends?

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stop the war on peds!

[chris_s]

@Steve O 165635 wrote:

What exactly is the point of a 12-foot wide sidewalk across a bridge that connects to 5-foot wide sidewalks on both ends?

Planning ahead?

[dkel]

@Steve O 165635 wrote:

What exactly is the point of a 12-foot wide sidewalk across a bridge that connects to 5-foot wide sidewalks on both ends?

My guess is that the narrowing of the street is for traffic-calming at the crossing. The wide sidewalk also gives more room to people coming out of Benjamin Banneker before they have to enter the traffic lane, and better sight-lines as they do. Probably.

[Erin Potter]

Hi folks,

Gentle reminder to please take the signed detour around this construction. It sounds like it’s been poorly marked (IE: is that sign a detour for cars? bikes? people walking? all?), but when you’re headed east towards Arlington, please take a right onto the second trail entrance. That first one is not very wide, and used a lot by kiddos and families using the playground.
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Check out the website for more details: http://www.fallschurchva.gov/1568/Van-Buren-Bridge

Thanks for being thoughtful people.

[Author]

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