VDOT to Open Pacific Boulevard Extension in Early September

State and local officials today announced the completion of two important transportation projects over the next two weeks in Loudoun County — the extension of Pacific Boulevard from Autoworld Circle to Severn Way, and a new parking lot accessible from Pacific Boulevard for runners, cyclists and other users of the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail.

Pacific Boulevard Extension

This 0.6-mile section of road is four lanes, with bridges over the W&OD Railroad Regional Park and Cabin Branch. Both a 10-foot-wide bike/walk path and a sidewalk connect to the W&OD Trail the east and west sides of Pacific Boulevard. As part of the road system paralleling Route 28, the extension will help reduce congestion and provide an alternate north-south option for local traffic. Drivers may experience some lane closures and roadside activities over the next few weeks as crews finish final details.

“While the segment constructed here is a short one, it provides an important connection for local businesses, customers and emergency services,” said Helen Cuervo, VDOT’s assistant district administrator for construction. “This project represents a tremendous amount of work between VDOT, Loudoun County, the landowners, the developers, and the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority.”

With the design-build team including Shirley Design/Build, LLC and Dewberry, design and construction were closely coordinated to expedite the schedule — using traditional methods, construction would not have begun until 2011. The project is on time and expected to be almost $4 million under its $26.7 million budget. Donation of rights of way from Eugenia Investments saved more than $3 million.

With the completion of the new section, Pacific Boulevard now stretches from Dresden Street to Nokes Boulevard (about two miles). A VDOT public hearing is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 21 at Park View High School in Sterling for the design-build project to construct Pacific Boulevard from Relocation Drive to Dresden Street (0.67 miles). Work on this section could begin by the end of 2011 and would fully connect Pacific Boulevard from Ox Road (Route 606) to Nokes Boulevard. By 2030, 27,600 average daily trips (ADT) are expected on Pacific Boulevard.

New W&OD Trail Parking

Also accessible via the new section of Pacific Boulevard is a recently constructed parking lot for W&OD Trail users. It features 65 standard vehicle spaces, as well as spaces for four horse trailers.

The $800,000 lot was designed and built as part of the Route 28 interchange project to replace a temporary lot constructed on Route 28 just south of Nokes Boulevard. The old lot will now be closed and demolished.

More information on the Pacific Boulevard extension and other VDOT projects is available at www.VirginiaDOT.org.

* Photo courtesy of VDOT

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