South Washington Street Multimodal Improvements

Ribbon Cutting: April 19, 2023

  • Wednesday, April 19 at 10 a.m.
  • 101 Hillwood Avenue, Falls Church, VA 2206
  • Fact Sheet

Project Status: Complete

As of March 2023, Fort Myer Construction Company has completed all work and has been issued a Certificate of Final Acceptance. The site has been turned over to the City of Falls Church.

History Panels

One of the unique aspects of this project was the creation and installation of the history panels. They tell the transportation story of the City of Falls Church (and area and town preceding "city" status) through eight unique periods. 

  • The People to 1700: Native Peoples and Their Land  
  • Settlement 1700 - 1815: Tobacco and the Early Economy  
  • Virginia Village 1815 - 1861: Turnpikes and Tolls  
  • Civil War 1861 - 1865: A Village Divided  
  • Rebuilding 1865 - 1890: Coming of the Railroad  
  • Turn of the 20th Century 1890 - 1920: The Spanish-American War 
  • The Emerging City 1920 - 1950: From Horse to Highway  
  • 1950 and Beyond: A Small Independent City  

Read the full PDF of the panel text here (PDF, 8 pages).

History Panel

About the Project

In a 2008 study (PDF, 31 pages), funded by a grant from the Council of Governments (COG), the need and viability for transportation improvements along the S Washington St. corridor were assessed.

The goals of this study were to:

  • Encourage multi-modal transportation options
  • Create a more walkable corridor
  • Connect the area to City Center, N Washington St, and the East Falls Church Metro Station

The study concluded that there were definite needs for improvement along this corridor. Working in conjunction with VDOT and Fairfax County, City staff have generated a comprehensive plan to address the additional deficiencies. Input garnered at community meetings held earlier in 2013 was taken into consideration, and the current plan reflects that feedback.

The following streetscape improvements are planned:

  • Transit plaza at Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St. which will include bus shelters, benches, and bike racks.
  • Intersection changes at Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St. including new traffic signals, pedestrian push buttons, intersection geometric changes, and removal of the "free right" turn lane from north bound S Washington St. to Hillwood Ave. 
  • Crosswalks at the Hillwood Ave. and S Washington St. intersection.
  • Improved streetscapes along both sides of S. Washington St. from Annandale Rd. to Tinner Hill St. , including brick pavers, street lighting, trees, and ADA compliant curb ramps. 
  • Interpretive signage and paving.
  • Landscaping and rain gardens. 

Presentation and Concept Drawings (PDF, 18 pages)

Funding 

A total of $9.4 million in federal and state funds were designated for an Intermodal Transit Plaza, whose construction is bound by federal milestone dates.

This multimodal project is funded through a combination of grant funds from the Federal Transit Administration, Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, and Six-Year Improvement Program/Urban funds.  

Public Outreach

December 2015

March 2015: Stakeholder Meeting

February 2015: Stakeholder Meeting

May 2014: Traffic Analysis

October 2013: Adopted S. Washington Street Area Plan

May 2013: City Council Meeting

May 2013: Public Meeting

January 2013: Public Meeting

More Information

Any questions related to this project, please contact Al Astorga at 571-835-6795 or aastorga@fallschurchva.gov.