VDOT Completes Improvements
at Eight Intersections on Little River Turnpike

Little River Turnpike motorists and pedestrians are now enjoying improved traffic flow and sidewalks between the City of Fairfax and Northern Virginia Community College thanks to a $10.6 million project by the Virginia Department of Transportation.  The project was completed three months ahead of schedule.

Eight intersections along a 2.2-mile stretch from Pickett Road to Lake Drive now have upgraded turn lanes, new drainage systems, sidewalks, median islands and upgraded traffic signals. The intersections are Pickett Road, Guinea Road, Old Hickory Road, Wakefield Chapel Road, Prosperity Avenue, Woodburn Road and Lake Drive.

“These intersection improvements on Little River Turnpike make it safer and smoother for motorists and pedestrians alike,” said VDOT District Administrator Morteza Salehi. “It was a pleasure to work with the Fairfax County supervisors and the City of Fairfax throughout the construction period.”

Construction included:

• 31,000 cubic yards of dirt
• 23,000 tons of asphalt

• 48,840 tons of aggregate
• 3,575 Feet of new sidewalk
• 35,000 linear feet of median
• Six new traffic signals

During preliminary construction, VDOT uncovered about 30 graves that were part of the Guinea Road Cemetery, formerly known as the Gibson/Parker Cemetery. The remains were of slaves from the Fitzhugh Plantation, dating back to the late 1700’s. The graves were reburied in the Pleasant Valley Memorial Park.

The Little River Turnpike improvements began in June 1994 when VDOT conducted a corridor study to identify possible improvements to enhance traffic flow and safety. A public hearing was conducted in December 2001 to gather public input. Construction started in April 2007, and although the contract completion date was October 31, 2008, VDOT completed the project over three months early on July 11, 2008.

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