Studies

Route 50 STARS Safety and Operational Improvements Study - Chantilly

Phase 1 - Route 28 to Stringfellow Road; Phase 2 - Chantilly Plaza to Plaza Lane in Fairfax County

Area Maps

Phase 2 Focus Area

Project Photos

Project at a Glance

Begin Date
Phase 1: September 2017
Phase 2: February 2021

Est Completion Date
Phase 1: March 2021
Phase 2: Fall 2022

Phase
Study

Cost
$450,000 (Study)

Lengths and Limits
Rt 28 to Stringfellow Rd (2 mi)

Locality
Fairfax

District
Northern Virginia

Contact
Regina Moore, AICP
Planning
703-259-1999

About the Study

This STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study assessed potential safety and operational improvements for nearly two miles of Route 50 (Lee Jackson Memorial Highway) between Route 28 (Sully Road) and Stringfellow Road (Route 645), and is further assessing potential improvements within the one-mile segment between Chantilly Plaza and Plaza Lane, including the Lees Corner Road and Stringfellow Road intersections.

There are significant backups and congestion during morning and evening peak periods. Route 50 averages 71,000 vehicles a day within the study limits based on 2019 data.

Potential Corridorwide Improvements Assessed

Phase 1

The first phase of the study assessed potential safety and operational improvements for the nearly two-mile segment of Route 50. The final report was issued in March 2021.

Short-term improvement options recommended in the first phase include: 

• Adding reflective traffic signal backplates
• Upgrading pedestrian ramps to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards
• Replacing and adding pavement and crosswalk markings 
• Providing additional signage
• Continuing the traffic signal timing optimization program
• Adding pedestrian signals in the median (two-stage crossing)
• Converting bus stops to bus shelters
• Adding a Galesbury Lane and Lees Corner Road sidewalk connection

Mid-term improvement options recommended in the first phase include:

• Reconfiguring and modifying intersections
• Access management strategies for properties along the corridor

Assessing Potential Improvements between Chantilly Plaza and Plaza Lane

Phase 2

Based on public feedback from the first phase, the second phase is further assessing potential improvements along the one-mile segment of Route 50 between Chantilly Plaza and Plaza Lane including at Lees Corner Road, Stringfellow Road and side street intersections along the Route 50 service road.

Potential study improvements being assessed include:

• Enhancing traffic flow and operations by restricting left turns at the Route 50 intersections with Lees Corner Road and Stringfellow Road
• Adding a second westbound Route 50 left-turn lane at Lees Corner Road
• Improving the service road intersection at Route 50 and Lees Corner Road

The first Phase 2 virtual public information meeting was held in September 2021 and a second virtual public information meeting in March 2022., watch the second meeting video or view the presentation in Korean or Spanish. 

This study does not set construction dates for any improvements, but develops proposed improvements that localities can pursue for funding.

Schedule
Phase 1
Begin - September 2017
Public Information Meeting - January 2020
Phase 1 Final Report - March 2021

Phase 2
Begin - February 2021
First Virtual Public Information Meeting - September 2021
Second Virtual Public Information Meeting - March 2022
Completion - Fall 2022

Study Cost
Phase 1 - $317,000
Phase 2 - $133,000
Total - $450,000

Resources

Phase 2 Second Virtual Public Information Meeting Video, English Presentation, Korean Presentation, Spanish Presentation, News Release, Ad and Meeting Details - March 2022

Phase 2 First Virtual Public Information Meeting Video, English Presentation, Korean Presentation, Spanish Presentation, Comment Sheet, News Release, Ad and Meeting Details - September 2021

Phase 1 Final Report - March 2021

Phase 1 Public Information Meeting Materials, Displays and Ad - January 2020