FABB wants everyone to be safe and to be around to enjoy the holidays. Our friends at the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) share these concerns and offered some safety tips for riders traveling around the Route 7 Corridor project near Reston where work is affecting a shared-use path.
Starting last week and continuing into next spring, the VDOT right of way, including the shared-use path along eastbound Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Reston Parkway and a short portion of the path along Reston Parkway southbound, will be closed to pedestrian and cyclist traffic. The path will be closed while crews perform utility work and earthwork. VDOT is asking users to please watch for signs and barriers indicating travel routes and to be alert to flaggers who may be directing foot and bike traffic through an active work zone.
Other tips for negotiating paths near this construction (and any construction area) include:
- Keep your distance, and when possible, avoid walking near areas where crews are actively working.
- Avoid distractions like cell phones.
- Wear clothing that increases your visibility, particularly in the evening and early morning.
- Stay outside of all temporary barriers. Never attempt to cut corners by walking or biking through the work zone.
- Follow all directional signage.
- Be aware that temporary paths may not be paved and use caution.
- When walking past a work area where equipment is being used, make sure the crew can see you, and maintain visual contact until you are well past the work area.
The shared-use path is expected to reopen in April 2020 in a temporary configuration until the permanent path is constructed.
We remain excited about this project, which covers roughly seven miles of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) between Reston and Tysons and will eventually include shared-use paths in each direction, a pedestrian underpass to access Colvin Run Mill Park , and many intersection, bicycle and pedestrian improvements.
Stay safe out there!
