VDOT has announced that the Route 50 and Waples Mill Road intersection improvements in Fairfax are complete and open. Bicyclists and pedestrians have a new crossing and refuge island along the western side of the intersection across Route 50, providing additional connections to the nearby 66 Parallel Trail.
It is always great to hear such news (especially when the project is finished ahead of schedule).
For riders interested in exploring the 66 Parallel Trail in this area, it is important to know that there is a missing connection at the Route 50 intersection at Random Hills Park. That trail is being built by Fairfax County Park Authority and is expected to be completed this summer.
If headed west, there are two main detour options to get back on the 66 trail at Fair Lakes Circle.
The first detour around the unfinished section of 66 Parallel Trail at Random Hills Park uses Waples Mill and the new intersection improvements to reconnect with the trail along Random Hills Road.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45717505
Alternatively, you can—again when headed west—exit the Parallel Trial at Fairfax Farms Road around to the Fairfax County Parkway Trail before connecting to Fair Lakes Circle.
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45716822
Obviously, if heading east, you just reverse the directions.
The weather is getting better and it’s a great time to explore recent improvements in bicycle infrastructure in Fairfax County.
Share with us your impressions and observations of any needed fixes to the improvements recently completed at [email protected].
