Popes Head Road will be closed at Fairfax County Parkway from 10 a.m. on May 27 until June 2 due to preparations for the partial opening of the new interchange, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Once the closure takes effect, the traffic signal at this intersection will be taken out of service, allowing continuous flow on northbound and southbound Fairfax County Parkway. During this period, drivers will not be able to turn between Popes Head Road and Fairfax County Parkway in either direction.
Detour routes have been established for affected drivers. Northbound parkway travelers heading to eastbound Popes Head Road will use Braddock Road and Route 123 (Ox Road), while those heading west will use Braddock Road and Colchester Road. Southbound parkway traffic destined for east or west Popes Head Road will also be detoured via Braddock Road with connections through Route 123 or Colchester Road as appropriate. Eastbound and westbound Popes Head travelers seeking access to the parkway or points beyond are also directed along similar alternate routes.
On June 2, traffic on Popes Head Road is scheduled to shift onto a new bridge over Fairfax County Parkway as some ramps of the new interchange open; further details about these changes are expected soon. The project replaces the current signalized intersection with an interchange featuring triple roundabouts and two bridges designed to improve traffic flow. Additional components include construction of part of a future Shirley Gate Road extension providing access to Patriot Park, building a shared-use path linking trails, reconstructing existing trails, installing sidewalks along Popes Head Road’s north side, and extending Ladues End Lane.
The overall project is planned for completion in fall. Drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians are advised by Virginia Department of Transportation officials to exercise caution in active work zones and remain alert for changing patterns.
Virginia Department of Transportation manages one of the nation’s largest state highway systems—building, maintaining and operating roads across tens of thousands of lane-miles—and provides services such as highway maintenance and real-time information through platforms like Virginia 511; its headquarters is located in Richmond, according to the official website.
