The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a community information open house on Wednesday, January 14, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Edison High School in Alexandria. The meeting will focus on the recommended proposed improvements from the South Van Dorn Street STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study.
The study has evaluated possible safety, operational, transit, and bicycle/pedestrian improvements along a two-and-a-half mile section of South Van Dorn Street between Telegraph Road and the Alexandria city limits, as well as three-quarters of a mile of Franconia Road between Grovedale Drive and South Van Dorn Street.
During the first round of public involvement in March, residents provided feedback on corridor priorities. This input helped shape proposed improvement alternatives that were then presented during a second round of public involvement in September and October.
The preferred alternatives to be discussed at the open house address several locations within the study area:
– South Van Dorn Street and I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) ramps
– South Van Dorn Street and Crown Royal Drive
– South Van Dorn Street and Franconia Road
– Franconia Road and Beulah Street
– South Van Dorn Street and Kingstowne Boulevard
– South Van Dorn Street and Telegraph Road
– Multimodal improvements throughout the corridor
The final report for the study is expected by fall. STARS studies identify potential improvements but do not set construction dates; localities can use these recommendations when seeking funding.
“VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775 or TTY/TDD 711. View more information on translation services.”
VDOT is responsible for planning, building, and maintaining Virginia’s transportation infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and tunnels across the state. It manages one of the largest state-maintained highway systems in the country and provides services such as traffic management through systems like Virginia 511 (official website). The agency also oversees land-use permits along state routes.
As a state agency headquartered in Richmond, VDOT’s mission centers on supporting a safe and efficient transportation system for Virginia (official website).