Virginia DOT discusses Fairfax County Parkway project with public

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (FOX 5 DC) - Fairfax County drivers are bracing for a major construction project.

The Virginia Department of Transportation wants to widen a stretch of Fairfax County Parkway, and many are worried what it will mean for traffic and their commute.

Fairfax County Parkway is currently four lanes in the five-mile stretch between Ox Road and Lee Highway, and the plan would widen it to six lanes.

The project will be implemented in two phases.

The first phase would consolidate an interchange between Popes Head Road and the new Shirley Gate Road extension. Construction is expected to begin next year.

The second phase would widen Fairfax County Parkway. Officials said they have not fully secured funding for that phase, so it's unknown when construction could start.

The total cost is projected to be nearly $200 million.

Officials hope the plan will alleviate congestion, and improve safety.

According to the VDOT, about 370 people showed up for a public meeting about the project at Robinson Secondary School in Fairfax Monday night.

Before finalizing the plan, VDOT will hold more public meetings and allow public comment until Jan. 22.

For more details, visit the VDOT website.

You can mail or email comments to Sitaram Kodali until Jan. 22.

The mailing address is 4975 Alliance Dr. Fairfax, VA 22030.