UPDATE: Route 50 Delays Continue

Update: 1:43 p.m.

Supervisor Letourneau released another statement today:

As I have previously communicated, over the past several days I have been working with VDOT and with Delegates David Ramadan and Jim LeMunyon to find a solution to the severe delays that have been occurring this week as a result of a new lane closure on Route 50.  This lane closure has had a severe impact on traffic on Route 50 and on surrounding roads.  Early this morning, I discussed this situation with a senior member of VDOT Administration who was on site at Route 50.

I now have some good news to report.  Today, VDOT has directed the contractor to reopen the third lane as soon as possible while a new construction plan is drafted.  I do have to caution that the lane may not be reopened until early next week, because VDOT has to restripe and move equipment that is obstructing the lane.  Today's rain will impact their ability to get that done.  However, at least now we know that there is an end in sight to this problem.

VDOT has also apologized for the lack of communication on this lane closure.  We have discussed ways to make sure that going forward this does not happen again and I have been assured that I will be notified prior to any significant changes to the configuration of Route 50.

VDOT and the contractor will now put together a long term construction plan that will be less disruptive to traffic.  At some point, the third lane may need to be closed, but I will be working with them to find a way to do it on a temporary basis (ie, off-peak times, etc) rather than the 3 year permanent closure that was planned.

I do want to thank Delegates Ramadan and LeMunyon for their help in communicating our concerns with VDOT as well as VDOT's Northern Virginia District Office for responding to them.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of assistance.  As a reminder, the best way to stay in touch with me on a daily basis is my Facebook page (keyword: Supervisor Matt Letourneau.)

Original Post:

Dulles District Supervisor Matt Letourneau released the following statement:

I wanted to send a brief email to let you know that I am aware of extensive delays on Route 50 over the past two days related to the Route 50 widening project and that my office is working with VDOT to find a solution.

As you know, the third lane traveling eastbound has been closed just over the Fairfax County line.  This lane closure is causing traffic to back up all over our area, including on 606 and Tall Cedars Parkway.  This morning, VDOT officials were present on the scene to watch the traffic patterns.  They made some adjustments to the traffic light cycles which may help some, but clearly delays are still significant.

VDOT is currently working with the contractor on a plan to provide some type of relief for this situation.  We have been told that the lane closure is necessary to move forward with the widening project and that the lane cannot be closed just on a temporary basis during off-peak hours.  However, VDOT has assured us that they are considering a variety of options to alleviate this situation.  At this point I can't tell you exactly when they will have a solution, but my office will be in close contact with them as they work through this.  I will provide an update when I have more information.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Sincerely,

Supervisor Matt Letourneau
Dulles District
matt.letourneau@loudoun.gov
703-777-0204