Fairfax Co Parkway Trail still closed

Despite multiple requests to VDOT to provide a detour for the Fairfax County Parkway Trail between Route 50 and Fair Lakes Blvd, the trail is still closed with no detour provided. In an earlier FABB blog post we listed the VDOT policy for providing temporary access for trail users at construction site.

Yesterday we rode south on the Parkway Trail from Reston and once again encountered the Trail Closed signs just south of Route 50. There were several bike tire tracks in the mud where other cyclists have tried to get through this area. We've pointed out to VDOT a possible detour through nearby neighborhood streets. We were told on Dec. 4 that VDOT project staff would be willing to sign the detour and they would look at the proposed route and get back to us in a day or so. We haven't heard anything since.

We're preparing a letter to various local leaders protesting this closure. It's unacceptable on a major trail like the Parkway Trail.

On the left is where we assume the new trail will be located, but it's likely still going to be several weeks before it's in place. In the meantime it's a disservice to trail users not to provide a detour.