New Construction Projects on Maple Avenue Enhance Accessibility and Traffic Management

News Summary

Major construction upgrades on Maple Avenue are focused on improving accessibility and traffic management to create a safer environment for all users. The project includes replacing brick crosswalks with stamped asphalt and enhancing signalization technology in the area. While construction may disrupt traffic, it aims to elevate public infrastructure. The Town of Vienna is committed to these developments, including the new Vienna-Carter Library and residential-commercial redevelopment at 444 Maple Avenue, enhancing community infrastructure and accessibility.

Major Construction Upgrades on Maple Avenue Enhance Accessibility and Traffic Flow

Maple Avenue in Vienna is currently undergoing significant construction upgrades aimed at improving accessibility and managing traffic more efficiently. Initiated in mid-June, the project led by Sagres Construction involves the replacement of brick crosswalks and curb ramps at crucial intersections, specifically at East Street and Lawyers Road. The updates are essential to ensure compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards.

Progress of the Construction

As part of the ongoing construction, new curb ramps at the East Street intersection have already been installed. Work, however, is still progressing at the intersection of Lawyers Road. To facilitate the smooth execution of this project, concrete work related to the replacement of handicapped ramps is scheduled during daytime hours, while the removal of the old brick crosswalks and asphalt restoration is planned for nighttime to minimize disruption. The old brick crosswalks will be replaced with stamped asphalt that mimics the existing design found at the intersections of Church Street and Mill Road.

The construction activities have led to partial lane and sidewalk closures, which in turn has caused noticeable traffic delays. Residents and commuters are advised to remain patient as the construction team works diligently to complete all tasks by the end of July.

Technology and Signal Upgrades

In addition to the accessibility improvements, there are also significant upgrades happening with the traffic signalization technology along the Maple and Nutley Street corridors. This particular project, valued at $2.1 million, incorporates the installation of new traffic management software, advanced communication devices, and video cameras designed for real-time traffic monitoring. Areas targeted for signal upgrades were carefully assessed back in December 2018, with some intersections identified for full replacements, pending budget approvals.

Funding for this important signalization project has been secured through a SmartScale grant from the Virginia Department of Transportation, alongside a contribution of $170,000 from Hekemian & Company. Construction for these signal upgrades commenced in the spring/summer of 2024 and is expected to reach completion by fall 2024. The most visible changes will occur at the Nutley/Tapawingo and Maple/Follin intersections, where signal rebuilds are nearing their conclusion.

Future Plans and Developments

Looking ahead, the Town of Vienna is also planning upgrades for the signal at Church Street and Beulah Road; however, this project has not yet begun. Moreover, notable changes are on the horizon as the Patrick Henry Library is set to close in anticipation of the new Vienna-Carter Library, which is scheduled to break ground next month. This new library will encompass a larger, 19,000-square-foot design, providing outdoor reading areas and improved parking facilities, with completion expected in early to mid-2027.

Further development is also ongoing at the 444 Maple Avenue site, where a chain-link fence has been approved to remain until the end of the year during the construction process. This redevelopment plan includes the creation of 151 residential apartments above 20,000 square feet of commercial space, effectively replacing the former Tequila Grande restaurant and Wolf Trap Hotel.

Demolition of existing structures at the site began last week, and full-scale construction is anticipated to commence in late spring or early summer following the completion of the demolition. Hekemian & Company has cited various economic factors for previous delays in construction since the project received council approval in October 2018.

As these extensive construction efforts continue, both residents and business owners in Vienna can look forward to improved accessibility and enhanced traffic management, marking a significant step in the town’s development.

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Additional Resources

• FFX Now: Vienna Makes Progress on Signal Accessibility Upgrades Along Maple Avenue
• Google Search: signal accessibility upgrades
• Patch: Patrick Henry Library Sets Closing Date
• Encyclopedia Britannica: public library
• Tysons Reporter: Vienna’s Tequila Grande Demolished for Development
• Google Search: urban redevelopment
• FFX Now: Patrick Henry Library Staff Prepares for Move
• Wikipedia: Public Library
• FFX Now: Unique Vienna Condo Development
• Google News: condo development