FTA Tells MWAA to Move Ahead with Dulles Rail Pre-Construction Work

Good sign. Via email.

In August, the Federal Transit Administration told the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority that it can move ahead with pre-construction and site preparation work where a 2,100-foot tunnel will be built as part of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project in Tysons Corner.

 

The go-ahead message came through a "Letter of No Prejudice" which allows the project to begin the preparation for the excavation of the tunnel work at Routes 7 and 123, the highest natural point in Fairfax County. The work will be done on land along the northwest side of Route 123 near International Drive. Work will not be done in the Route 123 right-of-way. A start-up date has not been set.

 

Meanwhile, work continues on utility relocation work at more than 8 sites along Route 7. While most of the work remains in the service roads along the north and south sides of Route 7, some single lane closings are taking place on Route 7 between West Park Drive and Route 123 and along Gosnell Road at Route 7.

If there's any indication with the progress is the traffic pattern come this Fall, when the work begins. Looks like work will be done for excavation of the tunnel work at intersection of Route 7 and 123 close to International Drive. The tunnel here is not to be confused with the 'small tunnels' which was supported by grassroots, but rather "..above ground alignment where tracks have to dip briefly through an elevation rise where Route 7 and 123 meets," according to Washington Post.