Columbia Pike Utility Undergrounding & Streetscape Improvements: County Line to Four Mile Run

Construction Update – June 15, 2018

Several construction crews are working in this segment to install a new water main and a duct bank for the utility undergrounding. This work is currently underway at the Jefferson Street intersection and in the middle of Columbia Pike between Frederick and Dinwiddie Streets.

Washington Gas is currently replacing service from the old gas main to the new one for several properties along Columbia Pike. Gas main tie-ins from the side streets to the new Columbia Pike gas main is estimated to occur between late July and mid August.

Update on sidewalk closure at 5300 Columbia Pike
Although the sidewalk is currently open between the Arlington Auto Services gas station and 5300 Columbia Pike (The Carlyle), it is possible this sidewalk will be closed in the near future so crews can install a large manhole and conduits. Pedestrians should follow any posted signage. If this sidewalk is closed, use the north side sidewalk, crossing Columbia Pike at designated crosswalk locations.

Update on bus stop closure near Greenbrier Street
Fort Myer received a permit to use the pull-off area in front of 5353 Columbia Pike (The Palazzo) to stage equipment and materials. Fort Myer has been using this area but they were able to keep the ART/WMATA bus stop open at this location for now. It may be necessary, in the near future, to close this stop as work in the area progresses. Signs will be posted at the stop to alert bus riders when a closure is imminent.

Location

Columbia Pike from the Arlington/Fairfax County line to Four Mile Run (aka, the west end)

Status

Construction

Fort Myer, the County’s contractor for this project, received its Notice to Proceed on Feb. 20, 2018. Crews are beginning construction on the undergrounding phase first, moving in a west (South Jefferson Street) to east (Four Mile Run Bridge) direction.

Total project construction, including utility undergrounding and street improvements, is expected to last approximately three years.

Fort Myer will continue performing intermittent night work along Columbia Pike, as needed, when work is being performed at intersections. Nighttime work hours will be 9 pm to 7 am, Monday through Friday. Noise impacts will include back-up alerts from construction vehicles and noise from heavy vehicles and equipment (i.e. loaders, excavators, compressors, dump trucks, etc.).

The contractor has the option of Saturday work for the duration of the project. Saturday work hours are 10 am to 6 pm.

About the Project

This work is part of the Columbia Pike multimodal project that will make Columbia Pike a safer, more accessible route for all users. Arlington is transforming this main thoroughfare into a complete street that balances all modes of travel and supports high-quality, high-frequency transit service.

In addition to visible improvements to the road, extensive work will occur below the roadway – to replace aging and leak-prone water and sewer pipes and to bury existing overhead utilities underground.

Public Process

Staff provided the following project update to the Columbia Forest Civic Association in March 2018 and the Arlington Mill Civic Association in May 2018:

In May and June 2017, staff from the project team and public art gave project updates to community stakeholders: