New interchange opens on Fairfax Parkway at Fair Lakes

Governor Bob McDonnell and Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton joined state and local officials Sept. 12 to cut the ribbon on the new $69.5 million interchange at Fairfax County Parkway and Fair Lakes Parkway.

The new interchange replaces one of the most congested intersections in northern Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

McDonnell was quoted in a news release as saying, “The 66,000 motorists who travel through this area each day are now shaving valuable minutes off their trips to work, school and shopping. Motorists now have an interchange that smoothes traffic flow and will accommodate future growth.  A world-class transportation system is key to both economic opportunity and to the quality of life of every Virginian. ”

Fairfax County Parkway has been widened from four to six lanes for three miles, from south of I-66 to Rugby Road.

Signals at Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive have been eliminated. 

Long ramps provide safe, separate access to and from Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive.

Shared-use paths and sidewalks enhance pedestrian and cyclist access at the interchange and to the Rocky Run Stream Valley Park trail system.

In addition to the new interchange, drivers will notice

• No signals on Fairfax County Parkway from Popes Head Road to Route 50;

• Improved traffic flow on Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument Drive by separating local and Parkway traffic; and,

• Improved traffic flow at I-66, Route 50 and Rugby Road with the additional lanes of Fairfax County Parkway.