Mason Neck - Route 1 with Gunston Cove Road/Gunston Road

At the suggestion of MNCA - VDOT has agreed to reconfigure the Eastbound intersection of Gunston Road and Rt. 1 as per below!

Dear Ms. Clawson,

Thank you for your letter on behalf of the Mason Neck Citizens Association regarding lane use modification and a potential new right turn only lane for the east bound approach at the intersection of Richmond Highway and Gunston Cove Road / Gunston Road.  Your correspondence was forwarded to the Virginia Department of Transportation's (VDOT's) Northern Virginia District Office with a request that we review and assess your concerns.

Our Traffic Engineering (TE) staff analyzed different options. The first lane use configuration option would convert the lane usage from left + thru/right to left/thru + thru/right for the east bound approach, but it requires repaving/restriping the receiving lanes and adding additional drainage improvements. However, the second proposed alternative (left/thru + right) does not require changes to the receiving lanes, and is therefore more affordable and can be implemented more quickly.

Therefore, the lane use configuration for the east bound approach will be modified from LEFT + THRU/RIGHT to LEFT/THRU + RIGHT which will improve the traffic conditions for this approach during the PM peak. 

Accordingly, we will be moving forward with the design and implementation of the traffic signal modification for this intersection which will take a couple of months. It should be noted that the east bound free flowing right-turn lane (southwest channelizing island) will be widened to improve the turning radius for semitrailer trucks as part of the project as well.   

               

Concerning the potential for a new east bound right turn lane, a project of this scope would require significant funding and support from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation, and all existing funding for these types of projects has already been allocated for the next six year period. 

We appreciate you taking the time to contact us and for sharing your observations. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding our ongoing efforts, please contact Mr. Gustavo Torres at (703) 259-2408 or Gustavo.Torres@VDOT.Virginia.gov in our Traffic Engineering Section.

Sincerely,

Hari K. Sripathi, P.E. Regional Operations Director VDOT-Northern Region Operations 
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax VA 22030 Phone: (703) 259-2223 Hari.Sripathi@vdot.virginia.gov