Newsroom
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Contact: Shannon Whalen McDaniel 703-228-3685 (voice) 703-228-4711(TTY)
Contact: Myllisa Lardieri Kennedy 703-228-3152 cell: 571-722-8721 (voice) 703-228-4611(TTY)
Arlington County Board Approves $2.3 Million for Columbia Pike Improvements
- Revitalization project to bring infrastructure, aesthetic improvements
- Streetscape upgrades, utility undergrounding to begin late June
- Expect construction-related delays on Pike’s west end
ARLINGTON, Va. -- The Arlington County Board today authorized a $2.3 million contract to underground utilities along Columbia Pike, between South Wakefield Street and Four Mile Run Drive. The project is part of a comprehensive effort to transform the Pike into a “Main Street” to better serve one of Arlington’s most diverse cultural and business areas.
“Columbia Pike’s transformation continues to build momentum,” said Arlington County Chairman Jay Fisette. ”This vital transit corridor is becoming safer, more accessible and more attractive -- spurring economic growth and drawing people to Columbia Pike as a destination, not just a travel way.”
Martin & Gass will perform the work, which is scheduled to begin in late June and last about 15 months.
Project to proceed in phases
In the project’s first phase, existing overhead utilities will be undergrounded. An existing water main and sanitary sewer will be upgraded to improve reliability and meet the community’s growing needs as Columbia Pike redevelops.
The second phase, due to begin in Fall 2011, will focus on improving streets by building wider sidewalks, and adding trees and lighting.
Funding from federal, state, County government
The undergrounding phase of the project is funded by state revenue-sharing and County-matching funds.
Safety a priority – expect traffic delays
Arlington County aims to ensure the safety of all work crews and the community during this and other projects in the right-of-way. Residents and commuters should anticipate traffic delays and detours in the area while the work is done. Commuters are strongly encouraged to consider alternate routes or take transit. For more information on available transit options, visit http://www.commuterpage.com/.
For more information on Columbia Pike planning, visit the County Website; search "Columbia Pike."
Arlington, Va., is a world-class residential, business and tourist location that was originally part of the "10 miles square" parcel of land surveyed in 1791 to be the Nation's Capital. It is the geographically smallest self-governing county in the United States, occupying slightly less than 26 square miles. Arlington maintains a rich variety of stable neighborhoods, quality schools and enlightened land use, and received the Environmental Protection Agency's highest award for "Smart Growth" in 2002. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world - including the Pentagon - Arlington stands out as one of America's preeminent places to live, visit and do business.