RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Joan Morris 703-383-2465 Bruce Williams 703-383-2849

NOVA-NV03-39 May 19, 2003

Traffic Advisory: Lane Closures at Franconia Road and Beulah Street in Fairfax County

Beginning Tuesday, May 27, the left turn lanes on east and westbound Franconia Road will be closed at the intersection with Beulah Street for approximately two weeks for installation of a new water main. The work is part of the Virginia Department of Transportation's Beulah Street widening project.

Eastbound Franconia Road will be restricted to two through lanes during daytime hours. Nighttime operations may restrict the eastbound lanes of Franconia Road to one lane.

Eastbound motorists on Franconia Road may turn right onto Beulah Street to head south or use Grovedale Drive as an alternate route. Variable message signs and flaggers will also direct detour traffic.

Construction on this 1.3﷓mile section of Beulah Street began in January of this year. Beulah Street is being widened from two lanes to a four﷓lane divided roadway with a raised median, curb, gutter, a sidewalk on the west side and an asphalt trail on the east. It will also include turn lanes.

Martin and Gass, Inc. of Alexandria is the contractor for this $5.4 million project. The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2004.