Week in McLean
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Week in McLean

Signal Alteration at Towlston Road

After receiving several e-mails expressing concern about a recent change in signal operation at the intersection of Leesburg Pike and Towlston Road, VDOT area engineer Don Moyer provided the following explanation: Several months ago, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) altered the signal at Leesburg Pike and Towlston Road so that each direction on Towlston moved individually — this strategy is referred to as split phasing.

According to Moyer, this was done on an experimental basis, with the intention of improving service to the side streets. In order to serve traffic on Towlston with split phasing, green time had to be taken away from Leesburg Pike. Unfortunately, the result increased back-ups on Leesburg Pike.

Moyer said that because of the negative impact on the main line, VDOT elected to change the intersection back to concurrent side-street phasing, as it had operated previously. Part of the decision-making process included a review of the crash data for this location during the past three years. This investigation revealed only one crash involving side-street conflicts, which is low for this large an intersection.

According to Moyer, VDOT will be reviewing the pavement markings and signing at the intersection to determine if improvement can be made, particularly to the side street operation. Also, the Signal Operations Section has created a new timing plan for this intersection in cooperation with the school, which provides extra side-street time during dismissal. To note concerns, contact Don Moyer at 703-383-2420, or e-mail at Donald.Moyer@VDOT.Virginia.gov.

Blood Drive for Dogs

A Blood Drive for dogs will be held at Great Falls Animal Hospital, Thursday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The address is 10125 Colvin Run Road. Contact Karen Bracken-Penley at 703-759-2330 to schedule a time. All participants will receive t-shirts. If the response is significant, the Red Cross will start scheduling a regular blood drive in the Great Falls area to make it easier and simpler for residents to donate.

Correction

In the article "Another Bank in Town?" in the Oct. 18-24 issue of the McLean Connection, it was incorrectly stated that the Commerce Bank application is scheduled to be heard by the Fairfax County Board of Zoning Appeals on Thursday, Nov. 15. The application is actually being heard by the Fairfax County Planning Commission, and the date has been moved to Wednesday, Dec. 6.