Construction work to replace the bridge over Accotink Creek on Route 123/Chain Bridge Road at Kenmore Drive began this week. So both motorists and pedestrians will have to be alert to some route changes.
The City of Fairfax is replacing the existing, 87-year-old, obsolete bridge with a new one that has a safer design. The City also will install a new pedestrian bridge just to the east of the vehicular bridge.
During the bridge replacement, northbound Chain Bridge Road traffic, as well as pedestrians, will be detoured at Whitehead Street, east to University Drive, north to Kenmore Drive, then back west to Chain Bridge Road.
Sidewalks through the work zone also will be closed while bridge construction is taking place. Pedestrians may detour around the work zone by using the sidewalks on Whitehead Street, University Drive and Kenmore Drive.
The detour will last for nearly the entirety of the project, which could take as much as six months. Drivers are advised to use University Drive as an alternate, north-south route to avoid the work zone.
Southbound traffic will not be detoured, but lanes in the work zone will shift. In addition, sidewalks in the work zone will be closed; pedestrians should follow the Chain Bridge Road detour.
The bridge replacement is necessary to improve public safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists. For more information, go to www.fairfaxva.gov or call 703-385-7810.