Temporary Changes To Fort Hunt Intersection Spurred By Safety Concerns

FORT HUNT, VA — A proposal to temporarily close an intersection in Fort Hunt for driver and pedestrian safety reasons was presented by the Virginia Department of Transportation Thursday.

VDOT is proposing to close Rollins Drive access to Fort Hunt Road for six to nine months. The temporary closure would come amid continuing safety concerns after various safety improvements were made around the intersection in 2021.

On Fort Hunt Road, new 35 mph speed limit signs were installed along with $200 additional fine for speeding signs and new or relocated pedestrian warning signs. Stop signs were upgraded at Rollins Drive and Westgrove Boulevard on the other side of Fort Hunt Road. New "cross traffic does not stop" and "stop ahead" signs were also installed. Tree trimming was completed on the southeast quadrant of Westgrove Boulevard.

Even with the improvements, concerns remained relating to visibility at the intersection, potential conflict points, and crashes. According to VDOT's presentation, there have been 16 crashes recorded at Rollins Drive, five of which resulted in injuries. Local residents have shared videos of other crashes and near-misses.

After VDOT analyzed safety concerns at the intersection after the 2021 improvements, a meeting was held in May 2022 with the community and elected officials. VDOT found support for the potential closing of Rollins Drive at Fort Hunt Road.

If Rollins Drive access to Fort Hunt Road is temporarily closed, neighborhood drivers would access Fort Hunt Road via Quander Road. VDOT said this detour adds 30 seconds to a minute to travel time. Emergency vehicles would also primarily access the area through Quander Road.

If VDOT moves forward with the proposal with support from the community, it will place barricades at Rollins Drive, install signs and modify pavement markings. A pedestrian refuge area on Fort Hunt Road could be installed in place of the northbound left turn lane to Rollins Drive.

During the temporary closure, VDOT would analyze the safety and operational impacts, including changes in crashes and traffic volume at Quander Road intersections. Community feedback would also be collected during the closure. At the end of the closure, another community meeting would be held to discuss the closure impacts and next steps.

Feedback on the proposed temporary closure will be accepted through Feb. 13. Email MeetingComments@vdot.Virginia.gov with "Rollins Dr Safety Measures" in the subject line or send mail to Gilbert Chlewicki, DTE, VDOT’s Northern Virginia District, 4975 Alliance Drive Fairfax, Virginia 22030