Frontier Drive Extension Being Designed In Springfield

SPRINGFIELD, VA — An extension of Frontier Drive in Springfield is in the design phase by the Virginia Department of Transportation, and an upcoming meeting will discuss plans.

VDOT is planning to extend Frontier Drive from the current southern terminus at Franconia-Springfield Parkway to Loisdale Road via the area around the Franconia-Springfield Metro and TSA headquarters and GSA complex. The extension would end at Loisdale Road southwest of the GSA complex.

According to VDOT, the project seeks to relieve congestion and improve access around the Franconia-Springfield Metro, Springfield Town Center, GSA complex, Northern Virginia Community College Medical Education Campus, and the new TSA building. Frontier Drive within the project area sees an average 33,000 vehicles daily, while Franconia-Springfield Parkway in this area averages up to 53,000.

The preliminary design plan calls for a four-lane divided roadway for the Frontier Drive extension. This would involve a combination of new construction and improvements to existing the Springfield Center Drive. There would also be a shared-use path on one side of the road and sidewalk on the other, new braided ramps at the Frontier Drive/Franconia-Springfield Parkway interchange, new intersection at Metro Access Road with Frontier Drive, and reconfigured sections of the Metro circulatory road and access to parking garage entrances. All existing access points will be maintained, according to VDOT.

The estimated project cost is $180.2 million, which includes $12.6 million for preliminary engineering, $38.5 million for right of way acquisition and utility relocation, and $129.1 million for construction. This preliminary design phase is being funded by Fairfax County and the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. Additional funding will be sought when available.

The virtual meeting at 7 p.m. on Monday, May will provide project information and allow the public to provide input. Residents may register for the meeting or dial in by phone toll free at 1-866-901-6455 with access code 216-373-268. A presentation and project materials will be posted after the meeting on the meeting website.

Residents may also provide comments through an online survey, by email to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov, or by mail to Mr. Zamir Mirza, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Feedback will be accepted through May 27.