Old Chesterbrook Road Closing for Emergency Bridge Replacement

McLean drivers will lose one of their favorite shortcuts in May. A segment of Old Chesterbrook Road will close for the summer for the replacement of the bridge over Pimmit Run.

The bridge is seriously deteriorated and now in need of emergency replacement, according to VDOT (Virginia Department of Transportation) engineers.

Residents of the surrounding El Nido community, representatives from the VDOT and the office of Dranesville Supervisor John Foust met recently to discuss the long-awaited project.

The project has been planned for several years said Bill Denk, president of the El Nido community association. "We're looking to the completion before the start of the school year. Maybe it will actually happen this time," Denk said.

Here are 5 things you should know:

1. What will be done?  The new bridge will still carry two traffic lanes and a sidewalk, as it does now, although the sidewalk and curb-to-curb width will each be slightly wider (1 to 2 feet). The project is a maintenance effort aimed at replacing the old and worn timber decking and steel beams with a new and more durable concrete superstructure.

The existing abutments will be repaired and will stay in service.  The roadway alignment and elevation will essentially remain the same, with only minor change to match the bridge.  A sanitary sewer pipe and a utility pole will be relocated.  Approach sidewalks on the north side of Old Chesterbrook Road, a pedestrian crossing, and a connection to the Pimmit Run walking trail will also be constructed.
 
2. How was the decision make to close Old Chesterbrook Road for the summer? VDOT presented two options to the community for construction.

• Maintaining a single lane open for one –way traffic over the bridge controlled by traffic signals.  Under this option the project would last 13 months, from May 2012 to June 2012, and cost approximately $1.3 million.
• Close the road during the off-school season, June-September 2012.  Under this option the project would last six months, from May 2012 to November 2012, and cost approximately $1 million.

Attendees, which included Fairfax Fire and Rescue, favored the second option of closing the road during the summer months.

3. Construction start date? May 2012.

4. Detours?  A detour map is included in the  pdf file attached to this article.

5. Why is the work necessary?  The bridge has been structurally deficient for several years; this project has been in development since 1999, with numerous stops and starts till now due to funding constraints and right of way limitations. 

In January 2012 the latest inspection revealed advanced deterioration of the structural steel that downgraded the bridge’s condition rating from “Poor” to “Serious” and resulting in a reduced load carrying capacity that is limited to 20 tons.

With the approval of VDOT's Chief Engineer, the project has been accelerated and approved for emergency procurement to replace deteriorated elements and restore full load carrying capacity at the earliest possible date.