1 Lane Of Tysons Road Closing For Pedestrian, Bicyclist Use

TYSONS, VA — One street lane near Tysons Galleria will close to vehicular traffic for pedestrian and bicyclist use starting at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 29.

According to a news release from Fairfax County, the northbound lane closure of Tysons Boulevard will provide more space for outdoor exercise with social distancing. The 0.5-mile closure will extend from Westbranch Drive to the pedestrian entrance of Lillian Court at Tysons II before International Drive. The street connects with bike lanes on Park Run Drive and Westpark Drive.

The lane closure was requested by the Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling and Tysons Partnership. The county and state transportation departments partnered to identify a location for the closure. The temporary closure is permitted through VDOT and funded by Fairfax County.

"This temporary reconfiguration of existing transportation infrastructure provides not only an opportunity for our residents to safely exercise, but also gives us information on how these types of flexible solutions may work in the future," said Providence District Supervisor Dalia Palchik in a statement.

A timeline for the lane closure has not been announced. The county says it is dependent on the timing of easing coronavirus-related restrictions. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation and VDOT will monitor traffic conditions and reassess the closure if traffic patterns change or once travel restrictions begin to be lifted in Fairfax County.

Pedestrians and bicyclists are asked to follow social distancing guidelines, and drivers should watch for pedestrians and bicyclists, particularly when turning onto Park Run Drive.

Tysons Boulevard is near Capital Bikeshare stations and a park at intersection with Westbranch Drive. Tysons Galleria is closed, but certain exterior-facing stores and restaurants are open. The mall offers curbside pickup from select stores. Neighboring Tysons Corner Center has select stores and restaurants open.

See a map of the lane closure here.