Expect Traffic Tie-Ups in Vienna as Construction Begins on Roundabout

VIENNA, VA — Construction started Monday on a mini "roundabout" at Park and Locust streets in Vienna, snarling traffic, and the intersection is expected to be closed for the next four weeks, according to the town.

The entire project will take about eight weeks, depending on weather conditions. Detours utilizing Center Street and Moore Avenue, can be viewed online. Businesses and residential driveways should remain accessible, according to the town.

Traffic on Center Street Monday morning really backed up, the town noted. "..we expect that traffic along Center Street and other nearby roadways will improve over the next few days as we all adjust to the detour," the town noted in a Facebook message Monday.

To help out over the next four weeks, the town is temporarily suspending the "No Right Turn" restriction at Echols Street onto Follin Lane.

The town’s goal is to re-open the intersection before school starts in September, however, additional work (including signage and road marking) will likely continue, according to the town. Also note:

• No disruption of utility services is anticipated. Any unexpected disruptions will be restored as quickly as possible.

• This is believed to be the first mini roundabout constructed in Northern Virginia. A mini roundabout is a counterclockwise-circulating traffic device that fits within the existing parameters of an intersection.

• This mini roundabout is expected to improve back-ups along Locust Street and eliminate sight distance/visibility issues for drivers turning onto Park from Locust.

• The roundabout will move pedestrian crossings away from the intersection, making the area safer and easier to maneuver for those on foot.

Photo: Orange cones/Shutterstock