Roundabout Construction Underway in Vienna

VIENNA, VA -- Construction started two weeks ago on a mini "roundabout" at Park and Locust streets in Vienna, temporarily snarling traffic, and the intersection is expected to be closed until the end of the month, according to the town.

"From what I understand construction is going well and, though we don’t have an exact date yet, the roundabout is expected to open soon," Town spokeswoman Lynne DeWilde said Wednesday in an email to Patch.

Traffic on Center Street initially backed up, with the Town noting that "..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."

"As for traffic, it’s still heavier than normal on Center Street (the detour), but it’s definitely smoother than it was the first week," DeWilde said Wednesday.

The entire project is expected to 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.

To help traffic flow during construction, 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 of roundabout construction by Adam Kincaid, Town of Vienna