Dr. G's tips on transit, Tysons Corner traffic changes

Metrorail construction

The Dulles Metrorail project has resumed an active pace after the winter storms, and several long closings are about to affect traffic in the Tysons Corner area.

The first will shut all northbound lanes of Route 123 near the Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) between McLean and Tysons Corner from 8 p.m. Friday to 10 a.m. Saturday. Workers will be replacing a water line.

Northbound through traffic will be detoured: a right turn on Anderson Road, left on Chain Bridge Road, left on Great Falls Street, then right on northbound Route 123. Residents of the communities along Anderson and Chain Bridge roads and Great Falls Street are likely to see heavier-than-normal traffic during the closing.

Drivers who use the eastbound Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Connector Road from Dulles International Airport and the Reston area also are likely to see more traffic along the southbound Route 123 exit ramp and across Route 123 to Anderson and Chain Bridge roads.

Ramp closing

On the next Monday, March 8, construction of support piers for the elevated rail line will force the closing of the ramp from southbound Dolley Madison Boulevard (Route 123) to the eastbound Dulles Connector Road toward Interstate 66. The ramp will be closed for about three months.

Here's a detour for drivers going south on Route 123 from the McLean area who want to reach I-66 east and the Connector Road: Continue south on Dolley Madison Boulevard, turn left on Colshire Drive, right on Colshire Meadow Drive, right on Old Meadow Road and right on northbound Dolley Madison Boulevard to the ramp to the eastbound Dulles Connector Road.

Caisson testing

This coming week, contractors working on the Metrorail extension are scheduled to perform more structural integrity tests on caissons along the northwest side of Route 123 (Dolley Madison Boulevard) in Tysons Corner.

The next test, which will sound like a small explosion, is planned for between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Wednesday near the southeast corner of the old MITRE property, by the exit ramp from the eastbound Dulles Toll Road. Another is tentatively scheduled for March 15 at the same location.

State police will stop traffic along Route 123 and at the exit ramp from the Connector Road/Dulles Toll Road for less than 10 minutes while the tests occur.

5K Arlington race

The Arlington County Police Department plans to close South Joyce Street and sections of Army Navy Drive for the rescheduled Valentine's Day 5K Race from 7 to 11 a.m. Sunday.

South Joyce will be closed between South 15th Street and Army Navy Drive. Army Navy will be closed between South Joyce and 25th streets.

The run, which starts at 9 a.m., was originally scheduled for Feb. 14.