The Virginia Department of Transportation is seeking public feedback on a study examining potential safety and traffic improvements along South Van Dorn Street in Fairfax County, including the section that connects directly to Alexandria’s city limits.
The STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study encompasses a 2.5-mile section of South Van Dorn Street, from Telegraph Road to the Alexandria boundary, and three-quarters of a mile of Franconia Road, between Grovedale Drive and South Van Dorn Street.
The corridor serves as a key connection for Alexandria residents traveling north into Fairfax County, carrying heavy daily traffic with vehicle counts ranging from 14,000 to 37,000 on South Van Dorn Street. Speed limits vary from 35 mph to 45 mph along different sections, dropping back to 35 mph as the road approaches Alexandria.
VDOT launched the study in February and held its first round of public involvement in March. The agency used that feedback to develop proposed improvement alternatives for seven key locations, which are now being presented during the second round of public involvement running through Oct. 10.
The proposed alternatives target intersections at:
- South Van Dorn Street and Capital Beltway ramps
- South Van Dorn Street and Crown Royal Drive
- South Van Dorn Street and Franconia Road
- Franconia Road and Beulah Street
- South Van Dorn Street and Kingstowne Boulevard
- South Van Dorn Street and Telegraph Road
- Multimodal improvements throughout the corridor
(via VDOT)
The proposals focus on safety, operations, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements that could benefit commuters traveling between Alexandria and points north.
Alexandria area residents can participate in an online survey, which will be available until October 10. The survey includes translation tools for Spanish and other languages. Comments can also be emailed to [email protected] with “South Van Dorn Street STARS Study” in the subject line, or mailed to Bobby Mangalath at VDOT’s Fairfax office at 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
The study is expected to wrap up in late 2026. While STARS studies don’t set construction timelines, they develop improvement proposals that local governments can pursue for funding.
