Home & Garden

Will Future Soapstone Get You to the Metro?

Attend a public meeting Wednesday to hear county transportation officials' plans for an extension to relieve clogged Reston roads.

Is a Soapstone Drive extension the solution to crowded nearby roads after Metro arrives later this year?

Fairfax County transportation officials will hold a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday at South Lakes High School to discuss the feasibility of extending Soapstone Drive over the Dulles Toll Road to provide Reston residents better access to the Wiehle-Reston East Metro Station.

The county has been looking into extending Soapstone for several years. Last month, it presented a report to the Reston Master Plan Special Study Task Force with its latest proposal to alleviate traffic on Wiehle Avenue.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Find out what's happening in Restonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The first phase of the Silver Line, which will run from Tysons Corner to Reston's Wiehle Avenue, is slated to open in December. However, with Reston as the end of the line for at least five years and with a 2,300-spot parking garage at the station, there is expected to be significant crowding on Reston roads leading to the Wiehle Avenue-Reston East Station .

The Soapstone proposal suggest four lanes with two general purpose lanes (one in each direction), two shared bus and bicycle lanes (one in each direction) as well as accommodations for pedestrians.

The connection intends to connect two major East-West roads - Sunset Hills Road and Sunrise Valley Drive; Reduce traffic impacts to Wiehle Avenue; Improve accessibility to the Wiehle - Reston East Metro Rail Station; and  integrate with the planned grid of streets in Reston, the report says.

Officials and Hunter Mill Supervisor Cathy Hudgins will be on hand to discuss the study and to take public comment.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here