Chain Bridge Road/Eaton Place Intersection Improvements
This consultation has concluded. City Council voted to endorse the recommended design on April 11, 2023.
Improving the Intersection
The City of Fairfax is evaluating potential improvements to the intersection of Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) and Eaton Place. Improvements would be in addition to a new traffic signal that will be installed north of the intersection as part of the I-66 Outside the Beltway project.
This intersection is a top priority in the city’s Two-Year Transportation Plan. The location of the intersection serves as the northern gateway to the city and connects travelers to the Northfax area, which is targeted for redevelopment.
Existing Condition
Chain Bridge Road is a National Highway System route and serves 39,000 vehicles per day. The intersection with Eaton Place experiences significant congestion due to its current operation with eight signal phases (including four separate side street phases) to control movements at seven legs. The intersection is a critical component of the regional transportation network, with access ramps to I-66 located north of the intersection. Traffic is expected in increase along Chain Bridge Road with the addition of the I-66 Express Lanes access points.
Planned Improvements
The city considered replacing the traffic signals with a two-lane roundabout, but this solution was deemed to be inefficient when considered with the new traffic signals associated with the I-66 Outside the Beltway project.
The city now plans to keep the intersection signalized but reconfigure the approaches to improve traffic flow and safety on Chain Bridge Road. The plan will leverage the new signal north of Eaton Place to relieve pressure from the primary intersection at Eaton Place and Chain Bridge Road. The frontage road signals on Chain Bridge Road will be removed, thereby simplifying the intersection.
The updated plan for the intersection can be completed using $10.7M awarded from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.
Next Steps
An updated plan was presented to City Council during the Feb. 7 work session. Please use the tools below to comment on the updated plan and ask questions.
An open house was held on Feb. 22 at the Sherwood Center.
City Council will be asked to formally endorse the plan April 11. Residents are invited to attend the meeting in City Hall, or watch it on Channel 12 or online.
This consultation has concluded. City Council voted to endorse the recommended design on April 11, 2023.
Questions about the proposed project will be answered by transportation staff.