Starting on or about Sept. 14 and progressing through the fall months, crews will continue clearing and grubbing in the VDOT right of way and where rights have been acquired during the daytime hours along Route 7 (Leesburg Pike).

All residences, businesses and other public facilities will remain accessible. Please see the descriptions and map below for details:

Route 7 Eastbound

• Clearing and grubbing in the VDOT right of way and where rights have been acquired will begin on or about Monday, Sept. 14 between Serenity Woods Lane and Jarrett Valley Drive.

Route 7 Westbound

• Clearing and grubbing in the VDOT right of way and where rights have been acquired will begin on or about Monday, Sept. 28 between Jarrett Valley Drive and Forestville Drive.

All work is weather-dependent and subject to change.

For information on intersection movements at the completion of construction, please see the interactive map on the project website.

Please note crews are only working within the VDOT right of way and where rights have been acquired from property owners. For more information on this topic read the following information, below, from the VDOT website.

Right of Way and Right of Entry

Right of Way

Property owners along Route 7 will be informed of the exact location of any temporary or permanent easements or right of way necessary to build the project during the right of way acquisition process and prior to construction on their parcels. Right of way discussions with property owners will begin during the first half of 2019 and continue into 2021. Information about right of way and easement purchase is discussed in VDOT’s brochure, “Right of Way and Utilities: A Guide for Property Owners and Tenants.”

Permission to Enter for Parcel Assessment

If you own property along Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive, please be on the lookout for a “permission to enter” letter in your mailbox in coming months (here’s an  example). It will ask that you respond by phone, email or returning a self-addressed stamped reply.

Your timely response is important, as it helps keep right-of-way offers, easements needed for the project as well as construction work on track.

Here’s a little more about the process:

VDOT is required by the Code of Virginia to notify you prior to visiting your property to assess any features that may be impacted by highway or transportation projects. These impacts could range from temporary easements needed during construction to acquisitions for the project. The letter does not permit construction, but lets VDOT examine the property.

The letter will arrive from VDOT or one of its agents, via certified mail, overnight courier, or in-person with proof of delivery. It will outline details of who needs the access, any activities to be performed and an expected date of visit. It will provide instructions to call, e-mail or return a pre-addressed stamped letter.

If we don’t hear within 15 days or if you decline permission, you’ll receive a second letter with the same information and a planned date of visit (the visit will be at least 15 days after the second letter’s postmark). This letter arrives via certified mail and either overnight courier, in-person with proof of delivery, or posted on the main entrance.Read more in Section 33.2-1011 of the Code of Virginia, effective July 1, 2019.