As part of CSX’s project to expand its tunnel that runs underneath Virginia Avenue, SE, more lane and street closures are starting as soon as this week. In addition, their monthly “Coffee with Chuck” will be held Wednesday, June 17 from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. (presentation begins at 8 a.m.) at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 140 L Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. Chuck Gullakson is CSX assistant vice president – National Gateway and chief project engineer for the Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project. Please click here to RSVP.
The following is new information from CSX about upcoming lane closures, installation of fencing and other activities that will impact traffic and parking near the Virginia Avenue Tunnel project site.
Lane Closure on Virginia Ave. between 5th and 7th Street
Beginning as early as Wednesday, June 17, the north lane of Virginia Avenue S.E. between 5th Street and 7th Street will be closed for additional work related to utility relocations and installation of temporary street lighting. The southern lane will remain open for normal eastbound traffic. This work is expected to continue for approximately two to three (2-3) weeks, into early July. In early July the south lanes will be closed for “support of excavation” work (drilling holes for steel pilling) as the first step in construction of the new tunnel. The south lanes will remain closed through the duration of the project.
Closing of Virginia Ave. between 2nd Street and 3rd Street
Beginning as soon as Monday, June 22, Virginia Avenue between 2nd Street and 3rd Street will be closed completely to traffic and parking, for the duration of the project. Fencing will be installed along the perimeter of the project site and a temporary sidewalk will ensure access is maintained for occupants of adjacent properties. This closure is necessary to complete utility relocations and other preparations in advance of early elements of construction of the first new tunnel, which will begin later this summer.
Pedestrians and drivers should expect to follow detours around the closed section of Virginia Avenue, primarily by using I Street S.E. or K Street S.E. for eastbound travel between 2nd and 3rd Streets. In addition, pedestrians will no longer be able to pass under I-695 to access Garfield Park north of the highway. The ad hoc recreation area under the freeway will only be accessible from Garfield Park on the north side.
Drivers, cyclists and pedestrians should use caution when traveling through this area and be prepared to follow temporary traffic controls. Additionally, motorists should anticipate moderate delays and are advised to plan for additional travel time or use alternate routes to bypass the construction area.
Closing of Virginia Ave. between 4th Street and 5th Street
Beginning as soon as Monday, June 29, Virginia Avenue between 4th Street and 5th Street also will be closed completely to traffic and parking, for the duration of the project. This is necessary for construction of the new tunnel. Fencing will be installed along the perimeter of the project site and crews will complete additional preparations before starting “support of excavation” work (drilling holes for steel pilling) as the first step in construction of the new tunnel.
Pedestrians and drivers should expect to follow detours around the closed section of Virginia Avenue, primarily by using K Street S.E. for eastbound travel between 4th and 5th Streets.
Fencing Along South Side of Garfield Park
Within the next few weeks CSX will install stockade fencing along the south side of Garfield Park where it abuts the ad hoc recreation space beneath I-695 at 2nd Street. The recreation space will continue to be accessible from Garfield Park. Detour signs will be installed to direct pedestrians to use New Jersey Avenue or 3rd Street to continue to areas south of the freeway.
Upcoming Events
CSX will host the second monthly Coffee with Chuck meeting on June 17, 7:30-9 a.m. Please RSVP here if you plan to attend. Neighbors told us that the first session was informative and we hope to be able to answer even more questions next week.
The next quarterly open house meeting will be held on August 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
These events are opportunities for neighbors to ask questions and get updates about current and near-term activities in the neighborhood. Both events will be held at the Courtyard Marriott Hotel, 140 L Street, S.E.
Environmental Monitoring Reports
CSX continues to monitor noise, vibration and air quality near the project site. Summary reports of monitoring data will be provided on a regular basis; the first summary reports will be posted to the project website by June 19.We appreciate your interest in the Virginia Avenue Tunnel Reconstruction Project. Over the coming weeks and months, we will continue to provide information and resources about project activities and what to expect.
For more information about the Virginia Avenue Tunnel Project, we encourage you to visitwww.virginiaavenuetunnel.com, stop by the CSX Community Office or call CSX at (800) 494-1049.