From Supervisor John Foust to the Pimmit Hills Citizens Association, January 3, 2012:
The Pedestrian Trail Study that examined the feasibility of constructing a trail to connect Redd Road to the WFC Metro station has been completed. My office received numerous requests for this trail.
However, when the possibility of pursuing construction of the trail was raised, we also received strong statements in opposition.
Before conducting a public outreach process to determine whether the opponents’ issues could be addressed and resolved, I asked that staff first determine whether the trail was technically and financially feasible.
The study determined that, from a technical perspective, the trail can be constructed. However, the cost of constructing the trail would be prohibitive. The projected cost of this project is estimated to be $1,417,304. One reason for the high cost is the need to work around a newly installed high technology fence surrounding the station.
I have been told by staff at Fairfax County Department of Transportation that this is a minimum estimate and that the costs could well exceed this amount.
Even if the issues raised in opposition to the trail could be resolved, there are currently no funds available for a pedestrian project of this size. Therefore, the project cannot go forward and there is no reason to conduct a public outreach process to work on issues related to the proposed trail.
Thank you for your patience as we have all waited a long time for staff to complete this study.
Please contact Julie Ide in my office if you have any questions.
John
John W. Foust
Dranesville District Supervisor
1437 Balls Hill Road
McLean, VA 22101
Phone: 703-356-0551
Fax: 703-821-4275
