Press Release

Governor McDonnell announced the completion of the Commonwealth Transportation Board’s draft Six-Year Improvement Program (SYIP) that includes funding for transportation projects throughout the Commonwealth, particularly in Northern Virginia. Funding for these transportation projects were made possible through the Governor’s historic transportation legislation overwhelmingly adopted by the 2011 General Assembly.

Among the list of nearly 900 transportation projects is a new Rt. 123 “flyover” for Fairfax County. This project will allow George Mason University traffic to have a dedicated entry point into the Fairfax campus, away from the congested Rt. 123/Braddock Road intersection.

Months in the making, the George Mason West Campus Road connection came to fruition through the dedicated negotiations of Delegate Tim Hugo. Numerous community meetings were held as Delegate Hugo worked closely with George Mason officials and the McDonnell Administration to obtain funds for this critical transportation project.

Delegate Hugo said, “I am pleased that the $15 million in funding for this project has been secured. Relieving traffic congestion at the intersection of Rt. 123 and Braddock Road will help those communities along that traffic corridor lead less stressful lives.”

Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity stated, “I have strongly supported this low cost commonsense project which will reduce congestion at a key intersection in Fairfax County, and I am extremely pleased that Governor McDonnell and Secretary Connaughton have made funding it a priority.”

“This is good news for all of central Fairfax County. I personally urged Secretary Connaughton to fund this project and it has been a pleasure to work with him, Delegate Hugo, and George Mason officials to make it a reality. I will continue to coordinate with community members to make sure this project is constructed in a manner that protects and enhances our neighborhoods,” stated Braddock District Supervisor John C. Cook.

The public will have an opportunity to comment on this project during a series of hearings in April and May. After these hearings, the Transportation Board will vote on the entire plan on June 15 for the July 1 fiscal year. The exact specifics of the project are still in the process of being engineered, but the overpass is expected to cross over Rt. 123 at George Mason University where the exit to the new Mason Inn is located. From that point, the new road will run parallel to Braddock Road before connecting Braddock Road at Prestwick Drive.

“I am grateful for my constituents’ patience and diligence in working with me to secure funds for this project. I would also like to thank Governor McDonnell and Secretary Connaughton for making this vital and necessary traffic construction project a reality,” said Delegate Hugo.

Delegate Hugo currently serves as the Majority Caucus Chairman for the House Republican Caucus. He sits on the Commerce and Labor, Finance, Transportation, and Privileges and Election Committees. Delegate Hugo represents portions of Centreville, Clifton, Fairfax Station and Fairfax.

By: Contributing Author

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