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Fairfax County officials are considering a major shift in how residents weigh in on local transportation projects, seeking public feedback earlier while potentially closing the door on changes sooner.
The Board of Supervisors’ transportation committee discussed the approach April 6 as members and county staff searched for ways to shorten a process that typically takes three to six years.
The projects under review included sidewalk and intersection improvements and smaller pedestrian upgrades. Each can move through multiple stages, including scoping, pre-design, design, land acquisition, utility relocation and construction.
Fairfax County Department of Transportation Director Gregg Steverson said officials need to identify potential problems quickly to prevent schedules from slipping. Although similar timelines are common in neighboring jurisdictions, he said the county can still improve.
Deputy County Manager Jennifer Miller acknowledged that public engagement has not been consistent across projects.
Seeking feedback before designs harden
Officials said residents are too often brought into the process after a project is already more than halfway through design. Objections or requests for major changes at that point can force staff to redo work and extend the schedule.
“Something needs to change here,” Sully District Supervisor Kathy Smith said.
Springfield District Supervisor Pat Herrity called for engagement “early and often,” while Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk said the process should be more inclusive so communities feel involved.
Earlier outreach could also make it possible for the county to establish firm deadlines for additional comments. Board Chairman Jeff McKay said projects eventually reach a stage when redesigning them would carry a significant cost.
McKay said completing projects on time has become even more difficult in recent years. He also urged staff to tell supervisors when delays stem from factors within the board’s control.
“If it’s our fault, tell us,” McKay said.
Herrity cautioned officials against treating residents as obstacles, noting that community members have provided valuable guidance on several projects in his district.
County looks beyond its borders
Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman, who chairs the transportation committee, said improvements will be difficult because transportation projects can involve many interconnected parts. Still, he said there was broad agreement that current timelines are too long.
County transportation staff members have begun meeting with officials from Arlington, Prince William and Loudoun counties to exchange best practices for improving planning.
Other possible changes include closer coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation and utility companies.
Steverson said any overhaul would likely happen through gradual changes and experimentation. He compared redirecting the existing system to steering a freighter rather than a speedboat: progress will come a little at a time.