The Cook Advisory

 
Significant Water Main Break Affecting Canterbury Woods Community
This morning the road at the intersection of Springbrook Drive and Eddystone Street collapsed in the Canterbury Woods community. The road collapse and the water main break has also damaged utilities underground. Fairfax Water, Miss Utility and Washington Gas have all responded to the scene and are actively working together to assess the damage and begin repairs. Washington Gas has temporarily disconnected service to a few residents in the immediate area while they work to repair the damage. It is currently estimated that service will be restored to residents by early this evening. In addition, residents may need to park away from the collapsed road and walk to their homes. We will continue to work with the agencies involved to provide you additional details as we receive them.
 
New Overpass on Fairfax County Parkway at Fair Lakes Opens November 15, 495 Express Lanes Opens November 17
   On Thursday, November 15, the Virginia Department of Transportation will shift traffic onto the new Fairfax County Parkway (Route 286) bridges over Fair Lakes Parkway and Monument drive. The New bridge spans from south of Fair Lakes Parkway to north of Monument Drive.
   With the new overpass, motorists won't encounter a traffic signal for the five mile stretch between Popes Head Road and Route 50.
   During the overnight traffic switch, the Fairfax County Parkway will be reduced to one lane in each direction; Fair Lakes Parkway traffic will be detoured onto Fair Lakes Circle; and the ramp from westbound I-66 to northbound Fairfax County Parkway will be closed and traffic will follow a detour.
   The $69 million interchange project will be completed next spring. More details on the project are available at:  http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/fairfax_county_parkway fair_lakes.asp 
  
   Once the 495 Express Lanes open to traffic, drivers should remain alert and be prepared for new traffic movements, ramps, and traffic signals on arterial roads along the corridor, as well as three new 495 Express Lanes access points at Westpark Drive, Jones Branch Drive, and Lee Highway/Route 29.  Drivers should prepare for new traffic signals at most Express Lanes access ramps including:
* Westpark Drive
* Jones Branch Drive
* Route 7
* Lee Highway/Route 29
* Gallows Road
* Braddock Road
If you would like additional information regarding the 495 Express Lanes you may go to: https://www.495expresslanes.com/
 
Community Engagement Meetings on FY2014-15 Budget This Week
   Residents have the opportunity to provide input on funding priorities and possible reductions for the multi-year budget plan for Fiscal Year 2014 (effective July 1, 2013) and Fiscal Year 2015 (Effective July 1, 2014) at three community engagement sessions scheduled for this week, as well as through an online survey available through the end of the month.  
   The Community Engagement Sessions are hosted by the Department of Management and Budget; no registration is needed:
Wednesday, November 14, from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the South County Government Center, Conference Room 221.
Friday, November 16, from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Rooms 9/10.
Saturday, November 17, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. at the Reston Community Center, Lake Anne Plaza Large Meeting Room.
   The Online Survey option will be open through Friday, November 30. Helpful information to read before answering the three survey questions can be found in this presentation (PDF) and at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/budget. 
 
Community Update on Stormwater Program
   Fairfax County residents are invited to a community update on the stormwater program scheduled for Thursday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. in conference rooms 9/10 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax. Reservations are not required.
   Comprehensive watershed management plans have been developed for all of the watersheds in the County to help restore and protect streams and other vital natural resources. With assistance from residents and other stakeholder groups, staff of the Fairfax County Stormwater Management Program identified more than 1,700 structural projects to improve the health of local watersheds.
County staff will present an update on the overall status of the watershed management plans and the stormwater management program.
   For more information call 703-324-5821, TTY 711 or email SWPDmail@fairfaxcounty.gov