The Finance, Government Operations, and Economic Development Committee (FGOEDC) of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is set to review an important action item related to the Route 7/Route 287 interchange improvements in the Catoctin election district. The committee will evaluate a proposal to increase the award authority for Roadway and Civil Design Services, which is crucial for the completion of this significant transportation project.
Purpose of the Funding Increase
The proposed funding increase of $206,059.39 will raise the contract total for Volkert, Inc. to $3,159,395.15. This allocation is essential to cover additional geotechnical investigations and modifications to the existing stormwater pipe designs, as requested by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). These adjustments aim to enhance the overall safety and functionality of the interchange, which serves as a vital connection for commuters in the area.
Background on the Project
The Route 7/Route 287 Interchange Improvements project is part of the county’s Capital Improvement Program and focuses on operational enhancements at the interchange, including improved pedestrian and bicycle safety measures along the Washington and Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail. The project is being funded through various sources, including local tax revenue, general obligation bonds, cash proffer contributions, and Smart Scale grant funding.
A Request for Proposal was issued in March 2019, with nine submissions received. After a thorough evaluation, Volkert, Inc. was selected as the top firm to provide the necessary design services. The county initially contracted with Volkert in February 2020 for an amount not to exceed $2 million, which has since seen several award authority increases to accommodate changes and additional work.
Updated Design Requirements
The latest proposed funding increase follows a series of design adjustments stemming from updated VDOT and county policies, which have necessitated changes to the plans submitted under the original Smart Scale application. Moreover, ongoing coordination with NOVA Parks has resulted in layout modifications for the shared-use path and pedestrian signals.
Since initial work began, the design team has responded to comments and requests from Town of Purcellville staff, ensuring safety concerns are addressed in the updated plans. However, some modifications requested by the town were not accepted by the county or VDOT.
Financial Implications
The current contract obligations, including the proposed funding increase, bring the total to $3,159,395.15. The county has sufficient funds earmarked for the Route 7/Route 287 Interchange Improvement project to accommodate this increase.
The FGOEDC will explore two main options regarding the proposed funding increase:
1. Authorizing the Purchasing Agent to increase the contract award authority for Roadway and Civil Design Services with Volkert, Inc. by the recommended amount.
2. Not authorizing the increase and directing staff on alternative actions.
The committee’s discussion and decision on this funding increase will occur during their meeting on June 10, 2025. The outcome will play a critical role in advancing the Route 7/Route 287 interchange improvements, ensuring that necessary safety and design enhancements can move forward effectively.
Purcellville residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about the progress of this project, as it stands to significantly improve traffic flow and safety within the community.