WASHINGTON — The Arlington County Board has approved an agreement to transfer construction of the Lynn Street Esplanade project to the Virginia Department of Transportation, with work on Rosslyn’s “new front door” expected to begin in late 2017.
The board also approved a $968,000 contract to artist Cliff Garten for artwork as part of the Esplanade project that will include four stainless steel, LED-lighted “luminous body” sculptures.
The sculptures will anchor the four corners of the Lynn Street esplanade.
The Lynn Street Esplanade will serve as a new gateway to Rosslyn from the Key Bridge over Interstate 66, and will include widened sidewalks, intersection improvements, upgraded traffic signals and improved bicycle safety.
The Virginia Department of Transportation will now be responsible for awarding and administering construction contracts. Arlington County will contribute up to $5.7 million for construction services.
The majority of funding for the Esplanade project will come from private developer JBG Cos., an agreement that was part of the county approval package for its Waterview residential and office towers nearby.
“This is an exciting project that will help us achieve our vision for Rosslyn,” said Arlington County Board Chair Libby Garvey. “The ‘Corridor of Light’ is a beautiful design that will create a memorable public space for all of our residents, commuters and visitors who move through this heavily traveled corridor.”
Plans also include widening and improving a portion of the Custis Trail, popular with bikers and joggers, that runs parallel to Lee Highway. The trail transitions to the Mt. Vernon Trail south of North Lynn Street.
The Custis Trail project is funded through a grant from the Federal Highway Administration.
Both projects are expected to take about two years to complete.
You can read the county’s progress report on the Lynn Street Esplanade and Custis Trail projects, and see more renderings, at the county’s website.
