Roundabout Proposed at 'Failing' Braddock, Pleasant Valley Roads Intersection in Centreville

The intersection of Braddock and Pleasant Valley roads in Centreville is considered problematic and is now the subject of a $4 million improvement project that could transform it into roundabout. 

The intersection, which is near Cox Farms, is currently a four-way stop, with a single lane in each direction, Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) data shows. 

Problems occur during peak hours on weekday morning and evenings, when the intersection becomes extremely congested, causing backups on Braddock Road. 
A traffic study revealed vehicles waiting at the stop bar can, at times, impede schools buses from turning because of the geometry of the area and pavement limits, a VDOT alternative analysis report shows. 

" ... The congestion results in severe delays, causing the intersection to operate at a service level of “F” (failing) during peak periods," transportation officials said in an online notice about the project posted on the VDOT website. More information about the project is here. 

VDOT held a Design Public Meeting from 6 to 8 p.m. at Stone Middle School on Wednesday, but the agency is accepting public comments and questions about the project until Oct. 23. Email comments and questions to: meeting_comments@VDOT.virginia.gov.  
Comments should be mailed to the attention of Leonard "Bud" Siegel, P.E., at: 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. 

While VDOT wants to begin improvement work soon— advertising for a design-build contract is set to begin later this year—some Centreville residents have expressed opposition to the project. 
" ... we prefer the "do nothing" alternative until a complete and thorough traffic analysis is done on the intersection and surrounding roadways which can only be accomplished after the completion of the Route 50 widening project," said Ted Troscianecki, one of the Centreville residents against the project.  The Board of Trustees for the communities of Virginia Run, Sully Station and Sully Station II also oppose the project, Troscianecki added. 

While there is no opposition for the Route 50 project which widens the roadway from Route 28 to the Loudoun County line, Troscianecki said that project, once completed, may eliminate the need for the proposed Braddock and Pleasant Valley Roads project. 
 
" ... can't we wait until that (Route 50 widening) is completed before throwing more taxpayer dollars on a project that may not be needed?" Troscianecki wrote in an email to Patch. 
VDOT officials said one of the solutions for the project is a roundabout because it would improve traffic flow in the area. 
Opponents of the project say a roundabout would cause traffic to become heavy further south on Pleasant Valley Road, making it difficult for Virginia Run residents to access Pleasant Valley from side streets during peak hours. 

For more information on the project, contact VDOT engineers: Leonard "Bud" Siegel, P.E. at 703-259-2118 and bud.sigel@vdot.virginia.gov or Amir Salahshoor at  a.salahshoor@vdot.virginia.gov or 703-259-1957. 

What do you think? Roundabout or no roundabout?