City unveils 60% design for Eaton Place / Route 123 intersection; engineers cite crash history and tree‑preservation plan

Summary

City staff presented 60% plans for the Eaton Place/Route 123 intersection to improve safety and operations. Engineers cited 99 crashes from 2017–2024, proposed expanded southbound lanes on 123, a 10‑foot shared use path and a replanting plan of about 280 trees; public commenters urged wider sidewalks and safer school connections.

Fairfax City staff and consultant engineers presented 60% plans on March 25 for the Eaton Place/Route 123 intersection, telling the council the design is intended to reduce crashes, congestion and conflict points while preserving as much vegetation as feasible.

Transportation Director Wendy Sanford introduced the presentation, and consultant speakers said the intersection — part of the National Highway System — currently carries more than 40,000 vehicles per day on Route 123. Consultant Steve Schmidt summarized crash data: “From 2017 to 2024, there have been 99 total crashes at the intersection,” and staff later updated that there have been 22 crashes since 2022.

The consultants presented an endorsed 2023 configuration and the updated 60% design. Key elements include reconfiguration of the west‑side traffic pattern to…

City unveils 60% design for Eaton Place / Route 123 intersection; engineers cite crash history and tree‑preservation plan

Summary

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