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Clifton council authorizes two test‑pit procurements as Streetscape costs and utility coordination continue
Summary
The Town Council approved two separate procurements, each capped at $10,000, for environmental studies and utility-location test pits for the Main Street Streetscape project and discussed VDOT reimbursements, Verizon utility relocation costs and railroad permitting.
The Clifton Town Council on July 2 authorized two separate procurements, not to exceed $10,000 each, for environmental studies and utility-location test pits tied to the Main Street Streetscape (Phase II) project, citing the need for detailed subsurface information as utility relocation work proceeds.
The authorization followed a report from project managers and a discussion about coordination with the Virginia Department of Transportation and utility companies. Geri Yantis, a streetscape project manager, told council members there had been a discrepancy between the Town’s and VDOT’s financial summaries for the project and that additional review and shared documentation were underway. "While quotes are still coming in, it appears that this funding may be insufficient," Yantis said, urging the Council to authorize separate procurements so work can proceed.
Why it matters: the Streetscape project (VDOT Project CLFT-029-101, UPC 109949) requires utility relocation, right-of-way actions and coordination with Norfolk Southern and utility firms such as Verizon and NOVEC. Council members stressed that Verizon has been informed it is responsible for the cost of relocating its facilities for the VDOT project and that railroad permits will be required for any work in the railroad right-of-way.
The project team outlined a timeline that includes completing preliminary engineering and submitting plans to VDOT, procuring test pits to determine underground utility depths, and finalizing any required easements. Town documents attached to the agenda note the project has right-of-way authorization, ongoing coordination with CES (utility coordinator) and J2 Engineers, and that some reimbursements remain paused until in-kind match questions and reconciliations with VDOT are resolved.
Council approved the procurement motion by roll call (CM Screen: Aye; CM Davis: Aye; Mayor Peterson: Aye; CM Effros: Aye; VM McDonald: Aye). Project managers will share spreadsheets and supporting documentation with Council members and continue independent reviews of financials. The Council and staff also discussed avenues for additional funding and continued work with Fairfax County if required.
Next steps: the project team will finalize pathway designs for utility conduits, submit revised plans to VDOT, procure the test‑pit services and re-engage right-of-way consultants to secure necessary easements and permits.
