Mason Looks to Add Roads, Bridge to Connect Fairfax Campus

Though still in the early stages, George Mason University's plan to add a connector road to take stress off the Braddock-Ox (Route 123) roads intersection has council members concerned about traffic jams and aesthetic values.

GMU representatives introduced their east-west campus connection concept to the Fairfax City council at a meeting last Tuesday. The project would add an additional entry to the Fairfax campus that officials hope would alleviate some of the heavy traffic at Braddock and Ox roads. 

The plan includes widening University Drive above the Field House to include a landscaped median, bike and pedestrian paths, as well as outlawing on-street parking. Two new roads would be constructed, the first along Rapidan River Road that would connect Braddock near the Prestwick Drive/West Campus parking lot entrance to University Drive, the second through forest, ravines and streams found below the Field House and ending in a new intersection at Ox Road, just north of the Mason Inn.

Now, students and GMU visitors rely on the intersection at Braddock and Ox roads to access the west and east sides of the campus. It's not uncommon to sit at that intersection for extended periods of time waiting to make the left turn onto Ox. The problem is even worse when GMU hosts sports and concert events.

"I'd hate for it to simply move that problem to the University and Route 123 intersection, which is also a problem," said Mayor Robert Lederer.

GMU reps argued that the new roads and intersection would alleviate traffic at the Braddock-Ox intersection and provide another access to neighborhoods west of the campus without forcing motorists to drive up and around.

Then again, it would provide another cut-thru to the city and potential for more traffic issues for the residential communities living along University Drive. 

And then there's the issue of walking (or biking) across Route 123.

To save students the hassle of dodging cars while trying to get from their parked cars to their classes, the project suggests adding a bridge or underground passage to help pedestrians cross 123.

"This is a suburban area," said Councilman Daniel Drummond. "I don't want to see an urban-type bridge or project going right over 123 right by different neighborhoods."

The bridge or underpass would connect the new road spanning from the far reaches of the west campus to a new entry point just above Mason Inn. 

Council members warned against the project's potential for dropping an eyesore at a key entryway to Fairfax City.

"Don't skimp on the pedestrian and bike paths," said Councilman David Meyer. "You should consider brick or stone for the bridge," as well as underground utilities and aesthetic lighting for the paths leading up and over (or under) 123.

GMU reps are working with Fairfax County, Virginia Department of Transportation and now Fairfax City on this project. There's no solid word on where the funds will come from or a timeline for construction.

Expect the council to speak on this issue more in the future. Check back, as always, for more information as it becomes available.