Wiehle Avenue Bridge over Dulles Toll Road
Client: VDOT
Location: Reston, VA

As part of the fourth-lane (HOV) widening of the Dulles Toll Road, ALA performed the structural, civil and hydraulic/hydrologic design and construction document preparation for widening of the Wiehle Avenue corridor between Sunset Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Boulevard. Included in this corridor is the Wiehle Avenue Bridge crossing the Dulles Toll and Access Roads. ALA performed the structural design and prepared plans for the widening and rehabilitation of this six-span, 380-ft long bridge. The existing five-lane, 70-ft wide structure was widened to 10-lanes plus an 8-ft wide sidewalk/bikeway for a total width of 140-ft. The existing concrete deck was also replaced, requiring construction to be phased to minimize impacts on existing traffic.

A complex construction phasing and maintenance of traffic scheme was developed for the corridor improvements that accommodated the bridge widening and redecking; approach roadway work including the MSE walls; and close proximity of the signal-controlled intersections at Sunset Valley Drive and Sunset Hills Boulevard.

Additionally, the new bridge incorporated architectural enhancements that required close coordination with VDOT and the Town of Reston to provide a “gateway structure” as the main entrance to Reston. The architectural enhancements included special surface finishes and coloring on all concrete surfaces including the approach roadway MSE walls and bridge barriers; enhanced architectural lighting on the bridge and approaches; and a custom-designed pedestrian fence and traffic railing.