The long-awaited and controversial lane-closure construction work in the 400 block of W. Broad St. (Rt. 7) will officially commence this Friday, Oct. 12, City of Falls Church officials announced Tuesday. One lane of the four-lane road will be closed in each direction while the road bed is rebuilt, utilities are under-grounded and sidewalk and curb work is done. The work is expected to take until the end of the year. The lanes will be closed off daily, Monday through Saturday, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. In a compromise with local business owners, City officials agreed to open all the lanes for the afternoon rush hour. With more than 30,000 cars traveling that route daily, drivers have been encouraged by the City to detour. Coming west, they’re encouraged to detour right on Little Falls St., left onto Great Falls, left onto Lincoln, left onto West and then back onto W. Broad. Coming east, they’re encouraged to detour left onto West Street, right onto Lincoln, right onto Great Falls and right onto Little Falls, coming back to W. Broad. Informal lemonade stand commerce can be expected to pick up along those detour routes.
