Fairfax County Parkway
From Fairfax Underground Wiki
The Fairfax County Parkway (Fairfax County Route 7100) is an at-grade suburban expressway in Fairfax County, Virginia. Its route roughly corresponds to that once proposed for the Outer Beltway around Washington, D.C.
The northern terminus of the parkway is at a diamond interchange with Virginia State Highway 7 in Herndon. Its southern terminus is at a T intersection with U.S. Route 1]] in Fort Belvoir. Sections of the Fairfax County Parkway incorporate previously existing roads, such as Pohick Road.
As of 2006, there is a gap in the Fairfax County Parkway between Rolling Road (Secondary Route 638) and Interstate 95. The missing section of the roadway is planned to pass through the Fort Belvoir Proving Ground.
A spur from the Fairfax County Parkway is called the Franconia-Springfield Parkway and is designated Secondary Route 7900.
The speed limit on the entire Parkway is 50 mph (80 km/h).
With the exception of center major intersections, such as with I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road, most crossings are at grade and signalized. This was done in part to alleviate fears that the parkway would become an "Outer Beltway."
Going through Fox Mill Estates, there is a bridge under Pinecrest Road, which may be confusing to some. This was done as a request - the residents already feared the bi-furcation of the community, and demand no access at the time. Additionally, Tatnuck Court, which used to have direct access, was cut off by the parkway. While still technically part of Fox Mill, it has effectively become an exclave in Monterrey Estates.
South of U.S. Route 29, the Fairfax County Parkway is part of the National Highway System, as either an arterial route or a Strategic Highway Network connector. The Franconia-Springfield Parkway is part of the National Highway System as an intermodal connector to the Franconia-Springfield Metro station.
The Fairfax County Parkway trail runs parallel to the parkway. It connects to the W&OD trail, and is used for recreation as well as for commuting to work via walking or biking. It also hooks up to the Reston Town Center.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation route index, the Fairfax County Parkway and the Franconia-Springfield Parkway have been designated the John F. (Jack) Herrity Parkway and the Joseph V. Gartlan, Jr., Parkway, respectively.
