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Fairfax County leaders support efforts by the Federal Highway Administration to expedite replacement of the American Legion Bridge.

FAIRFAX, VA — The Trump administration should expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors said this week. The bridge links Fairfax County and Montgomery County, Maryland, two of the region's most populous counties.

"The bridge plays a vital role in supporting regional mobility, freight movement, economic activity in the National Capital Region," Supervisor Jimmy Bierman (D-Dranesville) said, during the board's regular meeting on Tuesday. "Now more than 60 years old, the bridge faces significant capacity, operational and safety challenges. They're expected to intensify as regional travel demands continue to increase."

The Federal Highway Administration recently issued a request for information soliciting public input and proposals on innovative project delivery methods to ensure cost-effective and efficient reconstruction of the bridge. The deadline to comment and submit proposals for the project is Monday, Feb. 9.

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"Replacement of the bridge presents an opportunity to not only bring this critical asset into a state of good repair, but also to improve safety, support new transit connections between Maryland and Virginia, enhance transportation demand management strategies and expand bicycle and pedestrian connectivity across the Potomac River," Bierman said.

The supervisors voted unanimously to support a motion submitted by Bierman, directing Board Chair Jeff McKay (D-At-Large) to send a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation in support of FHWA's efforts to expedite replacement of the bridge. Scroll down to view the letter.

"This one's really important," Bierman said. "We need a new American Legion bridge. We need to figure this out."

In November, state, local and federal officials cut the ribbon on the $660 million 495 Express Lanes Extension project, which connected the existing 14-mile 495 Express lanes just north of Tysons, near the Dulles Toll Road/Dulles Access Road to the George Washington Memorial Parkway prior to the American Legion Bridge into Maryland.

In January, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) met with U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to discuss the rising costs of the Francis Scott Key Bridge project, which has gone from initial estimates of under $2 billion in 2024 to as much as $5.2 billion, according to Maryland Matters.

During the meeting, Moore said he was open to receiving private funding for the replacement of the American Legion Bridge provided the agreement included expediting replacement of the Baltimore bridge, Maryland Matters reported.

This is the letter the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously on Tuesday to send to Duffy.

February 3, 2026

The Honorable Sean P. Duffy SecretaryU.S. Department of Transportation1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.Washington, DC 20590

Reference: FHWA RFI (Docket No. FHWA–2025–0335) – Expediting Delivery of the American Legion Memorial Bridge

Dear Secretary Duffy:

On behalf of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, I am writing to express our support for the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) efforts to expedite the replacement of the American Legion Memorial Bridge.

The 60-year-old American Legion Bridge provides a critical freight and passenger connection between Maryland and Virginia, and its replacement would bring this essential asset into a state of good repair while enhancing safety and mobility. The Board has long recognized that capacityand operational challenges at the American Legion Bridge and other Potomac River crossings are among the region’s most significant transportation priorities. The need to cross the Potomac River creates major transportation challenges in the National Capital Region. As a directconnection between two of the region’s most populous counties, the American Legion Bridge is among the most heavily used and congested crossings. Congestion at the bridge also contributes to cut-through traffic on local roadways, affecting nearby residential neighborhoods during peaktravel times. With traffic volumes expected to continue to increase, the chokepoint created by this bridge requires long-term solutions to help those traveling between Maryland and Virginia.

A new bridge would support the implementation of new transit connections between Maryland and Virginia and the enhancement of transportation demand management to reduce singleoccupancy vehicle travel in the corridor. It will also provide the opportunity to include expanded bicycle and pedestrian connections between multimodal facilities in Maryland and Virginia.

These expanded transportation options are consistent with improvements and priorities identified by our local governmental partners in the region.

Fairfax County appreciates FHWA’s efforts to solicit input on alternative project delivery methods, innovative contracting approaches, and other strategies that could accelerate delivery of a replacement project. Given the bridge’s regional and national significance, exploring flexible and forward-looking options is both appropriate and necessary.

We encourage FHWA to continue close coordination with Virginia, Maryland, and regional partners as it evaluates responses to this RFI and advances next steps. Fairfax County will continue to support efforts that advance the timely replacement of this critical structure, a key regional conduit for travel and economic activity between Virginia and Maryland and the continued economic vitality of the Metropolitan Washington region.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Gregg Steverson, Director, Fairfax County Department of Transportation, at Gregg.Steverson@fairfaxcounty.gov, or 703-877-5600. We remain willing to assist in efforts to advance this important infrastructureproject.

Sincerely,Jeffrey C. McKayChairman

cc: Members, Fairfax County Board of SupervisorsBryan J. Hill, County ExecutiveJennifer Miller, Deputy County Executive

JLL Income Property Trust has sold Kingston at McClean Crossing, a 319-unit Class A development in McLean, Va. According to Yardi Matrix, the Fairfax County property was previously owned by LCOR, before JLL’s REIT acquired it in 2021.

A purchase price was not disclosed. The property has since been rebranded as The Point at McLean, now owned and managed by Pantzer.

Kingston at McClean Crossing encompasses more than 500,000 square feet across two 13- and 15-story towers that are connected via a skybridge. LCOR developed the site in 2018 for $122 million, with layouts ranging from one- to three-bedroom units averaging 874 square feet.

Individual apartments feature in-unit washers and dryers, walk-in closets, dishwashers and stainless-steel appliances. The property is classified as partially affordable, with 63 apartments reserved as affordable housing, Yardi Matrix shows.

Community amenities include a fitness center with a yoga studio, a swimming pool, a children’s playroom, outdoor firepits, a golf simulator and a pet spa.

Kingston at McClean Crossing was the first phase of the larger 21-acre McLean Crossing development, which was first proposed in 2013. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved LCOR’s updated conceptual development plan in early 2025, which includes up to 2.7 million square feet of mixed-use space.

The community was put up for sale in October 2025, according to the Washington Business Journal. Kingston at McLean Crossing was built at 7480 Birdwood Ave., 13 miles outside of Washington, D.C., with access to Interstate 495 and Route 267. McLean subway station and the Tysons Galleria are nearby.

Multifamily activity near DC

Washington, D.C.’s multifamily market fundamentals are still mixed, according to a December 2025 Yardi Matrix metro report. The data showed that average asking rents were down to $2,227, below the U.S. mean, with deliveries 30 basis points below the national figure. Through September, more than 30 properties changed hands in the metro, totaling $1.9 billion in transaction volume.

In August, Bozzuto and Invesco Real Estate acquired Ashton at Dulles Corner, a 454-unit development located in Herndon, Va. The purchase represented the second acquisition of the partnership from their $330 million investment joint venture, which has an overall capacity of approximately $1 billion.

Also in the area, JBG SMITH has received the green light to move forward with a 640-unit project in Potomac Yard in Alexandria, Va. The property will include a mix of market-rate and affordable units.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — Although road conditions continue to improve, Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay on Wednesday, Feb. 4, Superintendent Michelle C. Reid said in an email sent to FCPS families on Tuesday.

With the delay, students will travel during daylight hours, which will be safer, according to Reid.

"I visited with our transportation and food services teams early this morning as they prepared for everyone’s return," she said. "I also visited several schools where I was excited to see our educators and students picking up right where we left off before our snow days. This is a testament to the hard work and flexibility of Team FCPS and all of you to adapt to these challenging winter weather conditions."

These activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled or delayed:

In addition, School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers will open at 8 a.m. Afternoon preschool classes will start on their regular schedule, and Adult and Community Education classes will start on time.

"As you head out in the morning, please be mindful of students who are making their way to school," Reid said. "Nearly 130,000 students will be traveling to bus stops across the county, and 50,000 others will be walking or using kiss-and-ride areas while navigating sidewalks and snow piles. For families who are able to, we encourage you to check that your child’s walking route to school is as safe as possible with the snow and ice, or, if possible, carpool with other families."

FCPS’ Office of Transportation Services will notify families of any changes to bus stops due to road conditions. There may be some delays.

"We ask families to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status," Reid said. "The website will record if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late. Parents will also receive an email if a bus is more than 30 minutes late."

Families that feel staying home is safer are asked to call their child’s school to get an excused absence. Additional updates will be available on the FCPS website and the FCPS mobile app.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, VA — All Fairfax County Public Schools will open on a two-hour delay for Tuesday, Feb. 3.

This means schools will open two hours later than their regular start times. All central and school offices will open on time, according to an email sent Monday by Superintendent Dr. Michelle Reid.

"We anticipate that this will also be the case for Wednesday, February 4. We will provide a community update tomorrow afternoon," Reid said.

These activities in schools and on school grounds are canceled or delayed:

Reid's office added:

School Age Child Care and Beyond the Bell centers will open at 8 a.m. Afternoon preschool classes will start on their regular schedule, and Adult and Community Education classes will start on time.

"I want to thank all of our incredible staff who have worked tirelessly over the last eight days to clear snow and ice, and make sure our schools are safe for students and staff to return. We could not open without the ongoing hard work of our custodial, facilities, and transportation teams as well as VDOT and our county partners," Reid said.

"Fairfax County is approximately 400 square miles. Each day, 130,000 students walk to 45,000 bus stops across the county. An additional 50,000 students walk, drive, or are driven by an adult. As you head out in the morning, please be mindful of students who are making their way to school. For families who are able to, we encourage you to check that your child’s walking route to school is as safe as possible with the snow and ice, or, if possible, carpool with other families.

"FCPS’ Office of Transportation Services will notify families of any changes to bus stops due to road conditions. In addition, please know that there may be some delays. We ask families to monitor the Bus Delay website to get up-to-date information on the route status. The website will record if a bus is running more than 10 minutes late. Parents will also receive an email if a bus is more than 30 minutes late.

"If you feel that your child is still safest staying home, please make sure to call your child’s school to get an excused absence.

Additional updates will be available on the FCPS website and the FCPS mobile app.

"Thank you for your patience and collaboration as we work to clear out the snow and ice from last week’s storm. We will continue to provide updates to you regarding weather conditions and any potential changes for the remainder of the week."

TYSONS, VA — Despite opposition from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and a majority of county residents, union leaders and business advocates continue to support legislation in the Virginia General Assembly that would pave the way for a casino to be built in Tysons.

For the second year in a row, Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon) has introduced legislation seeking to give the board of supervisors the authority to put a referendum on a future ballot.

"Our unions feel very strongly that this proposal to have an entertainment district at Tysons Corner should not be taken off the table, but rather should be explored and should be studied, and that it should be the basis for a referendum where all the people of Fairfax County can have a vote on whether to approve it or not," said Virginia Diamond, president of the Northern Virginia Labor Federation, AFL-CIO, during an exclusive interview with Patch.

Diamond was one of the supporters of Senate Bill 756 who spoke during the Jan. 23 Senate Subcommittee on Gaming hearing. Subcommittee members voted 5 to 3 to recommend the bill for a vote of the full Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology.

Julie Coons, the president and CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber, testified before the same subcommittee last year that the chamber supported the casino referendum bill, calling it an important driver for the diversification of Northern Virginia's tax base.

"The creation of a mixed use, transit-oriented entertainment district that would include not only a casino, but a state of the art conference facility and performing arts venue, is estimated to contribute an additional $140 million in annual revenue to the county," she said in 2025. "In addition to hundreds of millions of dollars for the Commonwealth. If approved by the Board of Supervisors, a development of this nature would diversify and broaden tax revenue for Fairfax County."

Although no one from the chamber spoke during the Jan. 23 subcommittee meeting, NVC still strongly supports the project that Comstock Holding Companies has proposed.

"NVC supports an entertainment district, including a casino, in Northern Virginia," an NVC spokesman said in an email to Patch. "NVC's NOVA Roadmap, our vision for the economic future of our region, calls for 'bold ideas for new initiatives and facilities that diversify revenue to reduce local reliance on real estate and personal property taxes' and this project can provide a new stream of revenue that the County currently does not have."

In spite of the union and chamber's support, the Tysons casino project has garnered a great deal of opposition in Fairfax County since it was first proposed.

In October, the Freedom Virginia Political Action Committee released the results of a survey showing that 75 percent of Fairfax County residents opposed a casino being built in Tysons.

Two months later, the Board of Supervisors voted 5 to 4 to include the following language in the legislative program it sent to Richmond this year:

"Oppose legislation in the General Assembly that authorizes a casino in Fairfax County without any request for such legislation from the Board of Supervisors, without implementation of a statewide Gaming Commission, and without a tax revenue split that substantially benefits Fairfax County as opposed to the Commonwealth. The designation and location of a casino is inherently a major land use decision and General Assembly intervention in Fairfax County’s land use processes would undermine decades of community consensus and economic success."

If the General Assembly passes SB756 this session and Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signs it into law, it's unclear whether the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors would exercise its new authority and put a casino referendum on a future ballot.

"We're still trying to make the case to the Fairfax County Board, as well as to the General Assembly, that they should be open to considering this opportunity," Diamond said. "They should be negotiating over licensing fees. They should be negotiating over the revenue split with the state and the county, and they should be studying it to see whether or not you know what the pros and cons are."

Diamond's union has an agreement with Comstock Holding Companies, the Reston developer that has spent more than $2.5 million on campaign contributions and lobbyists in support of the proposed casino.

The project would create 5,000 union jobs, according to the agreement, both in construction and with the retail and commercial businesses that would operate in the 4-million-square-foot entertainment district once it was completed.

"We look at this as as an incredible opportunity to really transform the fabric of Fairfax County society for working class people," Diamond said. "That's why you want to give everybody a vote, because we want to be able to lay out the pros and cons. We have this Silver Line that's underutilized. You have a real budget problem in Fairfax County. To just give up possible revenue for turning this into an entertainment district destination, simply because there's going to be a gaming floor in a luxury hotel, which is going to be unlike the other casinos around the state, I think we just like to have that all taken into account."

Read Patch's reporting on Comstock Companies' plan to build a casino on Metro's Silver Line in Fairfax County at Silver Line Casino.

On Wednesday, the General Laws and Technology Committee voted 11 to 4 to advance SB756 to the Senate Committee on Finance and Appropriations, which is the final stop before the full Senate votes on the bill.

The Finance and Appropriations Committee next meets at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 3. The meeting can be viewed via the Senate of Virginia's YouTube channel.