Inspired by the success of the Chicago Gateway Green Program, the Tysons Community Alliance (TCA) has partnered with the Fairfax County and the VDOT to reimagine the landscapes at major interchanges throughout the Tysons area. This initiative is part of a broader effort to elevate Tysons’ identity as a welcoming and connected urban center while addressing visual quality, sustainability, and placemaking through strategic beautification.
In 2024, TCA launched the pilot project at the prominent Route 123 and Route 7 interchange—one of the most heavily trafficked gateways into Tysons. The site was transformed with native and adaptive plantings designed to thrive in Virginia’s climate with minimal maintenance, providing seasonal color, ecological value, and visual appeal for commuters and pedestrians alike. This project demonstrated the potential for these often-overlooked spaces to serve as impactful entry points that reflect the area’s evolving urban character.
Looking ahead, TCA will build on this momentum by utilizing VDOT’s Comprehensive Roadside Management Program (CRMP) to coordinate the enhancement of 4 to 10 additional interchanges over the next several years. Through a collaborative model that brings together public agencies, local businesses, developers, and community partners, the program aims to establish a sustained investment in beautification, stewardship, and identity-building across Tysons’ roadway corridors.
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