TCA is leading a pedestrian-focused infrastructure improvement along Westwood Center Drive to address immediate safety concerns and strengthen walkability in Tysons. The improvement will be at the intersection of Westwood Center Drive and Cornerside Boulevard, a location that serves as a key connection point between homes, businesses, and transit options, and is experiencing rapid growth and development.
What’s Changing
At the heart of this project is the installation of a new unsignalized crosswalk on the southwest side of the intersection. This new crossing will provide people walking with a safe, designated place to cross Westwood Center Drive, where no formal crosswalk currently exists.
To support the crosswalk, TCA will restripe the roadway between Tysons Sheraton Drive and Cornerside Boulevard. The restriping effort will improve the alignment of travel lanes and remove an underutilized left-turn lane, making room for a painted pedestrian refuge island in the median. This refuge island will serve as a safe mid-point resting space for people crossing, particularly benefiting children, older adults, and others who may need additional time.
Another important component of the project is the addition of a new sidewalk with ADA-compliant ramps on the south side of the crosswalk. Today, pedestrians rely on a worn dirt path to make this connection, which poses safety challenges and is not accessible for people with strollers, wheelchairs, or other mobility needs. The new sidewalk will provide a reliable, permanent path that meets modern accessibility standards.
Why This Matters
Pedestrian demand continues to grow as more residents and businesses move into the surrounding area. These near-term improvements represent a cost-effective way to address the community’s most pressing safety and access needs without waiting years for long-term infrastructure to be realized. Recent incidents, such as a pedestrian injury near Tysons West earlier this year, underscore the urgency of making these safety upgrades.
The project also aligns with Fairfax County’s broader goals for multimodal transportation, placemaking, and equitable infrastructure. By creating safer, more accessible walking connections, the improvements help foster a more people-friendly Tysons where residents, employees, and visitors can choose to walk with confidence.
Collaboration and Partnership
The Westwood Center Drive improvements are being delivered through a collaborative partnership between the public and private sectors. TCA is working closely with Fairfax County, nearby property owners, and community stakeholders to ensure that the design and implementation are responsive to local needs while advancing the vision for a more connected, walkable Tysons.
Looking Ahead
These improvements represent an important “quick win” on the path toward a more walkable and vibrant Tysons. They demonstrate how small, targeted infrastructure changes can make a big difference in how people experience and navigate the public realm. Over time, projects like this will build momentum toward the County’s long-term vision of a Tysons that is safer, more accessible, and more welcoming for all.
