More than 7,000 lane miles of public roads traverse the county, from two-lane streets shaded by tree canopies to complex parkways with medians and guardrails. The presence of litter, overgrown medians, and worn infrastructure can detract from both leisurely drives and daily commutes.
When residents notice issues on the roads, they often contact the county. However, Fairfax County maintains very few public roadways; nearly all are under the jurisdiction of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Maintaining these roads is a collaborative effort among the state, county, and residents.
The Adopt-a-Highway program involves over 20,000 volunteers who remove litter from Virginia roadsides. Participants clean designated roadway segments at least twice a year for three years. VDOT supports these efforts by providing safety equipment, trash bags, and signage recognizing their commitment. Research indicates that Adopt-a-Highway roadsides are less littered than those maintained solely by road crews. This initiative enhances visual appeal and prevents litter from entering local waterways.
VDOT’s Land Use Permits allow residents, businesses, and organizations to perform work within state highway right-of-way areas. These permits ensure compliance with VDOT standards and policies in maintaining highway integrity. In Fairfax County, permits are processed by the local VDOT district office to support community beautification efforts.
Residents should report road hazards like potholes or damaged signs to VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-7623 (1-800-FOR-ROAD). Prompt reporting aids in addressing maintenance concerns efficiently.
