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Right of Way/Right of Entry

Right of Way

Property owners along Route 7 will be informed of the exact location of any temporary or permanent easements or right of way necessary to build the project during the right of way acquisition process and prior to construction on their parcels. Right of way discussions with property owners will begin during the first half of 2019 and continue into 2021. Information about right of way and easement purchase is discussed in VDOT’s brochure, “Right of Way and Utilities: A Guide for Property Owners and Tenants.” 

Permission to Enter for Parcel Assessment

If you own property along Route 7 between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive, please be on the lookout for a "permission to enter" letter in your mailbox in coming months (here's an example). It will ask that you respond by phone, email or returning a self-addressed stamped reply.

Your timely response is important, as it helps keep right-of-way offers, easements needed for the project as well as construction work on track.

Here's a little more about the process:
VDOT is required by the Code of Virginia to notify you prior to visiting your property to assess any features that may be impacted by highway or transportation projects. These impacts could range from temporary easements needed during construction to acquisitions for the project. The letter does not permit construction, but lets VDOT examine the property.

The letter will arrive from VDOT or one of its agents, via certified mail, overnight courier, or in-person with proof of delivery. It will outline details of who needs the access, any activities to be performed and an expected date of visit. It will provide instructions to call, e-mail or return a pre-addressed stamped letter.
 
If we don’t hear within 15 days or if you decline permission, you'll receive a second letter with the same information and a planned date of visit (the visit will be at least 15 days after the second letter’s postmark). This letter arrives via certified mail and either overnight courier, in-person with proof of delivery, or posted on the main entrance.
 
Read more in Section 33.2-1011 of the Code of Virginia, effective July 1, 2019.