The Pickett Trail project took center stage at the Fairfax City Council meeting on July 8, 2025, as officials provided a detailed update on its progress and future steps. Transportation Director Wendy Sanford led the discussion, emphasizing the project's significance in enhancing safety and connectivity within the community.

Sanford highlighted that the Pickett Trail aims to fill a critical gap in the existing off-road trail network, which has been identified as a safety concern due to the narrow sidewalks along Pickett Road. The project, initially recognized by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board (PRAB), is a collaborative effort involving multiple city departments and is part of the 2017 multimodal plan.

The project is currently in the right-of-way acquisition phase, with plans to construct 1,300 linear feet of paved asphalt trail, including two bridges. The total estimated cost is approximately $5 million, with $6.4 million secured through Smart Scale funding, a competitive state program designed to support transportation projects.

Sanford also addressed the coordination with Fairfax Water, which plans to install a new water main in the same area. This collaboration aims to minimize disruption and environmental impact, as both projects overlap in certain sections. The city has been in discussions with Fairfax Water since 2018 to align their plans effectively.

However, the project is currently paused, pending a decision from the council on whether to continue, modify, or cancel it. Options include resuming the project as planned, altering the alignment—which would require additional funding for redesign—or canceling it altogether. The council's decision will determine the next steps for this vital infrastructure initiative, which promises to enhance the community's recreational opportunities and safety.