Four Mile Run Restoration Project

Four Mile Run Overview

Four Mile Run is a nine-mile long stream located in a highly urbanized area in Northern Virginia. Its 19.6 square mile watershed covers portions of Arlington and  Fairfax Counties and the Cities of Alexandria and Falls Church. The lower portion of Four Mile Run, from I-395 at the upstream end to National Airport at the mouth, is contained in a hardened flood control channel and marks a rough boundary between Arlington County and the City of Alexandria. Along this stretch of Four Mile Run are neighborhoods, commercial districts, and some industrial facilities, including the Arlington County Water Pollution Control Plant. Because of the highly urbanized nature of the Four Mile Run watershed, the neighborhoods and businesses adjacent to this portion of the run were subjected to repeated flooding, beginning in the 1940s.  In response to this flooding, the municipalities forged a partnership with the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to build a flood-control channel in the lower portion of Four Mile Run. Construction of that channel took place during the 1970s and early 1980s.  Since its completion over twenty years ago, the channel has safely conveyed the high storm flows through the two jurisdictions and prevented flooding.

Restoration Project 

The restoration project will restore 2.3 miles of a highly degraded stream within the hardened flood control channel, or levee corridor. Federal and local resources have been committed to this exciting project.  A Master Plan for the Four Mile Run Corridor was completed in 2006.  Design Guidelines are currently being drafted and the restoration demonstration project will begin soon. The municipalities are working closely with the USACE in these endeavors.  

Master Plan

The Master Plan was adopted by both jurisdictions in 2006 and provides the framework and vision for the restoration of the stream corridor.  To view the Master Plan, please visit the NVRC website.

Design Guidelines

Four Mile Run Design Guidelines, approved by Planning Commission in September 2009, were created to govern the aesthetic and physical components of the stream corridor.  The Design Guidelines  include recommendations that will guide trails and paths, stream crossing, bridges, lighting, building orientation and setbacks, benches, the proposed Nature Center, and vegetation; among other physical components. 

Final Approved Four Mile Run Design Guidelines

• Available for download as separate chapters on NVRC's website 
• Full document (this is a very large file) 

Stream Restoration Demonstration Project 

A Demonstration Project is planned for wetland, stream bank, and riparian habitat (adjacent to stream) restoration of the tidal reach of Four Mile Run (from Mt. Vernon Ave to the Potomac River).  Request for Proposals are currently being solicited. 

Newsletters 

• August 2009  
• May 2009 
• February 2009
• November 2008  

More Information: 

Visit the NVRC website or contact the following City of Alexandria staff: 

• RPCA: Ron Kagawa at 703-838-5041
• TES: Claudia Hamblin-Katnik at 703-838-4334
• P&Z: Brandi Collins at 703-838-4666