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Potential traffic delays in Tyson’s Corner due to preliminary Silver Line infrastructure construction. (Created by Aaron Morrissey.)

Well, color us thrilled that when we opened the Washington Post on Saturday morning, we caught a story on the front page of the Metro section with a sub-headline reading “U.S. Officials Give Go-Ahead to Start Metrorail Work.” We have to admit, it’s a little surreal to finally see officials actually talking about the practicalities of construction for the Silver Line. (Of course, we couldn’t get a hold of the actual letter from the FTA, because, well, they haven’t updated a press release on their website since May.)

Even though primary work for the infrastructure of the first phase of the project has been chugging along since early this year, it’s striking to think that pretty soon, you’ll be able to see the preparations for aerial lines being built. According to the Post’s report, the construction through Tyson’s will start to be seen by drivers on Route 7 – with spot closures and single lane closures starting after Labor Day. Just take a look at our nifty little map (above) to see just where you can expect to see some potential traffic issues for the first stages of construction.

Of course, it wouldn’t quite be news about Dulles rail without a mysterious passage like this:

The news from the FTA does not guarantee full funding of the project, which is counting on $900 million from Washington and has endured years of uncertainty as federal transit officials have questioned its rising costs.

Ah, there’s the rub. So, while you’ll forgive us for holding back our irrevokable gushing just a tad – the positive direction that the project seems to be going in now is quite encouraging.