Yesterday afternoon, I wrote that I hoped that the ambitious Union Station Master Plan would include an improved Metropolitan Branch Trail. The plan is now out and it does include some consideration of the trail.
Complementing the open space system, a new linear park will connect NoMa ’s planned park improvements at l Street with landscaping and the northern continuation of the Metropolitan Bike trail.
OK, so they have the wrong name for the trail. And it isn't just for biking. But it's a start.
It gets better:
the Master Plan promotes the use of bicycles by extending the existing Metropolitan Branch bike trail approximately one mile from its current terminus at the noMa-gallaudet U (new york ave) Metrorail station to the Union Station bikestation. the new bike path will be part of a proposed greenway along the west edge of the Union Station complex. Bikesharing facilities also might be added along the greenway corridor, providing fullservice opportunities for bicyclists.
the Master Plan also proposes the construction of a greenway above the Metro right-of-way, connecting noMa to the north with Union Station, Metro, and Capitol Hill, providing a dramatic civic amenity and linear park. the proposed greenway will run along the west edge of the air rights development and will be used by station passengers, workers, residents, cyclists, and visitors to the Union Station district. the greenway is planned as a beautifully landscaped outdoor space providing a raised extension of the Metropolitan Branch trail bike path and pedestrian walkway, and connecting with the noMa- gallaudet U Metrorail Station and noMa’s planned park at l Street.
And check out the rendering of it.
So yeah, I want to go to there. But sadly, the west side wouldn't be built until 2023-2028. That's even if funding can be found.
Is that a pool in between the road and MUP in the rendering?
Posted by: T | July 26, 2012 at 09:23 AM
2028? I'll probably be riding a recumbent by then!
(No offense to recumbent riders intended.)
Posted by: Tara | July 26, 2012 at 10:19 AM
These pictures make me laugh. If its being built in 2028, they need to add in some jetpacks, flying cars and zeppelins.
Posted by: SJE | July 26, 2012 at 10:21 AM
At least there's the planned cycletrack along 1st. And if we can get something similar along M between 1st and the MBT access, we'll have a functional route until something "more grandiose" can get built.
Posted by: Froggie | July 26, 2012 at 10:23 AM
7 Billion dollars buys a lot of bike lanes EOTR
Posted by: Kolohe | July 26, 2012 at 12:00 PM
Yeah, why is everyone dressing so retro?
Posted by: washcycle | July 26, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Arghhh. I don't see any physical barriers between the cyclists and the peds. How long will it take for planners to figure out how important that is?!
Posted by: Kathy | July 26, 2012 at 01:27 PM
Who needs physical barriers? Arm us with grenade launchers and laser cannons.
Posted by: Edge | July 27, 2012 at 10:54 PM