Arlington Facility Update Feb 2013

As presented to the Arlington BAC by County Staff (new information in bold)

1.  On-street improvements - For the next couple months staff will be scoping out bike network improvements to two important north/south corridors: N. Harrison Street and S. Eads Street.  Details have yet to be worked out, but both projects should include significant extensions of the bike lanes.  The implementation of both projects will be contingent upon the County's resurfacing plans (and budget) for 2013.  Preliminary layouts will be presented to the BAC for discussion prior to final plans.  Final paving and resurfacing plan expected in March.

2.  Construction of the new FHWA-funded wider sidewalks and buffer along S. Joyce Street under I-395 is largely complete and open for use.  (Street lighting, signals and counting equipment are still to be done.)  Public "ribbon cutting" to take place in March.

3.  Short term safety improvements to the Rosslyn Circle area are complete.  Deficient curb ramps at all the corners surrounding and including Gateway Park (except for three) have been rebuilt to meet current ADA standards.  The remaining corners, NW and NE corners of WB Lee Hwy/Custis Trail at Lynn Street and NE corner of Lee Hwy/Custis Trail at Ft. Myer Drive, will be done in conjunction with the larger Rosslyn Circle project which is at 60% design and currently being reviewed by VDOT.

4.  Washington Boulevard Trail Phase II - Staff has preliminary agreement from the Department of the Navy to renegotiate a new access easement that would reduce impacts on existing trees and allow the trail to be located further away from a streambed.  Implementation of the trail is still planned to start in 2013.

5.  Design work has begun on the creation of a short trail link in Bluemont Park between the Four Mile Run trail and Manchester Street near Ashlawn Elementary School.  Construction is planned for 2013.

6.  Planning work is about to commence on the design of a new ADA compliant trail linking Potomac Yard with the Four Mile Run trail.  This multi-year project will involve the Four Mile Run Joint Task Force (JTF) which is composed of Alexandria and Arlington citizens and staff.

7.  Staff is working with the NVRPA to get approvals to replace extraneous signage and markings with consistent and appropriate traffic controls along the W&OD trail.  Implementation planned for spring 2013.  Awaiting feedback.

8.  Installation of Wayfinding signage along the Custis Trail will begin in February.  First installations will be between George Mason Drive and the Lee Highway crossing near Cherrydale.  Phase I will incorporate the entire Rosslyn-Ballston on-street network and the Custis Trail between Rosslyn and Ballston.  Planning has begun for the next phase, which will include the remainder of Arlington's major trails.

9. Ten of the County's first automated bike lane counters have been installed this season.  Locations include Fairfax Drive in Virginia Square, Quincy Street near Central Library, Military Road and Wilson and Clarendon Boulevards in Clarendon.  Three new automated trail counters have been installed, bringing our total off street counter network to 15.  Two more trail counters will be installed as part of the S. Joyce Street project (see #2).  Staff is working closely with Arlington County Commuter Services (ACCS) webmasters to make count data available to the public some time in March.

10.  21 new bike racks were installed in December and January, including the County's first in-street racks (in front of the Java Shack).

11.  Staff has developed options for keeping major trails accessible during ice and snow events this winter.  One option involves utilizing County equipment and staff, another involves hiring contractors.  If a plan is agreed upon to use one or the other (or a combination of both) there may still be time for snow clearing on the trails to take place this season.  Awaiting County Manager feedback.

12.  Staff is refining the design of the new Carlin Springs Road bridge over George Mason Drive.  The new bridge planned for construction in 2014 will include 6ft wide bike lanes and sidewalks.

13.  The intersection of the W&OD Trail at Lee Highway in East Falls Church is being redesigned to better align the trail, improve queuing areas at the crosswalk and improve accessibility.  A related, but separate effort to reduce conflicts with turning traffic by changing signal operations, is also underway.

Comments

[ACyclistInTheSuburbs]

To Do:

Move from Fairfax to Arlington, ASAP

[Froggie]

Any word on the design of the planned cycletrack on Army-Navy Dr in Pentagon City?

[Michael H.]

The S. Joyce Street improvements (under I-395) are a welcome change for that road. Even better once the street-level lighting is in place. Great job by the FHWA.

However, it's too bad that the Air Force Memorial parking lots (on the south side of Columbia Pike) are no longer accessible. That was a good place to do some shorter hill repeats on the bike or run.

Overall, that project continues to improve the cycling infrastructure in and around Arlington County. I look forward to seeing progress on other projects such as the new Washington Blvd. bridge over Rte. 110 and the Potomac Yard-Four Mile Run Trail connector.

Any updates on extending the trail from the Humpback Bridge to Boundary Channel Drive?