Custis Trail to Gainsville Concept Plan

VDOT is making plans to transform I-66 outside the Beltway, and as part of that they're considering extending the Custis Trail to Gainsville. As WABA notes

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) recently unveiled concept plans for an extension of the Custis Trail along I-66 outside the Beltway in Fairfax and Prince William Counties. Hundreds of Fairfax County trail users contacted VDOT asking for the trail extension as part of the I-66 project. While it is exciting to see the trail one step closer to reality, VDOT still has not included the trail as part of the I-66 project.  VDOT is asking for additional feedback on how the parallel trail will benefit you, your commute, and your neighborhood.

A recent study showed that 25% of Fairfax County residents live within a mile of the proposed I-66 trail or within 1/2 mile of either the Fairfax Co Parkway or W&OD Trails, both of which would be connected by an extended Custis Trail.

There was a meeting on the I-66 project last night in Fairfax (sorry) and then one tonight in Vienna, and two more next week in Haymarket and Centreville. 

Attend one of the I-66 Public Hearings and tell VDOT you support bicycle improvements, especially extending the Custis Trail, as part of the I-66 improvement project. Hearings are scheduled from 5:30 to 9:00 pm

Written comments may be submitted through June 18th by mail to Ms. Susan Shaw, Megaprojects Director, at the VDOT District Office address above, or by email toTransform66@VDOT.Virginia.gov.  Reference “Transform 66 Outside the Beltway” in the subject line.  Copy your public representatives on your email to make sure everyone gets your message for better bicycling! Don’t wait until June 18th, send your comments now.

The project, which covers the area from Dunn Loring to Haymarket, is in the NEPA phase right now, with a preferred alternative to be selected this fall and project completion in 2021. 

The concept plan shows a multi-use path that is significantly more disjointed and circuitous than the existing Custis Trail. In some places it just seems to peter out (like at the edge of Manassas Battlefield), and in others it moves to sidewalks or on-street facilities. Where the highway is a smooth line, the trail moves wildly around interchanges, crossing the highway multiple times, moving far away from it and then coming back. Still, it is an improvement over the status quo. It would be a shame to rework I-66 and not extend the Custis Trail. 

 

Comments

[Mike]

Let's be honest: the trail proposal is terrible. It will be a relatively dangerous and slow route, and typical of the table scraps that VDOT allocates for non-SOV modes. On the other hand, I'd rather spend the next 40 years arguing for trail improvements rather than arguing over whether to put in a trail--so let's just do this.

[DE]

Agreed. If it's not there to begin with, you are going to have a lot of trouble getting it in later. While I'd prefer a WO&D-style trail I could use (from here in Arlington), at least this will be helpful for locals getting around.

[GeoTechie]

If you think that the Fairfax portion of the trail proposal is bad, you should see the Prince William section. There are huge gaps, and virtually none of the trail is in the project right-of-way; however, sort of like what Mike said... better to get a poor trail than no trail.

[washcycle]

Currently, I think the poor trail is only a 50-50 proposition (at best), but yeah let's get what we can and build on it. When the CCT opened, there was no bridge over River Road; but once everyone saw how dangerous that road was to cross, the county found money to build one. And then the tunnel was opened. And the rest of the right of way improved. Etc... You don't have to get it all in one bite.

[Purple Eagle]

Even if circuitous, a continuous route would be an excellent start. We don't want to repeat the tragedy of the ICC, where large segments of potential trail were completely eliminated, with no alternate route.

[DE]

". We don't want to repeat the tragedy of the ICC, where large segments of potential trail were completely eliminated, with no alternate route. "

But the environment along the new 6-lane highway was too sensitive for a bike trail!