As noted earlier, the project team for the Boundary Channel Drive Interchange Project had a meeting last night to get input on the alternatives. Below are the three concepts showing what the design might look like. A thick orange line - for a sidewalk or path - shows a connection between the Mount Vernon Trail spur, along Boundary Channel Drive to Long Bridge Drive.
I like Concept 1 best, based on the drawings. By removing the north ramp from I-395 to Boundary Channel drive, it eliminates an at-grade crossing of a highway ramp. In all of the concepts there are more connections made, and the road under I-395 is reduced from 4 lanes to 2, creating more space for cyclists and pedestrians.
Concept 2 is probably the worst design for MVT trail users.
It's important to keep in mind that the final design will likely some pieces from each concept plan. It's not "pick one", it's "what do you like and what do you dislike from each concept?"
In addition to looking at how the trail connects, pay attention to the intersection between Boundary Channel and Connector Road. Pay attention to how cyclists would transition between the bike lanes on Long Bridge Drive and the trail.
Posted by: Chris Slatt | June 24, 2015 at 03:07 PM
Why not simply put another traffic circle at Boundary Channel + Connector?
Posted by: simple answer | June 24, 2015 at 03:44 PM
DES did a great job emphasizing that this is not just a wonderful trails & local access project, but that it got its start with a larger study whose primary goal was reducing I395 motor vehicle conflicts, crashes, and congestion at the 14th St Bridge. Everyone wins
Posted by: darren | June 24, 2015 at 07:40 PM
Reason for concept 1:
1)The trail connector has less ramp crossings.
2) On the LBP side, an intersection will make everyone's life easier
3) For going Southbound on 395, the southern entrance is easier to merge
4) For exiting from Southbound 395, you have more time to get in the correct lane and less weaving.
5) On the LBP side, it takes less space than current roads. (the road actually moves west slightly).
Posted by: Crystal City Resident | June 25, 2015 at 08:27 AM