Upcoming meeting on I-66 Inside the Beltway

In addition to the planning under way for I-66 outside the Beltway that might result in an extended Custis Trail, VDOT is also making plans for changes to I-66 inside the Beltway. There are two meetings on this coming up this month.

• June 16, 7 to 9 p.m., with the VDOT presentation at 7:30, at Henderson Middle School cafeteria, 7130 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church.
• June 17, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with the VDOT presentation at 7 p.m., Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington.

While not the primary objective of the project, improving bicycling in the area is a goal of the "multimodal" improvements. A 2012  review noted bottlenecks on the W&OD and Custis Trails and limitations/gaps in the bike/ped network. The earlier multimodal study identified "approximately 60 bicycle and pedestrian improvements" to recommend in the corridor. From the presentation in March, the plan is to:

Coordinate with local jurisdictions to group bicycle and pedestrian improvements that:

• Impact bicycling and walking for the largest number of people
• Accommodate longer distance commute trips along 66
• Provide access to Metrorail and bus stops
• Increase the utility and attractiveness of bicycling and walking

Improvements may include:

• On-road bicycle facilities
• New or improved off-road paths
• Intersection improvements to enhance crossing safety

Comments

[Dave]

It's not looking good for an extension of the Custis Trail, at least right outside the Beltway in Dunn Loring. A group of parents and neighbors around Stenwood Elementary in Dunn Loring are organizing against a bike lane and a widening of I-66. We all know what will be cut from the plans.