VDOT, in case you haven't heard already, is planning to expand, improve and modify I-66 in northern Virginia. And part of that improvement includes building a trail along I-66 from Dunn Loring, where it would connect to the W&OD, to Haymarket. Technically, I suppose, this wouldn't be an extension of the Custis Trail, since that ends a few miles away in Bon Air Park, but I've been calling it that due to the similarities (But, I've changed the category for the Custis Trail to Custis/I-66 Trail because of this).
Anyway, they released a concept plan for the trail and its options back in May, but in August they created, and in October released, a new graphic with the preferred alternative.
Below are images of the easternmost panel, but there are is one other for Fairfax and two more for Prince William, at the links. Wedging a trail through a built up area, next to an Interstate, like this is not easy and it makes for some weird detours, difficult crossings and odd routing. One debate that will change the feel of the trail is whether it will be inside the sound wall or outside of it.
East end of the trail from the W&OD Trail and Dunn Loring Metro station.
The trail in the area of the Vienna Metro Station
The trail from the City of Fairfax to Fairfax Corner
The biggest surprise to me is that it doesn't explicitly connect to the Cross County Trail at the Vienna Metro Station, where the terminus of the XCT is only about a block away from this trail, but hopefully that can be corrected later.
I think connections like the GCCCT are out of scope for the project, and would be something that Fairfax county would need to work separately. (I'd be amazed if they weren't, but regardless I don't think VDOT would put it on the I66 plan because of the scope issue.)
Posted by: Mike | October 22, 2015 at 09:27 AM
IIRC the GCCCT runs on the sidewalk on Blake there, and the best route from the the GCCCT to the existing WOD in Vienna is through MetroWest and across the highway on Vaden to Nottoway Park. Not sure any new construction is actually needed for the connection (though improvements would be nice) just good signage.
Posted by: ACyclistInThePortCity | October 22, 2015 at 09:34 AM
The Cross County trail doesn't terminate there but it is mostly just signed on the sidewalk rather than there being any sort of trail there.
Anyway, I've found an on street route from the cross county trail that works pretty well.
You can leave the trail at Tobin road and use the neighborhood streets and a convenient cul-de-sac connecting trail to get to US 50 which then lets one cross 50 and eventually ride into the Mosaic District and up to Gallows Road/the W&OD if you want.
It'd be great if there could be some bike mileage signs indicating that you can get to Mosaic/Metro/W&OD without having to keep going over towards Fairfax and Vienna.
Posted by: drumz | October 27, 2015 at 09:17 AM