In December, Arlington County adopted a framework plan for Banneker Park which includes changes to both the Four Mile Run and W&OD Trails. (last post here)
In the short term the trails will be resurfaced and widened. The width of the shared Four Mile Run and W&OD trails (yellow and black) will be widened from the existing 8’ to 12’, with 10’ minimum. The width will be dependent on site and environmental constraints adjacent to the trails. . In areas where the trail can be safely widened without compromising ecological and site features it will be increased to the full 12’. The W&OD trail leg north of Four Mile Run (red), towards N Tuckahoe St, will be widened to the minimum of 10’, from its current 7’-8’ width. Four Mile Run/W&OD will receive full renovations and upgrades to meet the standards under ADA.
The W&OD trail north of the bridge will receive basic upgrades, such as ADA improvements, to bring that trail to standard but will not receive full replacement and renovation due to the possible future relocation of the W&OD trail outside of Benjamin Banneker Park. Basic striping, in accordance with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) pavement marking standards, furnishings, upgraded lighting, signage and seating etc., will be incorporated with the modified trails. Coordination with NOVA Parks graphic standards will be referenced for detail design for the W&OD portion of the trail.
Trails will be added to separate foot traffic north of Four Mile Run from the W&OD Trail.
Signage along the multi-use trails will be focused on travel and directional orientation for users to ensure safer usage
Work on this (and the other park changes) will start in the fall and end next year. Although this may already be delayed.
In phase II, the W&OD Trail will be rerouted outside of the park. Community input indicated that the stakeholders would prefer to have the W&OD Trail moved east outside Benjamin Banneker Park. Many community members added the caveat that they would only support this option if there were a safe, grade separated crossing at the intersection of N. Sycamore Street, 19th Street and the I-66 ramp.
Two other proposed realignment concept alternatives presented to the community would keep the trail within the park but would align it directly to Four Mile Run. A new bridge, engineered to meet standards for structures within floodways, would be required to connect the trail with Four Mile Run Trail on the south side of the stream and would be subject to approvals by the County and FEMA.
A feasibility study should be conducted to assess potential alignments for the W&OD Trail. This study should be coordinated in the future between Arlington County and NOVA Parks
The trails will be updated to current standards, possibly with lighting. The park will get new bike racks and possibly a bike repair stand and/or a new water fountain.
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