Long Bridge proposed bike crossing might not need switchbacks, depending on Coast Guard

In my last few posts about the Long Bridge bike component, I didn't reference the DEIS which has some interesting tidbits.

One is about whether the bridge will need a switchback to reach the Mt. Vernon Trail or not (hopefully, not).

Four bike-pedestrian crossing options have been retained for further analysis (Note: since then they've chosen a preferred option). Options shown at the public and agency meetings in December 2017 did not show the crossing connecting across the GWMP to Long Bridge Park. However, following significant feedback received from the public and agencies (CFA, NCPC, and Arlington County) that each emphasized the importance of a connection to Crystal City, the potential to cross the GWMP will be evaluated as part of all four options.

The ramps connecting to the Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia and to Ohio Drive in the District will begin sloping down to existing ground once the crossing reaches land on either side of the river, or may begin sloping down while still over the river, which would minimize the need for ramp switchbacks. The determination of whether the bridge can begin sloping downward while still over the river channel will be made in consultation with the USCG regarding the minimum allowable vertical clearance over the channel.

The presentation in November showed switch backs on both sides. Sad face emoji.

Here's who likes the bike-ped bridge and who likes it less:

Cooperating and participating agencies also addressed the potential bike-pedestrian crossing options in their comments. CFA stressed the importance of connections between activity centers, and encouraged FRA and DDOT to explore extending the crossing over the GWMP to Long Bridge Park and Crystal City. NCPC noted that any bike-pedestrian connection should maximize utility and enhance experience for all users, and should consider future connections to Crystal City, the Mount Vernon Trail, East Potomac Park, Maine Avenue, and the Southwest Waterfront, including connections to the Anacostia Riverwalk Trail (part of the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail). Arlington County expressed support for constructing a bike-pedestrian crossing as part of the Project, and expressed support for providing a direct bike-pedestrian connection to Long Bridge Park. However, DRPT noted that the primary focus of the Project is increasing rail capacity, and expressed significant concerns regarding safety and constructability of any combined-mode structure. VRE also expressed concern over the safety and security implications of any combined-mode structure.

NPS expressed support for carrying the potential bike-pedestrian crossing options forward in the DEIS. However, NPS expressed possible concerns related to impacts to the Mount Vernon Trail and the need to evaluate potential impacts, including congestion, visual challenges, and loss of vegetation and trees.

The public submitted 1,604 email comments in support of a bike-pedestrian crossing as part of the Long Bridge Project, and one email comment against it. Of the 1,604 email comments in favor of a bike-pedestrian crossing, 98 percent of commenters supported extending bike-pedestrian landings across the GWMP to destinations in Arlington and across the Washington Channel to destinations in the District.

Comments

[Zack Rules]

Hum, I would hope the Coast Guard would sign off on the non-switchback ramps because the navigation channel is closer to the middle and all of the other piers lack navigation lights and not official channels.