We normally complain about federal interference, but in one case you could argue it helped cyclists was in the building of the Custis Trail as part of I-66 (maybe we'd been better off with just the trail, but what are you going to do). In 1977, Virginia's plan to build I-66 was rejected by the federal government and so, to gain approval, planners cut the project down from 6-8 lanes to 4 and to add a bicycle path (that would restore an informal bike path that had been in the corridor for years). And the Custis Trail has been a major commuter, transportation and recreation route ever since. A real success.
Now that VDOT is asking how to improve I-95 as part of the Interstate 95 improvement plan (they started taking comments yesterday) a similar trail would seem like a natural idea. Granted, Arlington has not seen fit to include one in their bicycle plan, and the study doesn't mention bicycles in its list of multi-modal components, but that doesn't mean it wouldn't be a great addition.
Such a trail would likely have to be a hodge-podge of new and existing facilities, both on road and off, not unlike the retrofitted trail along the expanded I-66.
Just for the hell of it, here's a stab at it. Be kind as I didn't research this too much:
Starting at the Holmes Run Trail, travel north along a new trail on the west side or along the east side with a path along Van Dorn (or hell, why not both). Cross over at Seminary to the east side (if needed) and then continue along Dorn to King Street. Cross that and continue along the interstate on a new trail to Quaker. Navigate through the Shirlington loop either on a new trail or on road via Preston and Martha Custis to a new Four Mile Run bridge that connects to the trail near I-395 (How is there not a bridge there yet?). Push north along I-395 through the Glebe Interchange, I-66-style, and then to Army Navy Drive. Use the Protected Bike lanes all the way to Route 1. Cross under Route 1 on a new MUT tunnel that connects to Long Bridge and then follow that and the future Long Bridge bike crossing to DC. Easy peasy. [I'd be really interested in what a more formal study like the one WABA did for Arlington Blvd would look like]
The study that's accepting comments is also looking at the Route 1 Corridor, and there again are some opportunities for better bike accommodations in Arlington, Alexandria and Fairfax County.
Comment here.
ABSOLUTELY. At the very least, Holmes Run Trail to Four Mile Run Trail would be excellent. Linking Holmes Run Trail/ West alexandria etc to the whole DC trail network would be amazing as there’s at least a mile gap in there currently.
Posted by: Scott F | July 18, 2019 at 12:05 AM