VDOT hearing on King St.

[Bruce Dwyer]

The VDOT information/participation meeting has been rescheduled on the
replacement of the railroad bridge over King St. in Alexandria to
accommodate the construction of four traffic lanes and improved pedestrian
access from Commonwealth to Russell. The meeting will be on WEDNESDAY, MARCH
1, 2000 FROM 5 PM TO 7 PM IN THE CARTER ROOM OF THE EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL,
1900 DIAGONAL RD, across from the King St. Metro Station.

The Bicycle Transportation and Multi-use Trail Plan for the city calls for
the project to include 14 foot wide curb lanes for cyclists and sidewalks
for pedestrians similar to the width and configuration on the Braddock Road
project.

As a resident of the area who frequently bicycles and walks through this
area, I question the need for the project from a traffic flow point of view.
It is the intersections at either side of the railroad bridge that cause the
traffic restrictions. I would suggest that during low volume traffic times,
the narrowing of King St. under the bridge is a very effective traffic
calming device.  Widening King St. could result in much higher speeds at
this location, which could easily exacerbate the currently dangerous
situations for pedestrians.  I would like to see the pedestrian walkways and
crosswalks improved but not as a trade-off for faster more dangerous traffic
speeds.   As a bicyclist, wider lanes would be an improvement, but, again,
not at the expense of creating a faster travel lanes for vehicles. I do not
know if the condition of the railroad bridge is a factor in the proposed
replacement. Personally, I like the charm and character of the old bridge.

Come to the meeting to let VDOT know your views.

Bruce Dwyer
Chair, Alexandria Bicycle Committee