Fairfax County wants to come up with a new vision for the Idylwood segment of Route 29, one that’s more inclusive of modes of transportation other than cars.
The Board of Supervisors authorized transportation staff on June 25 to apply for $175,000 in federal grant money to fund the development of an active transportation plan for Route 29 between Hollywood Road and Route 7 (Leesburg Pike).
If awarded, the U.S. Department of Transportation funds would be used to study the corridor and identify potential improvements for pedestrians, bicyclists and other travelers as the “first step” toward revising the county’s comprehensive plan, which currently recommends widening the four-lane road to six lanes.
“This expansion no longer aligns with the community’s needs and the County’s objectives,” Fairfax County Department of Transportation spokesperson Freddy Serrano said by email. “As such, Fairfax County recognizes the need for a comprehensive review and reassessment of the corridor with a focus on creating/enhancing the active transportation network and complementary transit facilities.”
In a background summary for the board meeting, county staff describe Route 29 as “difficult to cross” and “unpleasant to traverse via walking or biking.” The study’s goal will be to create a more comfortable environment for pedestrians and cyclists, while connecting the north and south sides of the road.
Any recommendations will be coordinated with Falls Church City, according to the memo.
Serrano noted that a new review will consider how the area has changed and support future development, including the transformation of the West Falls Church Transit Station Area to the north and a proposal to redevelop Idylwood’s Fallfax Center.
“The study would allow the County to replan the corridor to determine short-term and long-term active transportation facilities that can be implemented through redevelopment or with public improvement projects,” he told FFXnow.
Other sections of Route 29 are getting a new look as well. The Board of Supervisors recently removed a project to widen the Merrifield segment from Fairfax City to the Capital Beltway (I-495) from a regional transportation plan, and a study of the corridor in the Fairfax Center area is underway.
FCDOT is also seeking $500,000 from USDOT’s Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program to study the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, a network of trails that extends from western Pennsylvania down to Northern Neck in Virginia.
The study would determine a final alignment for the county’s trail segments, which generally follow the George Washington Memorial Parkway. A map maintained by the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC) identifies gaps in the Lorton area near Mason Neck and between Great Falls Park and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve in McLean.
However, NVRC’s proposed route is just one of three options that FCDOT’s study will evaluate.
“Potential alignments may build upon recent and future active transportation improvements such as the I-495 NEXT trail, Route 7 trails, Richmond Highway [Bus Rapid Transit] improvements, etc.,” Serrano said.
The timeline for both studies depends on if and when funding is allocated, according to FCDOT.
Administered by the Federal Highway Administration, the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program was created this year with $44.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law signed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
The program is accepting grant applications through July 17 for trails, sidewalks and other projects intended to improve pedestrian, bicycling and transit safety and access.
