The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors has approved what amounts to a pilot program that will look at the impacts of reducing some road speeds from 25 to 20 mph.
Board members voted 10-0 yesterday (Tuesday) to take advantage of powers delegated by the General Assembly in 2024, giving localities the power to reduce speed limits on certain roadways under control of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).
The concept has been discussed by Fairfax officials since 2024. This week’s action would allow for up to nine roads to be included in the pilot program — one in each magisterial district whose participation is agreed to by the local supervisor.
The county code amendment doesn’t specify any particular roadways, beyond that they must be located in a residential or business district with an existing speed limit of 25 mph.
But according to county staff, the initiative would begin with three roads, then expand from there. Last December, the Fairfax County Department of Transportation unveiled potential study areas and solicited feedback.
To move forward, Fairfax officials will need to inform VDOT where the changes are being made. The county government would be responsible for paying for new signage, estimated to cost about $24,000 spread over nine roads.
The public hearing on code changes required to move forward drew no speakers, pro or con. Few supervisors had comments about the plan, although Dranesville District’s Jimmy Bierman said that, in many areas, lower speeds would be welcomed.
“Twenty is plenty,” Bierman said of speed limits in certain areas.
The proposal calls for the first pilot zones to be installed this summer, with an evaluation period running through early next year.
Several supervisors did request that staff provide information at a future date on the ramifications of lower speed limits on e-bikes, some of which can travel faster than 20 mph.
“That’s something to flag for the police … for future exploration,” Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said.
Parking restrictions expand around Edison High School
At Tuesday’s meeting, the Board of Supervisors expanded a permit-parking district near Edison High School in Rose Hill, after hearing concerns from residents.
Residential Permit Parking District 50 currently is located on the south side of Franconia Road along portions of Edison Drive and Woodway Drive. The amendment would add portions of Pratt Street and Brookland Road north of Franconia Road.
Residents of the northern area recently petitioned the county to impose restrictions on non-resident parking in front of just under 30 homes. At the public hearing on Tuesday, a number of residents said students have become more aggressive in recent years, and congested parking on their streets is a safety hazard.
Vehicles parked in violation of an residential-district restriction are subject to a $75 fine for each violation, and may be towed at the owner’s expense, according to county officials.
Parking for students on the Edison campus is limited: only seniors are eligible for a parking pass, and they have to win one in a lottery. Others must either find on-street parking or use other transportation options.
In addition to residents speaking in support of the new restrictions, the hearing brought out an Edison Academy sophomore and his father, who expressed concern that further parking limitations could make it impossible for students who live out the regular Edison High School attendance area to take classes there.
Located at 5801 Franconia Road, Edison is one of six high schools in Fairfax County that offer specialized elective courses designed to prepare students for future careers in fields like culinary arts, criminal justice, cosmetology, construction and more.
Supervisors were sympathetic to the student’s concerns, expressing hope that Fairfax County Public Schools and the police department can work together to craft potential improvements.
