traffic safety | FFXnow

Prosperity Avenue road diet plan faces obstacle from proposed development

Published January 30, 2025 at 9:45AM

Prosperity Avenue approaching the noise wall along I-66 in Merrifield (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County’s plan to add protected bicycle lanes and pedestrian safety features to Prosperity Avenue is moving ahead, but a new high-density development along the Merrifield corridor could complicate the design.

At a public meeting on Monday (Jan. 27), the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) shared the latest updates on its road diet project, which would reduce the road from four to two lanes, add buffered bike lanes, and introduce pedestrian safety improvements in front of the Dunn Loring Metro station between Hilltop Road and Gallows Road.

Countywide

New FCPS traffic safety pilot program sparks mixed reactions from school board

By James Jarvis

Published January 15, 2025 at 3:45PM

A crossing guard watches a crosswalk outside Daniels Run Elementary School in Fairfax City (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County Public Schools is rolling out a new plan to tackle traffic and pedestrian safety concerns at its 200 schools, but not everyone on the school board is sold on the idea.

The School Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Assessment Program, discussed during a school board work session on Tuesday (Jan. 14), aims to streamline how schools identify and address issues like clogged “Kiss and Ride” loops, bus congestion and pedestrian safety.

News

Two options on table for safety improvements on Lee Chapel Road

By Scott McCaffrey

Published December 27, 2024 at 9:00AM

Fairfax County is planning on removing hills on Lee Chapel Road after multiple fatal crashes (via Pat Herrity/Twitter)

The public has a few more weeks to weigh on on two construction scenarios as Fairfax County officials work to improve safety on a deadly stretch of Lee Chapel Road.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation proposed two options at a virtual community meeting on Dec. 10 for approaching a project that will level the narrow, two-lane roadway between Ox Road (Route 123) and the Fairfax County Parkway:

Countywide

Wintry weather could disrupt holiday travel in Fairfax County

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 23, 2024 at 2:30PM

A sidewalk at the Scout on the Circle development in Fairfax City on a rainy winter day in January 2024 (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County could be visited by some wintry weather on Christmas Eve.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the county and other parts of the D.C. area in anticipation of freezing rain and a potential “dusting” of snow tomorrow (Tuesday) from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Countywide

Pedestrian and cyclist fatalities have doubled in Fairfax County this year, study finds

By Jared Serre

Published December 11, 2024 at 2:30PM | Updated December 20, 2024 at 7:18PM

A Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department ambulance (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

The number of pedestrians and cyclists killed in traffic crashes in Fairfax County have doubled this year, one study says.

A total of 19 pedestrians have died this year through November — a substantial increase from the 10 tallied in 2023, according to data compiled by the advocacy group Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NOVA FSS). In addition, a bicyclist was killed on West Ox Road in October, the county’s first cyclist fatality since 2021.

News

Owner seeks denser development option for office condos stranded by Mosaic District

By Angela Woolsey

Published December 9, 2024 at 9:45AM

The Alliance Center Condominium site in Merrifield (via Fairfax County)

After getting boxed in by the Mosaic District, the owners of Merrifield’s Alliance Center condominiums are looking to revitalize the half-century-old commercial property so it’s more in line with its neighbor.

The Fairfax County Planning Commission recommended approval last Wednesday (Dec. 4) of a comprehensive plan amendment that will set parameters for more intense mixed-use, residential development on the 3.2-acre parcel at 2929 Eskridge Road.

News

VDOT and Great Falls group clash over safety improvements on Walker Road

By James Jarvis

Published November 27, 2024 at 11:15AM

Walker Road bridge over Piney Run in Great Falls (via Google Maps)

The Great Falls Citizens Association (GFCA) is voicing strong objections to safety improvements proposed by the Virginia Department of Transportation for Walker Road, arguing that the plans could make the rural roadway more hazardous rather than safer.

VDOT released an assessment in October of the 2-mile stretch connecting Colvin Run Road to Georgetown Pike in Great Falls. The report recommends several safety improvements, including clearing vegetation, installing new signage and replacing the one-lane bridge over Piney Run with a two-lane structure.

News

New VDOT report suggests big fixes for Walker Road hazards in Great Falls

By James Jarvis

Published November 14, 2024 at 3:45PM

The Virginia Department of Transportation is studying Walker Road in Great Falls for potential safety improvements (via VDOT)

The Virginia Department of Transportation has a plan to improve safety along Walker Road in Great Falls, targeting persistent concerns with visibility, speed and overall road design.

The proposed changes — detailed in a safety assessment finalized in October — address high-risk areas identified by residents, who flagged specific trouble spots where conditions are particularly dangerous.

Countywide

Fairfax County leaders debate scope of program to test lower speed limits

By Scott McCaffrey

Published November 6, 2024 at 3:45PM

A 25 mph speed limit sign in a residential neighborhood (staff photo by Angela Woolsey)

Fairfax County supervisors remain supportive, in concept, of enacting a pilot program lowering speed limits from 25 mph to 20 mph on some streets.

But the availability of resources to implement a fully countywide program down the road remains an open question.

News

Redevelopment of Graham Center with ER and urgent care facility approved

By Scott McCaffrey

Published October 9, 2024 at 1:15PM | Updated October 9, 2024 at 2:17PM

VHC Health's Graham Center redevelopment will include new pedestrian facilities and street trees (via Fairfax County)

The Fairfax County Board of supervisors gave final approval yesterday (Tuesday) to a proposal that will bring a next-generation health-care facility to the West Falls Church area.

The project also will provide what county leaders say are much-needed traffic-safety improvements to the area of Arlington Blvd and Graham Road.