Friday, October 9, 2015
GGW article on I-66 parallel trail
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| I-66 parallel trail in green along N side at Nutley St. |
This would be a big boost for area trails
Building out the entire thing would make the Custis Trail one of the longest trails in the region. It'd be up there with the W&OD Trail's 45 mile long path, and it'd dwarf other well know trails in the area like the Mount Vernon Trail (18 miles) or the Capital Crescent Trail (11 miles). You'd be able to take the trail all the way from the Key Bridge to Manassas Battlefield National Park and beyond.
Working new trails in with road plans is a way to make sure that even highway expansions are, in their own way, bike and walking-friendly. For such efforts to be successful, though, trails have to both get built and is adequate for people's needs. Otherwise the trail just gets seen as a simple amenity rather than a necessary part of the area's transportation infrastructure.
The latest plans are online in several detailed segment drawings and an overview drawing of the proposed trail in Fairfax County. The detailed drawings indicate that most of the parallel trail ramp crossings will be grade-separated, similar to those on the Custis Trail. The latest design indicates that less right of way will be needed than was earlier thought, which should reduce concerns from residents.Building out the entire thing would make the Custis Trail one of the longest trails in the region. It'd be up there with the W&OD Trail's 45 mile long path, and it'd dwarf other well know trails in the area like the Mount Vernon Trail (18 miles) or the Capital Crescent Trail (11 miles). You'd be able to take the trail all the way from the Key Bridge to Manassas Battlefield National Park and beyond.
Working new trails in with road plans is a way to make sure that even highway expansions are, in their own way, bike and walking-friendly. For such efforts to be successful, though, trails have to both get built and is adequate for people's needs. Otherwise the trail just gets seen as a simple amenity rather than a necessary part of the area's transportation infrastructure.
VDOT is holding meetings in Fairfax on Oct. 19 & 20. These meetings are a great opportunity for area cyclists to voice their support for this new trail. Just because the trail is shown on plans does not mean it will be built. Your support is critical.
Monday, October 19, 2015Oakton High School
2900 Sutton Road, Vienna, VA 22181
Tuesday, October 20, 2015VDOT Northern Virginia District Office
4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030
Labels: custis trail, greater greater washington, i-66, I-66 multimodal study
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