Friday, January 27, 2017
Support a W&OD Trail Bridge Over Lee Highway
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| VDOT rendering of W&OD Trail bridge |
The project will be done as part of a design-build contract, so the design is still up in the air. The at-grade crossing will remain after the bridge is build since people who are frequenting the nearby businesses will still want to cross Lee Highway without having to do a long detour to get up onto the bridge.
If you support the bridge over Lee Highway, the Arlington Board needs to hear from you ASAP.
The Easy Option: Email the County Board at countyboard@arlingtonva.us. It doesn't have to be long.
[Sample message: I am writing to express my support for the VDOT proposed bridge for the W&OD trail over Lee Highway as part of the Widening I-66 Inside the Beltway project. This would improve safety for trail users as well as reduce problems for motorists transiting the crossing area. I urge VDOT to insure that the bridge is included in the final plans. Construction of the bridge will offer significant safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians at this very congested intersection.]
The More Impactful Option: Come out to the County Board Meeting THIS SATURDAY and sign-up to speak on agenda item #37. The Virginia Department of Transportations Transform I-66 Inside the Beltway: Environmental Assessment for the widening of I-66 from the Dulles Connector to Fairfax Drive.
This grade-separated crossing is called for in the bicycle element of the Master Transportation Plan. It is important for safety now and will be even more important with the growing volume of turning cars coming as part of the I-66 widening. This intersection has been the location of at least 8 bike & ped crashes in recent years.
You can also submit comments online through VDOT’s comment form, or send an email to Transform66@VDOT.Virginia.gov . Be sure to reference “Transform 66 Inside the Beltway Eastbound Widening” in the subject line. The W&OD bridge is included in the proposed build scenario for the I-66 Inside the Beltway Widening Project. The proposal is included in the preliminary design plans and final Environmental Assessment (see page 3-42 of the report) unveiled at public hearings hosted by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) in early December.
Thanks to Chris Slatt of the Arlington BAC for the alert.
FABB also sent the following letter to the Arlington County Board of Supervisors:
Dear Arlington Board of Supervisors and VDOT:
We are writing to express our support for the VDOT proposed bridge for the W&OD trail over Lee Highway as part of the Widening I-66 Inside the Beltway project. This would improve safety for trail users as well as reduce problems for motorists transiting the crossing area.
The trail system in Northern Virginia, from Arlington's bridges and tunnels to Fairfax's CCT, were planned for and invested in resulting in an excellent option for recreation and getting around safely without a car. The numerous grade-separated crossings allow users to avoid dangerous intersections and make the trail system an important resource for all.
We urge VDOT to ensure the bridge is included in the final plans. Its construction will offer significant safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians at this very congested intersection. Building such a facility not only provides for the safe transit of it's current residents but will allow Northern Virginia to attract new ones and continue to be a desirable place to live and work.
Thank you for your time.
Regards
Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling - Board of Directors
Jeff Anderson - President
Sonya Breehey - Vice President
Steve Ward - Secretary
Howard Albers - Treasurer
Katie Kelly - At Large
Bruce Wright - At Large
Douglas Stewart - At Large
We are writing to express our support for the VDOT proposed bridge for the W&OD trail over Lee Highway as part of the Widening I-66 Inside the Beltway project. This would improve safety for trail users as well as reduce problems for motorists transiting the crossing area.
The trail system in Northern Virginia, from Arlington's bridges and tunnels to Fairfax's CCT, were planned for and invested in resulting in an excellent option for recreation and getting around safely without a car. The numerous grade-separated crossings allow users to avoid dangerous intersections and make the trail system an important resource for all.
We urge VDOT to ensure the bridge is included in the final plans. Its construction will offer significant safety improvements for bicyclists and pedestrians at this very congested intersection. Building such a facility not only provides for the safe transit of it's current residents but will allow Northern Virginia to attract new ones and continue to be a desirable place to live and work.
Thank you for your time.
Regards
Fairfax Alliance for Better Bicycling - Board of Directors
Jeff Anderson - President
Sonya Breehey - Vice President
Steve Ward - Secretary
Howard Albers - Treasurer
Katie Kelly - At Large
Bruce Wright - At Large
Douglas Stewart - At Large
Labels: i-66 inside the beltway, W and OD Trail
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