FABB Blog

 

Bike commuting on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge

Today's Post contains a good article on the importance of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge to bike commuters:
The article goes on to discuss the importance of connecting bike facilities on each side of the bridge. The same is true of the new crossings of the Beltway that were built as part of the HOT lanes project. The crossings help but we need to do a better job of connecting them to the surrounding bike network.

Labels: bike commuting, hot lanes, woodrow wilson bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:27 AM permalink

 

Ribbon-cutting for Beltway bridge bike facilities

FABB members at Oak St Bridge

Today some FABB members rode to the Oak St. bridge over the Beltway to participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new bike facilities on that and many of the other 50 bridges that were rebuilt as part of the 495 Express Lanes project, formerly known as the HOT lanes.

The Oak St. bike lanes have been in place for some time but several of the other bridges are just now opening, including the new sidepaths on the Route 7, Westpark Dr, and Lee Hwy bridges. While many of the bike facilities are not ideal, in most cases this is the first time there has ever been a bike facility on those bridges. Starting in 2007 FABB fought hard to ensure some facilities were included in the project.

We initially planned to use the sidepaths on the Lee Hwy bridge, but the side paths were too narrow and aren't really a bike facility. Instead there are supposed to be wide curb lanes on that bridge and it wasn't safe to try to simulate a ribbon-cutting there. The outside lane isn't really wide; there is a painted stripe 3 feet from the curb making it an 11-foot lane with a 3 foot shoulder which isn't very useful for cyclists. I'd prefer to see the lane without the stripe.

After the ribbon-cutting we rode to the new Mosaic District (that I wrote about earlier) to attend the grand opening of Fresh Bikes. We met the manager Stacey and dropped off some FABB rack cards. It's a very nice shop, with many fine bike-oriented details including a bike chain used as edging on the front counter and bike chains used to support sections of the ceiling structure. We especially liked the automatic double-door entrance. We didn't see many transportation bikes; Fresh Bikes is a bike store for the "performance-minded." Some of their hybrids and cross bikes could be used for commuting. We wish them well and we hope to work with them in the future.

Mosaic District bike racks

Some of us then stopped at a nearby coffee shop for snacks and drinks. When we left we rode around the streets that are open and only saw one set of bike racks. They were nice racks that were like a U rack but with some style. There should be many more racks in place for visitors and we'll check no future plans for racks.

Finally, as we were leaving the development we decided to use Eskridge Rd to travel north where it turns into Merrilee Dr. We were in the straight through lane with no cars behind us and we waited through 2 full cycles before a car finally appeared. Under VA law we are allowed to go through the light after 2 cycles, but there should be a bicycle-sensitive sensor present. Traffic is so heavy on Lee Hwy that legally running the red light was not an option.

By the way, Eskridge Rd will soon be open south toward Route 50. That means that from Dunn Loring Metro station it will be possible to ride a route parallel to Gallows Rd all the way south to Woodburn Rd using Merrilee Dr to continue on Eskridge Rd to Williams Dr across Route 50 to Willow Oaks Corporate Dr to a new road that leads south past the Ronald McDonald House to Inova Hospital and on to Woodburn Rd.

Labels: 495 express lanes, fresh bikes, hot lanes, merrifield, mosaic district

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:42 PM permalink

 

Major paved trail on Route 7 bridge across Beltway

New Route 7 wide sidewalk across Betlway

Today I had a chance to check out the new major paved trail parallel to Route 7 on the bridge across the Beltway. There is an approximately 10 foot wide concrete trail on each side of the bridge that will connect the Pimmit Hills area just east of Tysons with the greater Tysons area.

This bridge has never had adequate pedestrian facilities, much less bike facilities. As I recall, there was a very narrow concrete ledge that some people used to walk across the bridge. Those cyclists who dared to try to cross, rode in the travel lanes, with high speed exit and entrance ramps onto the Beltway. One reason that FABB started doing bike light giveaways was after a cyclists was killed while riding across the Beltway on Route 7 in Tysons.

Since 2007 a major goal of FABB has been to ensure that bike facilities are included on the bridges across the Beltway. Most Beltway bridges between I-95 and the American Legion Bridge were reconstructed as part of the HOT lanes project, now called the 495 Express Lanes. See the many blog postings on our HOT lanes advocacy. We attended public meetings, wrote a Post Outlook section article, and met with county and VDOT staff to ask that the facilities that are indicated on the county Trails Plan be included in the project.

With support from county DOT and VDOT, those facilities are close to becoming a reality. While they are far from perfect, in most cases they provide the first accommodations for pedestrians and cyclists on the Beltway bridges. As you can see from the photo above, there is still some work to be done but we expect the facilities to be open in the near future.

Trail over Beltway on Route 7 ends at exit ramp

Now that many of the bridges accommodate bikes, Fairfax Co and VDOT need to have a concerted effort to connect those facilities with bike routes on either side of the bridges. The photo on the right shows where the trail on the north side of Route 7 ends, at an exit ramp from the Beltway onto westbound Route 7, with no trail connection to the service road or sidewalk. Connecting this trail should be a high priority for Fairfax DOT and VDOT.

Labels: 495 express lanes, hot lanes, route 7

posted by Bruce Wright at 5:20 PM permalink

 

Braddock Rd and Gallows Rd bridges over Beltway to open today

According to the Virginia Megaprojects site, both the Braddock Rd and Gallows Rd bridges over the Beltway will open today. The Braddock Rd bridge will have two 10 foot sidepaths and the Gallows Rd bridge should have a 10 foot sidepath, a 5 foot sidewalk, and 5 foot shoulders. Not sure if these will be open or not. If you know, please comment below.

See our HOT lanes summary page from a while back for links to cross sections of most of the bridges. The images are from photos we took at a public hearing and are not very good quality, but you can mostly tell what is proposed.

See the Megaprojects news releases about the bridge openings.

Labels: braddock road, gallows road, hot lanes

posted by Bruce Wright at 8:44 AM permalink

 

New W&OD Trail bridge over Beltway open

Yesterday the new W&OD Trail bridge over the Beltway that was built as part of the HOT lanes project was officially opened. There was a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony on the bridge and later in the day trail traffic was diverted from the old bridge onto the new one. The final layer of asphalt hasn't been applied and the the retaining fence on the north side hasn't been installed.

Since this bridge was built next to the old bridge, the trail alignment has changed. Cyclists must now make turns entering and exiting the bridge. It would have been much better for cyclists had the trail been realigned enough to reduce the angle of these turns. We rode across the bridge later in the day to see what it felt like to ride through the turns at speed. We were traveling about 15-17 mph and didn't have to slow when entering or exiting the bridge. To see what it looks like we took a short video clip.



Update: See the Vienna Patch article New W+OD Pedestrian Bridge Opens Over Capital Beltway

Labels: beltway, hot lanes, W and OD Trail

posted by Bruce Wright at 3:54 PM permalink

 

New W&OD Trail bridge over Beltway to open June 15

Due to construction of HOT lanes on the Beltway, all bridges over the Beltway are being rebuilt. Most are complete, many with new bike facilities. The new W&OD Trail bridge has been under construction for many months. It is scheduled to open on June 15 at 10am with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new bridge.

Since the new bridge is offset from the existing trail, cyclists will have two sharp turns to make to use it. We're hoping the angle isn't too sharp that fast-moving cyclists won't have problems staying in their lane. We'll have a chance to check it out on June 15 as we plan to attend the ceremony.

Labels: hot lanes, W and OD Trail

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:47 PM permalink

 

FABB receives grant for bike light giveaway, bike racks, and bike commuting seminars

Today FABB learned that we received funding from Transurban, one of the companies involved with building the HOT lanes project, for bike light giveaways, purchase and installation of bike racks, and funds for conducting bike commuting seminars.

Last year FABB received a grant from Transurban for our first bike light giveaways. Many people depend on bicycles for transportation and must ride at night. Providing front and rear lights helps ensure they will be visible and safe. Last year we installed approximately 160 sets of lights at four bike light giveaways.

This year FABB again applied for funds to purchase lights. We expanded our application to include funds for the bike racks that will be installed in places lacking adequate bike parking along the HOT lanes corridor. We will also be conducting bike commuting seminars at large corporations in the corridor. At the seminars we talk about bikes and other gear needed for commuting, clothing strategies, safe cycling skills, and bike route map resources.

Thanks to Transurban for supporting bicycling in Fairfax.

Labels: beltway, bike lights, hot lanes, Transurban

posted by Bruce Wright at 3:46 PM permalink

 

Wakefield bike/ped bridge closed again this week

We just received this notice from Fairfax County:Apparently the bridge is closed today; we should have been notified of the closing sooner than today. We've also asked that signs be posted leading up to the bridge, not just at the bridge itself, in Spanish and English. See earlier reports on the Wakefield bridge project.

Labels: hot lanes, wakefield bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:09 AM permalink

 

Wakefield bridge reopening delayed

Here's the latest on the Wakefield bike/ped bridge construction:Apparently signs announcing the recent closure were only posted on the bridge and not at the park entrance as we had requested. They were also only in English. We'll ask again that signs be posted on routes leading up to the bridge.

If we hear any more news we'll post it here. If you hear other news, please leave a comment.

Labels: hot lanes, wakefield bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 2:24 PM permalink

 

Wakefield bridge to open, then close again

The good news is that the Wakefield bike/ped bridge was scheduled to reopen today after being closed for a week. The bad news is that it's going to be closed again on Monday the 27th for another week. This is the latest news from the HOT lanes project staff:
We've complained about the fact that there is not detour being provided. Many people use the bridge to get to work and they have few options. We've also asked for signs at the park entrance, not just at the bridge. Does anyone know if there were signs placed on the approaches to the bridge near the park entrances, north and/or south? Were the signs in Spanish and English?

Labels: hot lanes, wakefield bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 7:34 PM permalink

 

Wakefield bike/ped bridge update - Closure postponed

The Wakefield Park bike/ped bridge was scheduled to close this week but the closure has been postponed until September 20-24. We've asked that signs be placed well in advance of the closure, not only at the bridge, but at entrances to the park. Cyclists must ride long distances to reach the bridge and they should have plenty of warning about any closures. According to the HOT lanes project:

Labels: hot lanes, wakefield bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 1:24 PM permalink

 

Wakefield bike/ped bridge update

VDOT just released a fact sheet on the closure of the Wakefield ped/bike bridge, Wakefield Park Pedestrian Bridge Closed Temporarily, May be closed for up to 8 weeks:
Key words are "VDOT is currently assessing the design of the temporary access ramp. Until this review is completed VDOT has directed the bridge to remain closed." We're hoping this issue is resolved soon. We should know more on Monday.

Labels: hot lanes, wakefield bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 5:19 PM permalink

 

Wakefield bike/ped bridge to close

We just learned that one of the only bike/ped crossings of the Beltway, the bridge to Wakefield Park, will be closed for two to three weeks. There is no new information on the HOT lanes Wakefield bridge web page.When we learn more we'll post info here. Let us know if you hear anything.

Update 25 August:  The bridge is closed. There is no detour identified yet. We've been told the bridge could be closed for up to 8 weeks. This is what we've learned from talking to the county bike coordinator: "The bridge is not being replaced, it's being lengthened. In order to do so, the existing west end of the bridge needs to be jacked up and the existing abutment demolished.  A new abutment will be built adjacent to the old and the bridge beams will be extended."

It sounds like ADA accessibility is an issue. However, given the difficulty of reaching the western entrance to the bridge under normal conditions, this seems unrealistic. We hope a compromise can be reached. Stay tuned.

Labels: hot lanes, wakefield bridge

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:14 PM permalink

 

W&OD Trail bridge over Beltway under construction

As you can tell from recent posts, there's a lot happening related to HOT lanes construction the Beltway. This is new from the Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority website:

Labels: hot lanes, W and OD Trail

posted by Bruce Wright at 7:26 PM permalink

 

Oak Street bridge open with new bike lanes

As we mentioned yesterday, the Idylwood bridge over the Beltway is now closed. Most cyclists avoid this bridge because it's narrow and carries lots of traffic. An alternative for cyclists is the Oak Street bridge (map). It was closed for a year but is now open and as you can see from the photo, has a paved shoulder for cyclists. You can also see employees putting on the finishing touches to the bridge.

You can almost see that the bike lanes disappear at the end of the bridge, but Oak Street usually carries little traffic and is very bikeable. Cyclists coming from the W&OD Trail often use this bridge to avoid riding on Gallows Rd from the trail. While the bridge is now used as an alternative to Idylwood, traffic should drop off when Idylwood bridge construction is completed in February 2011.

Getting bike accommodations on HOT lanes bridges was a major goal of FABB. We worked with the county, VDOT, and the private contractor to encourage them to include bike facilities shown on the county Trails Plan. While not ideal in some places, there will be bike facilities on most of these new bridges. The next challenge will be to connect the new facilities on the bridges to bike routes on both sides of the Beltway.

Labels: bike lanes, hot lanes, oak street

posted by Bruce Wright at 7:03 PM permalink

 

Cyclists speak out for bike facilities on HOT lanes bridges

At the HOT lanes meeting last night several cyclists spoke in support of including bike facilities on the Old Dominion and Georgetown Pike bridges across the Beltway as part of the extension of the HOT lanes project. The bridges will be rebuilt if the extension is approved.

The cyclists may not support the HOT lanes extension, but if the project goes forward, this is the only chance for the next 50-60 years for including bike facilities on those bridges. It's consistent with the VDOT Policy for Integrating Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations, with the new FHWA Policy Statement on Bicycle and Pedestrian Accommodations, and it's the right thing to do.

It was important to show your support. Others in attendance belittled the idea of people actually wanting to bike in that area. Thanks to everyone who came to the meeting.

Labels: hot lanes

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:42 AM permalink

 

HOT lanes meeting Wed. night

As we mentioned earlier, cyclists are encouraged to attend a meeting on the proposal to extend the Beltway HOT lanes north toward the American Legion bridge. The bridges at Old Dominion Dr and Georgetown Pike bridges will be rebuilt and if bicycle facilities are not included now, there will not be another opportunity in our lifetime.

The meeting is Wednesday, June 9 at 7:30 pm at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Avenue, McLean.

Labels: dranesville district, hot lanes

posted by Bruce Wright at 9:11 PM permalink

 

Oak Street bridge to close for a year

A popular bike route from the W&OD Trail to Gallows Road, which includes using the Oak Street bridge to cross the Beltway, will be closed for a year starting on Sunday, May 10 as part of the Beltway HOT lanes project. The route is also used by people coming from other areas to the east of the Beltway including Great Falls and the Pimmit Hills area. See a map of the bridge. According to Dr Gridlock, it will be close from May 10 until Spring 2010.

An alternative is to use Idylwood Road which is very bike-unfriendly or to continue west on the W&OD Trail to Gallows Road. To avoid a narrow section of Gallows Rd. when headed north, you could instead turn right on Sandburg St. before reaching Gallows Rd. There is low traffic but a climb to Idylwood Rd. Cross Idylwood Rd and then turn left on Elm Place to get to Gallows Rd.

Labels: hot lanes, idylwood road, oak street

posted by Bruce Wright at 2:21 PM permalink