Saturday, July 14, 2018
myVDOT More Bike-Friendly
Good news! The Virginia Department of Transportation’s myVDOT webpage has been updated in a way to make it more useful for cyclists and pedestrians. The best tool to report problems on VDOT maintained roads, sidewalks, and paths, myVDOT recently added an option titled "I need to report an issue on a sidewalk, or pedestrian or bicycle path." This will make it easier to draw VDOT’s attention to problems you encounter on your rides.
Of course, VDOT does not maintain all sidewalks or pedestrian and bike paths in Virginia, but the new option and the existing ability to enter locations and details will speed the process of repairs. If you are reporting multiple problems, VDOT asks that you submit a separate report for each request. Also, if your request is related to a road hazard that needs immediate attention, please call 1-800-367-7623 (FOR-ROAD).
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Chance to Provide Feedback on myVDOT Application
VDOT provides a very useful service for reporting problems. myVDOT is an online form that users fill out noting the problem and the location, using an interactive map. Photos of the problem can be uploaded. See our previous blog entries about myVDOT. In my experience, problems are addressed quickly and feedback on a request is provided in a timely manner.
While the service works very well, there is no direct way to report a problem with a trail, sidewalk, or bike lane. These are the initial options for reporting:
How can we help you?
I need a road repaired
I need something removed from a road
I need signs, signals, or guardrail repaired
I need new signs or traffic devices installed
I have a question or need information
I want to submit a claim (includes mailbox damage)
We've asked VDOT to add a way for reporting bike-related problems. We've been told that the system is being modified and that our request is under consideration. VDOT is currently asking users of the system to take a survey on the user experience. This is a great opportunity to let VDOT know that some small modifications of the text will allow cyclists to more easily report problems.
If you have a couple of minutes, please take the myVDOT Survey.
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Board of Supervisors Ask VDOT for Better Trail Maintenance
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| Overgrown vegetation on the West Ox Trail near Navy Elementary School |
During the FABB monthly meeting in the Braddock District we discussed this issue with Supervisor Cook. He agreed that VDOT should do a better job of responding to concerns expressed by cyclists and other trail users about the poor condition of our extensive trail network. The timing was right because he was already planning to raise the issue of more frequent cutting of roadside grasses with VDOT. Thank you Supervisor Cook for listening to our concerns about the need for better maintenance of trails owned by VDOT.
From the July 27, 2016 Board meeting summary:
In addition, VDOT owns trails that run adjacent to major highways. Many of these trails have become dangerous to bicyclists due to uneven pavement, large deposits of salt and sand from winter plowing, and overgrowth of plants. VDOT needs to provide better trail maintenance to correct these issues.
In related news, we recently contacted VDOT about this same issue. We noted that the myVDOT form used for reporting road problems does not include options for reporting problems with trails and sidewalks and we asked that they be included. Earlier this year I had reported an accumulation of sand and gravel and other debris on bridges over the Dulles Toll Road on the Fairfax Co Parkway Trail and the Wiehle Ave Trail. That debris was put their by VDOT front loaders removing snow (and the other debris) from the roadway.
Therefore, Supervisor Cook moved that the Board authorize the Chairman to send a letter, a copy of which is attached to his written Board Matter, to VDOT on behalf of the Board requesting that it allocate adequate funding to mow roadside and median grass at least six times per year in the County and provide better trail maintenance. Chairman Bulova seconded the motion and it carried by a vote of nine, Supervisor L. Smyth being out of the room.
Let me begin by saying that VDOT is very good at responding to reports of most road problems such as potholes and other problems. They just haven't incorporated sidewalks and trails into the system. Using the myVDOT form, one can only report road problems. Here's what the form looks like when I reported the trial problem:
I was forced to say the debris was in the road, on the shoulder or in the ditch when in fact it was on the trail. The next screen allows users to easily identify the location of the problem. In this case it was on the FFX Co Pkwy trail bridge over the Dulles Toll Rd.
Once the location is identified, you can enter a description of the problem as well as uploading a photo.
The first response from VDOT regarding the Wiehle trail was that they don't maintain the facility, to contact Fairfax County. Fairfax County confirmed that VDOT owns and is supposed to maintain that section of the trail. That was in early Spring.
After contacting VDOT management directly last month we were told that the problems would be fixed, and within a week both bridges were clear of sand and debris. Thank you VDOT! We were also told they would look into how the myVDOT form could be improved.
Labels: fairfax county parkway trail, myvdot, vdot
Thursday, June 16, 2016
Reporting Trail and Sidewalk Problems
One problem is that Fairfax County owns some trails and sidewalks so ownership must first be determined by VDOT. The W&OD and Mt Vernon Trails are not owned by the county or VDOT. Nearly all sidewalks are owned by VDOT as are many trails.
Another problem is that the forms used for reporting problems do not include "trails" or "sidewalks" as options. The Active Prince William article addresses how to get around that issue. We've requested that the form be broadened to include trails, sidewalks, bike lanes, and other bike facilities.
For sidewalks and trails owned by Fairfax County you can report problems by filling out a form on the Report a Walkway Problem page. At last night's FABB meeting the bike coordinator mentioned that there are now some funds for trail and sidewalk maintenance. More on that later.
Labels: myvdot, trail maintenance, vdot
