Post Content

Cut-through traffic protections along Duke Street could go into effect early next year

The City of Alexandria is looking to move forward with Phase 1 of a pilot program that could help reshape traffic patterns on Duke Street.

The pilot program will start in Phase 1 with changes to signal timing on Quaker Lane and along Duke Street for routes to Telegraph Road, an access point to I-395 that sees frequent backup during rush hour periods.

According to a presentation to the Traffic and Parking Board, the pilot would increase signal timing for traffic on Quaker Lane and closer to the Duke Street-Telegraph Road interchange while decreasing signal timing on side streets during the afternoon rush hour, from 4-7 p.m.

The goal is to cut down on cut-through traffic going through the nearby neighborhoods, which locals have said makes life miserable for those in neighborhoods just north of the crowded interchange. The pilot would, in theory, make cutting through slower and a less attractive option.

The first phase of the pilot would run through March 2022.

If the first phase of the pilot achieves those goals, it could come back later that year for Phase 2, which would re-implement those changes starting in August and would prohibit access to Telegraph road from West Taylor Run Parkway — a connecting street just north of the interchange and one where residents blame cut-through traffic for repeated crashes.

The presentation reiterated that the goal of the pilot is to keep the traffic to I-495 off the neighborhood streets and on arterial roads.

It won’t all be roses, though, and the city warned the pilot could have some growing pains for locals.

“In the first few weeks, more vehicles could queue on neighborhood streets until they realize those routes are not faster,” the city said. “If you live in the neighborhood and want to access Duke Street before 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., it could take you longer.”

Overall the presentation said the city will monitor the impact of the pilot to see if there’s a decrease in travel times on arterial routes and an increase of travel times on neighborhood streets, and to see whether traffic increases on nearby Quaker Lane as drivers adjust.

Recent Stories

A look at the smallest and largest homes sold in Alexandria last month, February 2024.

Alexandria City Council members and candidates are opening up about their positions on the city backing out of the Potomac Yard arena deal. Mayor Justin Wilson said that the city…

Here’s a roundup of all the events, live music, and entertainment happening around Alexandria this weekend; enjoy!  Are you organizing an event? Submit events to ALXnow. FRIDAY, MARCH 29 Things…

The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Commonwealth Attorney’s Office were recently awarded large grants to curb a skyrocketing surge in gun-related crime incidents in the city. The Virginia Department of…

Well-Paid Maids, the only certified living-wage cleaning service in the DMV, has added a new service to its online booking menu: office and building cleanings.

This includes offices, building lobbies, shared amenity spaces and more throughout D.C., Arlington, Alexandria and more.

Unlike so many other cleaning services, you can feel good booking Well-Paid Maids to clean your office or building. Cleaners get paid a starting wage of $24 an hour. Plus, all employees are offered health, dental, vision and life insurance; 24 paid days off per year; 100% employer-paid commuting costs; and more.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

ShawnMikael[s] and Friends

For their first show at the hallowed Galatic Panther in Old Town Alexandria, ShawnMikael[s] is inviting a bevy of brilliantly funny and field-tested stand-up and improv talent, including some veteran improv performers who were part of this year’s winning team

Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Annual Gala & Auction

Do good while having a good time at the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria’s 38th Annual Gala and Auction at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center. The fun begins with a 2-hour open bar reception while mingling with 499 other Alexandrians who

×

Subscribe to our mailing list