The City of Alexandria is seeking input from residents and visitors on a pilot program that has temporarily transformed the 200 block of King Street into a pedestrian-only zone, as officials prepare to decide whether to make the change permanent.
The second phase of the pilot program, which began on March 14 and runs through September 30, 2025, has converted the 200 block of King Street, between Lee Street and Fairfax Street, into a car-free zone. The city is now collecting public feedback through an online form, with responses due by July 17.
The Alexandria City Council will vote in September on whether to permanently close the 200 block to vehicle traffic. If approved, the change would create an uninterrupted pedestrian corridor stretching from Market Square to the waterfront, connecting with the Unit and 100 blocks of King Street, which have already been designated as permanent car-free zones.
The current pilot builds on a shorter Phase 1 trial that ran from November 22, 2024, to January 3, 2025, during the holiday season. City Council unanimously approved the two-phase approach in November 2024, with the extended second phase designed to allow for broader community engagement and data collection.
The city’s feedback form asks respondents to identify whether they are residents, business owners, employees, or visitors, and to rate their experience with the car-free block. The survey also solicits input on what people like and dislike about the pedestrian-only space, how often they’ve visited since the closure began, and whether they support making the change permanent.
Residents can submit their feedback at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/cb1c0d94441444dbbbbd72ddc910e9a5.
The initiative, originally requested by the City Council in September 2024, aims to boost the appeal of Alexandria’s historic “Main Street” and respond to community demand for more public spaces. However, the expansion has raised concerns among some business owners and employees in the 200 block about reduced parking and accessibility.
The expansion would further Alexandria’s vision of transforming King Street into what city officials describe as “a pedestrian-friendly destination that enhances the charm of Old Town Alexandria.”
The city has established a dedicated project website where residents can access updates, view designs, and find additional information about the pilot program.
