Alexandria is asking for public feedback on plans to upgrade crosswalks near schools in Arlandria and Del Ray.
The city’s Crossing Improvements Phase II would transform the sidewalks around Charles Barrett Elementary School (1115 Martha Custis Drive) and George Washington Middle School (1005 Mount Vernon Avenue). The deadline to submit feedback on the plans is Friday, Aug. 29.
The recommendations are part of the city’s walk audit around Charles Barrett in 2017 and at George Washington in 2023.
At George Washington Middle School, the project includes four curb extensions with high-visibility crosswalks at the intersection of East Glendale Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue.
The Charles Barrett Elementary School project involves removing a slip lane and installing high-visibility crosswalks at the intersection of W. Glebe Road and Valley Drive, as well as adding curb extensions at the intersection of Valley Drive and Martha Custis Drive.
The projects are contingent on grant funding, and the city says that it is in the process of writing a proposal to the Virginia Department of Transportation’s Transportation Alternatives Program. The city’s deadline to apply for the grant is Sept. 15, and the announcement for the award will be made next summer. If the city receives the funding for the projects, design is expected to occur between 2026 and 2028, and construction is anticipated to take place from 2028 to 2031.
Phase I of the project will improve pedestrian crossings at Patrick Henry K-8 School, Samuel Tucker Elementary School, Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School, and Mount Vernon Community School. Construction on Phase I is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed by 2030.
