A proposal for new bike lanes, enhancements to pedestrian crossings and shorter crossing distances at key intersections on Braddock Road are up for review this month by Alexandria’s Traffic and Parking Board.
A city-recommended design concept calls for several Braddock Road upgrades between Russell Road and West Street. The city has worked on the Braddock Road Trail Access and Corridor Improvements project since last year as a response to concerns from Alex311, the 2023 Safe Routes to School walk audit at George Washington Middle School and the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Proposed changes will be discussed at the Traffic and Parking Board’s public hearing at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 23, in room 1305 of the the Del Pepper Community Resource Center (4850 Mark Center Drive).
The recommended changes include:
- Safer pedestrian and bicycle crossings between nearby trails and the Metro station
Shorter crossing distances at the Mount Vernon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue, and Russell Road intersections- Continuous bike lanes along Braddock Road between Russell Road and West Street, including a two-way protected bike lane next to the Braddock Road Metrorail station
- New bike lane connections on Commonwealth Avenue
Other recommended changes include crosswalk upgrades at intersections and near the Braddock Road Metro station, reduced travel lanes between Mount Vernon Avenue and West Street, and a two-way bike lane connecting the Potomac Yard Trail, Metro Linear Trail and Metro station, according to the city’s website.
“These recommendations respond to documented safety concerns and community feedback by encouraging safer vehicle speeds, improving visibility, and providing dedicated space for people walking and biking,” the city said in an announcement. “The design also aims to maintain efficient traffic flow and minimize delays for people driving.”
Planning has been underway since last year. In March 2025, 70% of 251 respondents to a city survey question indicated that Braddock Road feels unsafe for families walking and biking, as well as for kids walking by themselves.
In another survey question, 64% of 282 respondents reported that people drive too fast on Braddock Road.
“I worry every day at the pedestrian crossing by the Metro that a car will stop in one lane for a pedestrian but other cars will switch to the other lane trying to pass and kill the pedestrian,” wrote one survey respondent. “I have seen this exact situation multiple times here as a near-miss. It is a matter of time.”
More details are available on the project webpage.
Map via City of Alexandria.
