Alexandria is holding a public hearing tonight (Tuesday) on its plan to improve safety at a high-crash location on Duke Street while reducing neighborhood cut-through traffic.
The Duke Street and West Taylor Run Intersection Project has been in the design stage since 2024, with construction estimated to occur in 2027 and 2028. The final design of the project will wrap up this year, according to the city.
Two alternatives to a larger plunge pool for the Taylor Run stream stabilization project — with fewer impacts to trees — were proposed as the project moves closer to construction.
The city is conducting the Taylor Run Infrastructure Stabilization project on about 1.7 acres around Chinquapin Park near Alexandria City High School. It replaced the original stream restoration project that City Council sent back to study in 2021 amid controversy over its environmental impacts. The project aims to address erosion around the stream while protecting surrounding infrastructure, including sanitary sewer pipes, manholes, stormwater pipe outfalls and the park’s trail.
Alexandria spent $9.7 million on the Jan. 25 snow storm response, the bulk of which was attributed to outside contractors brought in due to the challenges of clearing “snowcrete.”
The winter storm brought about 8 inches of snow followed by hours of sleet and freezing rain that created a solid layer of ice on top. According to an after-action report presented to City Council Tuesday, contract services cost the city $8.4 million. City labor cost about $600,000, while materials, supplies, food and lodging for employees cost $700,000.
One westbound lane has reopened near 5005 Duke Street after Alexandria staff and police responded overnight to a water main break in the area.
Virginia American Water is currently responding to the main break, which the Alexandria Police Department reported on Facebook shortly after 11 p.m. yesterday (Monday). The break prompted APD to close westbound lanes at the scene, and as of 12:45 a.m. today (Tuesday), one lane had been reopened.
Snowplows will be roving around Alexandria tomorrow morning (Friday) as part of an annual training exercise.
The “dry run” training is part of the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services’ yearly effort to prepare for winter weather. Residents should expect to see plows and other “winter response vehicles” on the streets, according to a city announcement.
