Metro’s summer construction project kicked off over the weekend, temporarily shutting down rail service at two well-traveled stations in and around Alexandria for the next three weeks.
Metro shut down rail at the Van Dorn Street station in Alexandria and Franconia-Springfield station in Fairfax County until July 26. The Blue Line will end service at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport station for the duration of the project.
A bicyclist was struck and injured by a vehicle on Wednesday morning (April 9), and the Alexandria Police Department is asking for witnesses to come forward.
The incident occurred at around 7 a.m. near the intersection of Eisenhower Avenue and Metro Road near the Van Dorn Metro Station. The victim was struck by a Mazda CR-V and suffered a non-life-threatening facial injury, according to police.
After being empty for more than 20 years, a major development for the Victory Center property at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue just got approved.
On Saturday, and without discussion, City Council approved sweeping plans for the first phase in the redevelopment of the 10-acre site. The plan calls for the conversion of the 11-story Victory Center building from office to residential.
After years of planning, a new neighborhood was just approved to replace the former Vulcan Materials site in Alexandria’s West End.
City Council approved the proposal 5-1 at their Saturday public hearing, with City Council Member Canek Aguirre voting in opposition.
Alexandria was spared Metro construction work this summer, but could see closures and delays on the Blue Line next year.
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) said in a release that Blue Line construction is expected sometime in summer 2025 from the Franconia-Springfield Metro station to the King Street Metro station.
An industrial park on Vine Street, squeezed between the Van Dorn Street Metro station and the Beltway, could be replaced with a new mixed-use development — and a new potential connection to the Van Dorn Metro station.
The development plans, however, hinge on hopes that the Virginia Department of Transportation’s (VDOT) express lane plans don’t bleed over onto the site.
Two projects in Alexandria will receive $5 million apiece from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA).
The NVTA awarded the amounts as part of its six-year budget adopted on Thursday (July 14). The two projects are: to make S. Van Dorn Street and its bridge more transit and pedestrian-friendly for the West End Transitway, and replacement of a fair-weather crossing on the Holmes Run Trail, just behind William Ramsay Elementary School (5700 Sanger Avenue).
The city’s hopes to extend the Route 1 Metroway a few blocks north have been dashed by the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA), and now city staff is looking at other transportation projects (page 50) around town that could use state funding.
At a Transportation Commission meeting, city staff is proposing two alternative projects for NVTA funding: improvements to the Van Dorn Street bridge and replacement of a Holmes Run Trail bridge.
Where to Get the COVID Vaccine in Alexandria — “In early 2021, when more vaccine doses are available, people who are in essential and critical industries (including first responders) will receive vaccinations — some through their workplace, and others through doctors offices and local hospitals.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Christmas Restaurant Round-Up — “Below we’ve rounded up some options for meals around Alexandria. Some will offer special holiday menus, while others will be open for their usual dine-in and takeout menus.” [Patch]
With Alexandria poised to potentially lose two Metro stations due to funding cuts, Rep. Don Beyer issued a statement blasting the proposed cuts as “apocalyptic” and said Congress should rally to pass a new set of funding.
Proposed cuts include ending service after 9 p.m., ending weekend service, reducing the number of trains, and closing operations at 19 stations. Two of those stations, Eisenhower and Van Dorn Street, are located in Alexandria.
WMATA Considers Closing Two Alexandria Metro Stations — “The 19 stations that could face closure include those that are within one mile of other stations and those that are seeing the lowest usage. In Alexandria, that means the Eisenhower Station and Van Dorn Street station are on the list.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Local Program Supports Artists With Disabilities — “Coletta Collections, an artisan program for people with disabilities, is helping Alexandrians celebrate the holidays safely and sincerely.” [Zebra]
