Pedestrian safety projects proposed

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has developed a list of pedestrian safety projects recommended for funding, including several in Mason District.

Michael Guarino, head of FCDOT’s capital budget section, presented the proposals for the next $25.2 million in active transportation access and safety improvements to the Board of Supervisors’ Transportation on Committee on March 14.

The full board will consider the proposals on April 11 and is expected to approve a final list next fall.
FCDOT used spatial analysis and other tools to evaluate about 2,800 requested projects and develop a list of about 40 projects, including several countywide improvements.

The preliminary list includes:

$1.9 million to add a sidewalk on the westbound side of Route 7 across the Liberty Gas Station frontage to the shopping center on Magnolia Lane in Bailey’s Crossroads. $920,000 for crosswalk improvements at Columbia Pike and Tyler Street in Bailey’s Crossroads. A pedestrian hybrid beacon would be added at the existing marked crosswalk. If that’s not feasible, a rectangular rapid-flashing beacon and pedestrian refuge island would be considered. Pedestrian refuge islands at the existing marked crosswalks on Heritage Drive at Rector Lane and Commons Drive in Annandale. FCDOT doesn’t specify a funding amount for these improvements.

The board is seeking a total of $100 million for pedestrian improvements. Projects for the first $5 million were approved in November for crosswalks, trail maintenance, and other projects.

The federal government rejected a Safe Streets and Roads for All grant for Fairfax County. The county will apply again this summer.