Safer, pedestrian friendly, major redesign of Route 1 to Cost $261m
- bradykrainik
- Jan 24
- 3 min read
A major transformation is on the horizon for Route 1 in Crystal City. Plans are in place to turn the commuter corridor into a pedestrian- and bike-friendly "urban boulevard," with significant changes in store for the coming years.
A Vision for a Walkable Route 1: Recently, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) unveiled the findings from Phase 2 of its study, which explores redesigning Route 1 by bringing the elevated section between 20th Street S. and 12th Street S. down to street level. The goal? A greener, more pedestrian-friendly corridor that shifts the focus from cars to a multimodal urban experience.
Key features of the project include wider sidewalks, a six-foot-wide bike path, and the addition of approximately 100 new trees along the one-mile stretch. The speed limit will be reduced to 25 mph, dedicated right-turn lanes will be eliminated where feasible, and travel lanes will be narrowed to slow traffic and encourage a safer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.
Design and Cost Breakdown: The proposed design includes three travel lanes in each direction, a pedestrian refuge in the median, and strategic intersection enhancements. These changes aim to reduce single-occupancy vehicle trips by at least 10% during peak evening hours, particularly as plans for a professional sports arena in Potomac Yard have been shelved.
Additionally, the redesign is expected to free up about 5.5 acres of land that could be repurposed for development. The estimated cost for changes between 23rd Street S. and 12th Street S. is around $161 million, while extending the boulevard to the I-395 interchange is projected at $100 million.
Intersection and Streetscape Improvements:
The project also includes significant intersection upgrades:
New signalized intersections at 18th Street S., 15th Street S., and proposed I-395 exit ramps
A channelized left-turn lane at 23rd Street S.
Buffered bike lanes at 15th Street S.
Mounted speed display signs
Tighter curb radii to slow vehicles turning onto side streets
Pedestrian and cyclist safety is a key priority, with enhancements such as:
A landscaped buffer between cyclists and pedestrians
Sidewalks ranging from 10 to 14 feet wide
Open spaces along approximately three-quarters of the corridor, allowing for potential redevelopment
Public Engagement and Next Steps: VDOT's Phase 2 study involved extensive public engagement, including four public meetings, consultations with Arlington’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committees, and collaboration with over a dozen agencies, such as the Maryland Department of Transportation and the Department of Defense.
Tracy Sayegh Gabriel, president of the National Landing BID, praised the project’s potential to create a "seamlessly connected multimodal boulevard" that enhances walkability and accessibility. She highlighted the economic benefits, emphasizing that "beyond improving safety and connectivity, the Route 1 transformation will elevate the area’s appeal to businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues."
Pending funding approvals, construction could begin as early as 2028. VDOT emphasizes the importance of coordination with ongoing developments and county projects to ensure a cohesive integration of Route 1’s new urban form.
This transformation represents a significant shift in urban planning for Crystal City, aiming to balance mobility with sustainability and economic vitality.
All of this is in line with the development of Amazon's HQ2 which has completed Phase 1. Amazon now has until April of this year to finalize or revise Phase 2 based on the Arlington County Board's approval back in 2022. More news to come then!
Images credit to National Landing.org website: https://nationallanding.org/view/richmond-hwy-multimodal-improvements
Comments