Update: VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Study Phase 2 (June 28, 2024)

The VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Improvements study team is slowly approaching the end of Phase 2 of their feasibility study. The team revised the schedule for Phase 2 more than once, perhaps as plans for the Monumental Arena created uncertainty and slowed Route 1 planning during 2023 and early 2024. Since the demise of the Monumental Arena plans, the VDOT Route 1 team has been more active and engaged with the public.

During Phase 2,

The VDOT team completed their speed study (lowering the speed limit 25 mph), and VDOT recently received permission to implement the lower speed if and when Route 1 is reconstructed.
VDOT also updated their multimodal transportation analyses. In 2022, VDOT found that overall traffic on Route 1 decreased and the AM “rush hour” disappeared, as commuting drivers drove to work in the morning at varying times. However, the PM “rush hour” has returned, as commuting drivers want to return home as early as possible.
Because of these perceived changes in traffic patterns, VDOT completely revised their proposed Travel Demand Management (TDM) Phase 1 plans. Current Phase 2 plans focus on reducing PM traffic on southbound Route 1 turning right onto 15^th Street, and eastbound drivers on 15^th turning northbound onto Route 1.
The VDOT team also expanded the study area – a bit further south of 23^rd Street and further north to coordinate with VDOT proposed plans for major revisions to the I-395 Interchange Configurations. The proposed I-395 interchange reconfigurations might positively impact traffic flow on Route 1.
VDOT issued a Phase 2 Route 1 draft report in late May, with comments due June 28, 2024.

After review of the draft report, the Livability22202 Route 1 Working Group remains concerned about many features of the VDOT Route 1 Phase 2 plans, especially the safety of an at-grade Route 1 at 18^th Street crossing; the multiple risks for bicyclists, pedestrians, and drivers at the proposed at-grade intersection of Route 1 at 15^th Street; and the revised TDM plan that bases future traffic patterns on 2022 data, which might not hold. The VDOT TDM plan focuses on decreasing traffic and turning movements at 15^th Streets, which may increase traffic gridlock on local streets while ignoring the impact of through traffic heading further south on Route 1. The Working Group draft comments were submitted to the 3 civic association presidents to provide background for their official letter.

The three civic association presidents crafted a short, firm, concise letter to VDOT recommending that the Route 1 study NOT continue beyond the current feasibility study. The Working Group comments were attached as an addendum. Please read the Livability22202 June 28 letter posted here.

Watch for the final VDOT Route 1 Phase 2 Public Information Meeting (PIM 5) later this year.

Update as of July 1, 2023

VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Feasibility Improvements study Phase 2

VDOT held the virtual 4th Public Information Meeting (PIM 4) for Phase 2 of the Route 1 study on Monday, May 15. The PIM 4 meeting recording is here and slides are here. This project is behind schedule; watch for a delayed draft and final Phase 2 report and PIM 5, Spring, 2024. However, VDOT still plans to create at-grade intersections at 15^th and at 18^th.

The Livability22202 Route 1 Working Group continues to review Route 1 plans. Overall we are pleased with the proposed 160’ right of way for Route 1 North of 18^th, with a wide tree-lines median and generous tree-lined landscaping zone, and adequate “roll lane” (for cyclists and micromobiles) and sidewalks. Plans for Route 1 intersections with 23^rd, 20^th, and 15^th are major improvements over current conditions. Preliminary plans for changing ramps/intersections for I-395/Route 1/Route 110 are exciting, but yet unfunded and a separate project.

However, the Working Group remain concerned about several Route 1 plans, including:

an at-grade intersection of Route 1 and 18^th Street;
the scope design, and details of the TDM program, which appears to be both redundant, yet insufficient,
the incomplete 25 mph speed study,
lack of enforcement plan,
and still-to-wide 11’ travel lanes.

The Working Group sent VDOT this letter, with two attachments–Route 1 sketch and our December 12, 2022, letter–on June 15, 2023.

Update as of December 12, 2022

VDOT has now held three Public Information Meetings on its Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Study – Phase 2. The third PIM was held November 14, 2022 and you can view the recorded meeting on the website. The three Livability22202 Presidents sent a letter with comments to VDOT on December 12, 2022. We were pleased to hear at PIM 3 that a number of our suggestions have been incorporated into the study: 1) A Barnes Dance signalization for the intersection of Route 1 and 18th Street; 2) A 25 mph maximum speed limit; 3) No Right on Red; 4) Leading Pedestrian Intervals at all Route 1 intersections; 5) Reconstructing the intersection of Route 1 and 23rd Street South; 6) The pedestrianization of 18th street on the weekends; and 7) redesign of I-395/Route 1/Route 110 intersections and ramps.

However, we are still concerned about the plans for several major VDOT Route 1 projects: the design and features along 18th Street, the design of the ROW on Route 1, and the lack of a Transportation Demand Management plan. Our comments in the letter focus on these areas.

Update as of July 14, 2022

VDOT held a virtual public information meeting #2 June 21. Watch the meeting video here. Comments were requested by Friday, July 15. Livability22202 and the People Before Cars Coalition submitted a letter of joint comments on July 7, focusing on areas of agreement. This was a follow-up to the joint letter sent on May 20. Livability22202 sent a letter July 14, focusing on the need for better protection for peds/cyclists at 18th Street and additional measures to improve VDOT’s plans for the boulevard Right of Way. The Crystal City Citizens Review Council submitted a letter July 14 as well. Review the CCCA meeting June 15 for a full understanding of the Livability22202 concerns and proposals to VDOT.

Next steps: The third PIM is scheduled for September and will include more information on TDM methods.

CCCA Meeting on Route 1 June 15, 2022

Posted on June 18, 2022

The CCCA sponsored a meeting of Livability22202 and the 3 civic associations on June 15 to prepare residents for the upcoming VDOT Public Information meeting on June 21. It was a good overview of why VDOT is conducting a feasibility study on bringing Route 1 down to grade, what we see as the problems with the VDOT plan, and suggestions that Livabiity22202 has for the intersection at 18th Street and the Right of Way (width of the road). If you missed the meeting, you can see it here:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ygr5cgm7ou3zx9j/june15route1.mov?dl=0

Also plan to attend the VDOT PIM (Public Information Meeting) #2 on June 21st at 6:30 pm. In case you cannot attend, you will be able to review the meeting recording and presentation through the VDOT meeting website. Send your ideas and comments to VDOT by July 15.

Two Meetings on Route 1: June 15th 7:00 pm and June 21 6:30 pm!

VDOT is studying REMOVING the bridges over 15th and 18th Streets. Both intersections are proposed to be ‘at grade’.

What would make an at-grade Route 1 intersection with 18^th Street South safe for pedestrians, cyclists, and transit riders?
How much space is really needed to create a beautiful, inviting urban boulevard?
How can we safely reduce traffic on Route 1 without increasing traffic diversion onto our local streets?

Come to the June 15, 2022 Livability 22202 Route 1 Workshop to learn about the Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group and VDOT proposals to address these issues and to share your ideas and concerns. Register in advance for this virtual meeting: After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Can’t attend the meeting? The meeting recording and presentation will be posted to the Livability 22202 Working Group page for your review.

June 15th at 7:00 for a Route 1 Livability 22202 Meeting!

See the Livability update and proposals before the VDOT Public Information Meeting April 28. This may be your last opportunity to weigh in on Route 1 being brought down to grade.

VDOT recently posted the recording and presentation from their first Public Information Meeting (PIM) for Phase 2 of their Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Feasibility Study. Individuals and organizations had until May 20 to submit comments. The Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group worked on designs for their proposed Woonerf for 18th Street between Eads and Clark-Bell and Right of Way (ROW) for an at-grade Route 1. These designs were included as attachments to their March 20 letter to VDOT, which ranked the proposed crossings of an at-grade Route 1 at 18th, the need for a wider ROW, and concerns about VDOT’s proposed TDM plans. Read the letter and review the attachments here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FoUMnrc3ZfEIWXOUsm-yL0mA0dMx_YOL/view?usp=sharing

The Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group has also been working with the People before Cars Coalition to send a joint letter to VDOT on several Route 1 issues upon which they agree. The letter can be found here: https://ctycms.com/va-national-landing/docs/letter-from-pbc-and-livability-working-group-to-vdot-5-20-22.pdf

The Crystal City Civic Association is hosting a community-wide meeting on Wednesday, June 15 to share the Working Group proposals to date and to gather feedback on how the community feels about the Phase 2 VDOT study and its proposals. Register in advance for this virtual meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYoceqpqzgvE9Ir9wqYTiq-AUVPgL1LHXHQ After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Watch the VDOT project page and 22202 community listservs and civic association websites for information on the second PIM for the project, which will focus on the ROW – what is needed in the space between the building edge on the east side and the building edge on the west side of an at-grade Route 1

VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Study – Phase 2

Is an at-Grade Route 1 inevitable and how can the community best ensure that any proposals going forward provide truly safe intersections for all users without diverting traffic onto our local streets? Please participate in ongoing discussions with VDOT and advocate for our community’s needs.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) completed its Phase 1 study last year and recommended that Route 1 be brought down to grade at both 15^th Street and at 18^th Street. They propose 6 or 7 lanes total (a left-turn lane would be added at 15th; no left turns at 18th from either 18^th or Route 1). VDOT has just started Phase 2 of their study and held their first virtual Public Engagement meeting on Thursday, April 28, 2022. The meeting recording, meeting slide deck, and a compilation of questions and answers from attendees is available (or will be shortly) on the VDOT project website:

During Phase 2, VDOT staff and their consultants will begin several new studies and update some of the studies they ran during Phase 1. These include a travel demand management (TDM) plan to lower the traffic volume on Route 1 significantly below 2019 pre-pandemic levels so that a redesigned at-grade boulevard with fewer lanes can support traffic flow. They will also study whether the speed limit can be lowered to 25 mph without significant traffic backups and diversion, and whether a separate bike-ped crossing over or under Route 1 is feasible. Additional enhancements would be major improvements in safety for the intersection of 23^rd and Route 1, and new streetscape elements such as planting zones, sidewalks, possible cafe zones next to buildings, street lights, etc. Traffic analyses have already begun. VDOT plans to hold 3 additional Public Information Meetings (PIM) through the end of 2022, when the Phase 2 report will be released. Stay tuned for the dates and content of these additional PIMs.

During the April 28 meeting, Dan Reinhard, the VDOT project manager, described preliminary ideas for an overpass/underpasses at 18^th and a choice of two proposals for improving the intersection of 23^rd and Route 1. Now VDOT wants YOUR opinions on the project and on these options. Although the meeting materials haven’t been posted as of May 1, comments are due by May 20; instructions on how to submit your comments are on this page:

The Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group, concerned about safety and traffic diversion onto neighborhood streets, had supported many alternatives to the proposed at-grade Route 1. The pedestrian bridge, Dutch underpass, and underground tunnels at 18^th were based upon discussions with the Working Group, which continues to advocate for truly safe and convenient crossings and traffic mitigation. All Working Group materials and VDOT responses are available on the Working Group website:

These are just the facts and ArlNow has an article as well, along with a few slides from the meeting. More Livability commentary and reactions will be posted soon, but we continue to emphasize that safety at 18^th Street is our highest priority.

UPDATE FROM APRIL 25, 2022: WHAT’S TO BECOME OF ROUTE 1?

Many of you are aware of the ongoing VDOT feasibility study on Route 1 which began in October 2020. VDOT and the commercial community have not budged from the position that Route 1 should be brought down to grade, despite intensive efforts by the community and Livability 22202 to propose other options. VDOT’s Phase 2 Virtual Public Information Meeting on April 28 at 6:30 PM is based on this position.

SO WHERE ARE WE?
● Safety of crossing Route 1 for pedestrians and cyclists has been Livabiity22202’s primary goal for the last two years. You can read the background and learn about our efforts on our Livability 22202 website. Lowering Route 1 to grade with a traffic intersection at 18th Street poses the greatest risks; safety crossing Route 1 must be ensured. We do not believe that the current VDOT plan ensures such safety, especially at 18th Street. The VDOT proposal is inconsistent with Arlington County’s Vision Zero initiative.
● Livability 22202 has worked extensively with 2 pro bono urban architects to encourage VDOT to look more at the people side of this project than the car side. We want the best outcome possible for this feasibility study for the entire community: residents as well as commercial interests .
● Therefore, we have set forward 3 main priorities for Phase 2:

1. Ensure safety crossing at 18th Street with one or more proposals:
a. Pedestrianize 18th Street (remove travel lanes on 18th between Eads and Clark/Bell to provide a park-like environment for cyclists and pedestrians and a safe crossing; include a Barnes Dance, where all traffic is stopped and pedestrians can cross in any direction, including diagonally)
b. Feasible bicycle/pedestrian underpass
c. Bicycle/pedestrian overpass

2. Make the Right of Way on Route 1 overall 165’ to make an at-grade Route 1 a true boulevard.

3. Create a new park between 15th St and the multimodal facility and between Route 1 and Clark/Bell to connect the green ribbon open space areas in Crystal City.

You can find the detailed proposals and explanation in the link below. https://www.dropbox.com/s/y25lb5wsjqx101z/2022-04-25%2018th%20Street%20Study.pdf?dl=0

Our proposed ideas offer an opportunity to create a “Green Ribbon” by pedestrianizing 18th Street between Eads and Clark/Bell. This element would ideally extend parks from Virginia Highlands park to the Water Park, given plans for the Metro Market park from 18th to Crystal Drive. But the 18th street crossing of Route 1 is critical for any Bike/Pedestrian pathway.

SO WHAT CAN YOU DO?
● Register for the April 28 VDOT Public Information Meeting on Phase 2.
● Talk up the meeting and the proposal to bring Route 1 down to grade with all of your friends and acquaintances so they are informed.
● Express your concerns and share your ideas at the meeting.
● If you agree with Livability 22202’s ideas, support them publicly and say so at the April 28 meeting and to friends and acquaintances. We have worked long and hard to defend community interests and seek the best outcome. This is your best opportunity to weigh in before the plans become ingrained in the system.
● Let the Arlington County Board know where you stand and ask for their support for the Livability 22202 positions

Response from VDOT

On April 8 VDOT replied to the Livability22202 February 27 letter point by point, but does not appear to have been moved by any of our arguments beyond what they have already agreed to. See the letter here. However, one positive step was a meeting that took place between VDOT and Livability22202 representatives on April 11 to hear the proposals from urban architects Brian Harner and Gus Ardura for passageways across Route 1 at 18th street. See the proposals here.
Be sure to register for VDOT’s April 28 Public Information Meeting here.

Update from February 2022

The VDOT team studying ways to “improve safety, accessibility, and the pedestrian experience crossing Route 1” presented to the CCCA on January 19 (see website). Phase 2 will cover a number of new studies and probably continue until February 2023. The next Public Information Meeting is planned for late March or early April, but we were told that VDOT will not restart the Task Force meetings in Phase 2. As follow up, on February 27, the Livability22202 Working Group on Route 1 forwarded a letter to VDOT with comments and requests for the Phase 2 process. We have specifically asked VDOT to 1) restart the Task Force in which the Working Group participated during Phase 1; 2) reconsider the Livability 22202 hybrid proposal for Route 1 – with Route 1 at grade at 15th and remaining elevated from 18^th; and 3) collaborate with Livability22202 on Exploring a bike-ped passageway under an at-grade Route 1 at 18th Street,

Update from January 2022

CCCA meeting January 19th: We invited VDOT to provide an update on the study of Route 1 and their recommendation for Option 3 to bring it completely down to grade–an option that Livability22202 and the CCCA believe is inadequate and incomplete. Timewise, we are in Phase 2 (December 2021 to December 2022). VDOT is supposed to conduct a number of studies related to their ongoing study of Route 1. Many of these studies were urged by the Livability22202 Route 1 working group and others. Topics include: Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures to reduce traffic 20-30% from the 2019 baseline; a feasibility and analysis design (for a potential passage under or over 18th Street; improvements to the 23rd Street interchange; bus station relocation); and additional transportation data collection on traffic passing through Route 1 to compare to the 2019 traffic baseline. A Public Information Meeting is planned for late March or early April. A draft report is anticipated by December 2022 and a final report by February 2023. You can see the VDOT presentation by clicking this link

The meeting agenda powerpoint can be found here

The recording can be found here

Update from December 2021

Route 1 VDOT Final Report: The Phase 1 executive summary and final report is available on the project website. All the appendices are on the website just below the report. The Arlington County staff report has been negative on many aspects of the report. Both ArlNow.com and the County staff “Get It” on Bringing Route 1 to Grade. Confirms what Livability22202 has been saying all along.

The state’s idea to lower elevated segments of Route 1 through Crystal City could cause more injuries to pedestrians and chronic congestion, according to a new report.

This summer, the Virginia Department of Transportation officially decided to turn Route 1, which is elevated over 12th, 15th and 18th Streets S., into an at-grade urban boulevard. It would feature wide buffered sidewalks on both sides, six to seven narrowed travel lanes, a 30-mph speed limit, wide crosswalks, landscaping and medians with pedestrian refuges.

The changes, which could cost $180 million, are aimed at making the corridor more pedestrian-friendly, but that may not actually be the case, according to the VDOT-commissioned report. Using Arlington County rush hour traffic forecasts, the report predicts pedestrian-involved crashes could increase.

Meanwhile, travel times could lengthen by up to 6 minutes for vehicles heading into Crystal City in the morning and heading out in the afternoon, due largely to delays for drivers turning left on Route 1 and several commuter bus stops getting rerouted.

Arlington County staff questioned how these negatives could square with VDOT’s preference for the concept, per a staff report. They suggested that the authors make the negative results of the traffic analysis clearer.

Update from September 30, 2021

Route 1 VDOT Study: The working group has continued to try to insist that we need a more holistic approach by VDOT to the entire Route 1 corridor in Arlington that looks at the various options Livability presented, ensures pedestrian/bike safety, and prevents increased traffic in the neighborhoods. We walked back and forth across Route 1 with Takis Karantonis on July 2 and he promised to consult with VDOT, his County Board members, and stakeholders (BID, JBG) and get back to us. On August 16 we met with Senator Adam Ebbin who was very positive, and asked a number of questions. He subsequently shared his letter with his legislative colleagues for our area, the Arlington County Board members, and VDOT Project Manager Dan Reinhard. Rep Lopez followed up on our meeting with him in March and organized a joint meeting with VDOT August 27 to discuss our concerns.

The VDOT draft report was issued August 30 with a 30 day comment period to September 30 and a final report due mid-October. It shows some improvements, including plans for a number of studies to be done during a Phase 2, expected to begin in late October or November, among which are:

A potential ped/bike passageway at 18th under Route 1
A robust Transportation Demand Management (TDM) study to to reduce traffic volume on Route 1 and diversion onto local streets
Specific design concepts for slowing the speed of vehicles along Route 1
A study of additional pedestrian safety elements
Acknowledgment that a a new transit center will need to be built to accommodate the relocation of buses and bus routes
Consideration of interim improvements to 23^rd Street

However, we still have a number of concerns and believe that the report remains incomplete. The VDOT study highlights the potential value of a Transportation Demand Management (TDM) component, but suggests that it be focused in Arlington County, neglecting the significant number of motorists travelling on Route 1 from outside the County. That this is a regional issue is a compelling argument for leadership by VDOT and not Arlington County.

We note specifically that “The Commonwealth’s commitment to Amazon is to improve safety, accessibility, and the pedestrian experience crossing Route 1.” The stated purpose therefore of the VDOT study was “to identify enhanced multimodal connectivity and accommodations along and across Route 1 in Crystal City, to meet the changing transportation needs of this growing urban activity center.” The proposal in the draft study fails on all accounts: it will compromise both safety and connectivity and affect negatively the pedestrian experience crossing Route 1. Moreover, much depends on the proposed TDM that may or may not mitigate traffic sufficiently. Given the potential for TDM, it isn’t clear why immediate implementation wouldn’t be appropriate. Therefore, if VDOT’s Phase 2 Study fails to support its Phase 1 recommendation, we believe the Phase 1 recommendation will have to be modified or abandoned.

Following intensive study of the draft report, the Working Group submitted a detailed reply to VDOT with a letter September 29, an Appendix 1 on suggestions for Phase 2 studies , and an Appendix 2 with a potential plan and a sketch for a ped/bike underpass under Route 1 at 18th Street. The latter underpass plan and sketch were drafted by our urban architect and planning facilitator for Livability22202 Brian Harner. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his extended pro bono service to our community, even though he doesn’t live in 22202.

We look forward to working with VDOT on Phase 2 and hope that eventually a plan can be developed which meets all of the criteria, especially safety improvements and traffic reduction.

Previous September Comments

Plan for Final Approval:

Commonwealth and Amazon have to approve (but not real discussions have been held with Amazon other than briefings)
Unclear what process will be with Arlington County; they’re talking with Dennis Leach on how this might work; previous I66 plan had Board endorsement

Summary from our perspective:

1. still want a holistic approach all the way to the County line: VDOT acknowledged that they made the decision to look at an urban boulevard which could only be done operationally in the limited area down to 23rd Street; they were not/not tasked with a limited study; if the study were broadened, they do not have funding for that.

2. The community does not want Route 1 brought down to grade and sees no community benefit in that; but if our safety and traffic diversion concerns could be addressed, perhaps we can agree.

3. A ped/bike passageway at 18th Street is critical if Route 1 is brought down to grade; we will work with them on that in Phase II. We have submitted rough sketches for a potential ped/bike passageway on the south side of 18th street under Route 1 from Eads to Crystal Drive with a ramp down to the Metro and bike storage.

4. TDMs need to be spelled out in the report

5. Safety features they are considering need to be spelled out (e.g., flashing lights in the pavement at intersections)

VDOT Feasibility Report is Incomplete and Unsatisfactory

After 10 months of study and public meetings, VDOT released its feasibility report on Route 1 at the final Public Information Meeting June 16. No surprise: the recommendation is to bring Route 1 down to grade. The Livability Working Group released a press release on June 27. We also sent letters to the Arlington County Board, VDOT, and our Virginia legislators. Subsequently on July 2, a representative group from the Working Group walked back and forth across Route 1 with County Board member Takis Karantonis to show what the concerns are from the perspective of those of us who live here. He was engaged and interested in our position and concerns. As we walked, we crossed Route 1 at 23^rd as well as 20^th so there were opportunities to provide the full Route 1 experience. We discussed the need for the underpasses to allow pedestrians, cyclists, and even motor vehicles to easily cross Route 1.

Read the full text of the press release below:

The Arlington 22202 Civic Associations united in Livability22202 find VDOT’s Feasibility Study of Route 1 Multimodal Improvements to be incomplete. It raises further questions, fails to address a number of community concerns, and recommends a traffic pattern that, by VDOT’s own recognition, reduces safety. If Arlington County and the state proceed without addressing these concerns, our community will be further divided by a dangerous, wide road that puts cars before pedestrians and bikes. The Associations urge Arlington County Board not to approve the study when submitted unless these larger questions and concerns are addressed.

Background:

VDOT is finalizing a Feasibility Study of Route 1 in Crystal City, in partial compliance of the HQ2 agreement between Amazon and Virginia. VDOT recommends an at-grade urban boulevard to replace the current overpasses at 18^th and 15^th streets. VDOT estimates that bringing Route 1 to grade will cost $180 million, but that estimate excludes many related costs.. The VDOT project website is at http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/route_1_multimodal_improvements_study.asp. The meeting recording and slide deck from the third public meeting are available through this page: https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/route_1_multimodal_improvements_study-third_virtual_public_information_meeting.asp

In what respects is the study incomplete? Why is further study needed?

1. Safety: The study does not achieve VDOT’s own number one Project Goal: safety for all traveling along and across Route 1. VDOT admitted that there are tradeoffs and safety is one of them. No safety analysis was done (e.g., the Highway Safety Manual), and the study does not meet Arlington’s Vision Zero or Master Transportation Plan standards. Safety research generally shows that there will be safety issues for any signalized arterial with more than 5 lanes, with speed above 25 mph, and more than 40,000 vehicles/day. This study recommendation does not meet those standards. What can make crossing Route 1 safe for parents and students if a new school is built in the area? How will pedestrians who are older, more frail, or with mobility, cognitive, or sensory impairments cross safely?

2. Traffic: VDOT admitted that option 3 for bringing Route 1 down to grade will make traffic worse by diverting it onto side streets. If Transportation Demand Management (TDM) measures could indeed reduce traffic as they assert, then why aren’t they being implemented now? There needs to be a true analysis of regional travel through the corridor as well as transit capacity. How will traffic from Glebe Road via Route 1 to I-395 be managed? How will the County manage traffic diverted onto our local streets to prevent gridlock and keep all of us safe?

3. Urban Design: This is an unambitious design that looks only at a small section of Route 1 in isolation rather than taking a holistic approach to the corridor to the Alexandria County line. It thus disregards significant stretches of Route 1, Glebe Rd., and the proposal for the airport access road in the Crystal City Sector Plan (CCSP). Likewise, the design makes no effort to ratchet down traffic entering the community, instead including 7 lanes on 15th St–the same number on Route 1 itself currently. Good urban street design would design changes on intersecting streets to change behavior of drivers as they turn off the highway. Why is the focus only on 18^th and 15^th Streets, without addressing the 23rd Street intersection and points south?

4. Impact on community: The study ignores what is proposed in the approved CCSP for 15th Street, 18th Street, and the airport access road. There is tremendous value created for developers, by opening up frontages on such lots as 1800 Bell St, but besides future real estate tax revenue, this project does not deliver any sort of improvement to the community. Rather, removing the 18th and 15th Street underpasses without providing adequate safety measures reduces community access across Route 1. Increasing traffic diversion on neighborhood streets affects quality of life and safety. Will the proceeds from any public land sales be sunk back into the project, rather than be used for a public purpose in the community?

5. Process: The study failed to follow a number of project development procedures that would normally be followed for a project of this scale. Normally, we would see alternatives generated, reduced to a number of feasible alternatives, and analysis conducted to create a chosen alternative that best meets the purpose and need for the project. Here, a CCSP alternative, the development community’s preferred alternative, and a no-build were the only options evaluated. Shouldn’t a project of this scale and impact require a full consideration of options and input from the community from the earliest stages of the project through its completion to ensure community priorities are incorporated?

This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to dream big. Isn’t limiting the project to the current VDOT recommendation an epic fail? Moreover, VDOT’s estimated cost of $180 million for an at-grade option does not include many related costs, such as relocating the transit stations and bus routes, traffic mitigation measures, and the potential pedestrian bridge/tunnel.

The Livability22202 Civic Associations urge Arlington County to take no action on this proposal until a more holistic study is done that addresses these questions and issues. If you would like to discuss this, the representatives listed below are from the local civic associations and are engaged in this study.

VDOT March 3 Public Information Meeting

This is the VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Improvements (feasibility) Project webpage. Please review the slide decks and videos from the first (December) and second (March) public meetings as background. All of these materials can be found at the bottom of the VDOT page. Check out the slide deck from the March 3 meeting, especially the 9-lane at-grade Rte 1 @ 15th concept, shown in slides 20 and 24. You can send very short comments through this meeting page by March 15. Longer comments can be emailed to Dan Reinhard (see link from main project page) or the general email for the project: route1multimodalstudy@vdot.virginia.gov . The Livability22202 Route 1 working group sent a cover letter and detailed comments March 14 emphasizing that there’s no apparent full at-grade configuration that will provide both adequate safety for east-west walking and biking and prevent excessive traffic from diverting onto parallel streets. If either build concept is recommended in the end, we state that the community would prefer some or all of the CCSP options.

More background: This is the page for the Reimagine Route 1 background and document from the National Landing BID.
Want to learn more about bringing urban highways down to grade? Check out: Congress for New Urbanism: Highway to Boulevards: https://www.cnu.org/our-projects/highways-boulevards

Livability22202 Meeting February 26 with VDOT on Route 1 Feasibility Study (Summary)

On February 26, 2021, the 3 civic associations (Livability22202) sent a letter to our Virginia legislators about our concerns and asking them to be engaged. Don’t forget the March 3 VDOT Public Meeting. Register for the March 3 VDOT meeting here.

Good meeting February 22 with VDOT. Although the Livability Working Group on Route 1 provided VDOT with 19 pages of comments and requests for more data on their feasibility study, they responded only to a few comments at this meeting and promised more substantive reply on data later on. We took the opportunity to review the scope of the study, community concerns, and possible alternatives or ideas on how to deal with Route 1. You can view the recorded meeting here and see the Livability slide show and VDOT slides here. Here are VDOT’s detailed responses.

According to the VDOT project website, the study on Route 1, from approximately 12th Street to 23rd Street South, will explore an at-grade urban boulevard, but also review and compare potential improvements to the current elevated condition, and the elevated urban boulevard described in the Crystal City Sector Plan. Ultimately, the study aims to provide sufficient information to make the best decision on a future project on Route 1 in Crystal City. However, from comments at the February 22 meeting, it appears that VDOT is only focusing on whether it is feasible to bring Route 1 down to grade and not on other options. This is disappointing and we will continue to advocate for a variety of alternatives and emphasize safety issues for crossing Route 1 without making it a major highway.

There was a Task Force meeting February 25 (in which several Livability representatives participated) and a public meeting scheduled for March 3. Register for the March 3 VDOT meeting here.

Agenda (Feb 22)
1. Introduction to Livability22202 and the Route 1 Working Group role in the VDOT study
2. Overview of VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Study scope and status
3. Issues the Working Group identified through the L22202 survey and workshops
4. Review of suggested alternatives for Route 1
5. VDOT Responses to Livability22202 input
5. Review of Working Group requested data & analysis (Us) (7:40-7:50)
6. Scope and purpose of next VDOT public engagement March 3
7. Q&A and discussion of next steps

Livability22202 Detailed Feedback to VDOT on Feasibility Study (January 11, 2021)

On January 11, 2021, the presidents of the three civic associations in 22202–Arlington Ridge, Aurora Highlands, and Crystal City–forwarded to VDOT the Livability22202 comments on the VDOT feasibility study. These comments provide feedback to the VDOT Public Information Meeting on the Multimodal Improvements Study for Route 1 on 16 December 2020. The covering letter and the four extensive Appendices are linked here. Here are VDOT’s reponses.

The Livability22202 community is vitally interested in the outcome of the study and how the principles we have enunciated in our Framework and Action Plan of November 2019 will be addressed in the final VDOT recommendations. Providing safe, convenient, connected, comfortable east-west Route 1 crossings for people of all ages and abilities and for all modes of transportation is a Livability22202 priority and the most important goal of the Working Group.

We are pleased that VDOT described that the feasibility study “aims to provide sufficient information to make the best decision on a future project on Route 1 in Crystal City” in the VDOT Public Information Meeting No. 1, December 16, 2020. And we are also pleased that the study will include both an “analysis of existing configuration and analysis of concepts presented in the Crystal City Sector Plan,” along with exploring an at-grade urban boulevard. We are also in agreement that if the study develops an understanding “of potential costs and issues/solutions for constructability and multimodal access,” the Crystal City community and Arlington County will be able to make informed decisions about the future of Route 1.

With these goals in mind, we believe that the formulation of the alternatives for consideration, and the nature of the modeling undertaken to evaluate them will be critical to the outcomes of the study. Issues will include the selection of design concepts for Route 1 as a whole, as well as concepts for individual intersections and cross streets. Assumptions in the study regarding projections for future traffic volumes, peak hour volumes, transit use, and modal splits will also be critical. Because of the importance of the existing conditions data and planning assumptions, it is important that these be shared with the public now, during the early stages of the study formulation, rather than at the end of the study, or worse, not at all. While we are aware that sharing this background information and judgments about the future requires a little more effort from your consultant team up-front, we believe that it will save time overall and build public trust in the results of the study.

The Appendices, which address our concerns and explore some of our ideas, are divided into four broad sections:

Livability22202 Community Goals and Priorities
Missing information and Data in the “Existing Conditions” Presentation
Clarification of VDOT Study Concepts
Livability22202 Alternative Concepts

The VDOT Route 1 Multimodal Feasibility Study
VDOT held the first Public Engagement Meeting December 16 for the public to review existing conditions; hear about public survey responses; and ask questions and provide input. The purpose of this feasibility study is to identify enhanced multimodal connectivity and accommodations along Route 1 (between 12th Street to 23rd Streets) to meet the changing transportation needs of the Crystal City and Pentagon City communities. As this area’s commercial and residential densities continue to increase, transportation plans will need to address the wide-ranging needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, transit riders, motorists, and other users while maximizing the safety, convenience, and sustainability of the system for decades to come. At this time, no construction funding has been allocated, so this study will not set design or construction dates.
The timeline includes a second public meeting in March for more analysis; presentation of a draft report to the public in May and a final report in June. Access the online comment form and view details on providing feedback through January 11 here.
Note: Participants in the December 16 meeting were surprised that VDOT is missing a lot of essential data and seems to see its charge is to determine if and how Route 1 can be brought down to grade. The Livability22202 working group on Route 1 is providing input. See the Study webpage here.

VDOT Feasibility Study for Route 1: VDOT has been tasked by the State to conduct a feasibility study for Route 1 multimodal connectivity in the vicinity of Crystal City and Pentagon City over the course of the next year, with a report due June 2021. The tasking stems from an MOU between the Commonwealth and Amazon in 2018 to improve safety, accessibility, and the pedestrian experience crossing Route 1. Two reasons for this study: 1) transportation demand will increase with Amazon and development growth; and 2) the areas to be studied are already heavily developed with limited space for expanding the footprint of the transportation network. The study on Route 1, from approximately 12th Street to 23rd Street South, will explore an at-grade urban boulevard, but also review and compare potential improvements to the current elevated condition, and the elevated urban boulevard described in the Crystal City Sector Plan. Ultimately, the study aims to provide sufficient information to make the best decision on a future project on Route 1 in Crystal City. The first virtual meeting of the project Task Force took place Monday, September 28, and 22202 residents were well represented. See the website and sign up for updates.

2. Livability Working Group Response: Obviously the VDOT study will have an impact on residents of 22202. The working group is concerned that the scope of the study is very narrowly limited to the feasibility of bringing Route 1 down to grade, including at 15^th and 18^th Streets, and is not considering other alternatives. The 2010 Crystal City Sector Plan envisioned “the transformation of the highway into an urban boulevard with wide landscaped usable sidewalks and real building frontages,” but without specifics. A Livability22202 working group has been studying the issue and conducted a survey of residents (with almost 300 responses) and two community meetings August 26 and September 30. The results of the survey as well as the presentations from both meetings, including a study done by the National Landing BID, are posted below. The live recordings of both meetings are posted to the CCCA Facebookpage and linked below. The major community concern is to preserve safety of the pedestrian/bike crossings at 15^th and 18^th Streets and avoid another bad situation like 23^rd Street. We will be inviting VDOT to a future 22202 community meeting.

Route 1 Working Group Meeting 2: September 30

The Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group hosted a second virtual community meeting on September 30. Working Group members presented an update on the Pentagon City PDSP transportation study, a review of the first VDOT task force meeting and plans for community engagement, and the results of the community survey on Route 1, which showed a significant dislike for crossing Route 1 at 23^rd or bringing Route 1 down to grade at 15^th and 18^th. BID staff presented a summary of their Reimagine Route 1 document and promised to release it publicly. Their 3 sample concepts are all variations on bringing Route 1 down to grade. Meeting attendees asked terrific questions – by speaking and posting through the chat box. You can view the entire 2 hour meeting here. You can see the Working Group presentation here and the BID study presentation here. The results of the Route 1 survey conducted by the Working Group can be seen here. You can also see the referenced links, comments, and questions from the chat room here. Next steps include inviting VDOT staff to present at a future community meeting, probably after they have analyzed their survey data.

Route 1 Working Group Meeting 1: August 26

The Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group held its first virtual community engagement on August 26, 2020, with approximately 70 attendees. The meeting was recorded so those who didn’t participate can watch it, and it is posted on Google Drive. The meeting begins at 5:40 minutes, so jump ahead to that point. It will eventually be posted on the Livability22202 website as well, along with the slideshow which can be seen on Google Drive. As you may have heard, a study will kick off soon to change Route 1 north of 23rd Street. The proposal is to drop Route 1 to grade, eliminating the 15th and 18th Street underpasses. This is just a study and no decisions have been made.

Carol Fuller introduced the session. Mike Dowell presented the draft project goals and tied them in with the overall Livability 22202 goals. Dana Bres introduced the audience to a brief survey instrument that the group is using to collect information on how the community currently crosses Route One, as well as which crossings are avoided. Emily Norton presented an historical overview of the relationship between the 22202 community and Route One, with Pamela Van Hine as a co-author. Darren Buck gave us an updated vision of 6 possibilities for reinventing Route One – from markets underneath the highway to parks and even high-rises on decks over the highway. Check out his slides! Arthur Fox updated us on the VDOT proposal, a feasibility study of bringing Route One down to grade compared to leaving the existing road or following the Crystal City Section Plan, which does not recommend bringing the highway down to grade.

The presentations were followed by a lively discussion and noted next steps. County staff ensured us that VDOT will use the Pentagon City transportation data in the Route 1 analysis: https://projects.arlingtonva.us/plans-studies/pentagon-city-planning-study/pentagon-city-planning-study-transportation-analysis/

The meeting video is viewable on the Livability22202 YouTube channel. Please watch the presentation, and then complete the online Route 1 survey by Thursday, September 10. Send us your comments on the draft goals, visions, current challenges with Route One, and anything else you’d like to share.

The next community meeting of the Livability 22202 Route 1 Working Group will be on September 30. Among the meeting topics: BID staff will present their Reimagine Route One proposal, we will have an analysis of the survey results, and we hope to have an update on the VDOT proposal.