County Wants Residents’ Transportation Improvement Ideas

Now that the Silver Line is operational, Restonians are walking more than ever. That’s why it is a good time to tell Fairfax County how to improve pedestrian safety.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation has introduced a new interactive online tool where you can show the county where you think pedestrian safety can be improved.

Says the county: “This tool is an extension of the existing process that allows residents to email the FCDOT and request sidewalk and trail connections, curb ramps, improved signage, and other strategies for improving pedestrian safety.”

County officials said the online tool “continues FCDOT’s initiative to be more open and interactive with the public.”

Recently, citizens have requested these improvements in Reston:

• A crosswalk at Upper Lake Drive and Sunrise Valley Drive.
• A sidewalk on Glade Drive at bus stop near Red Maple Lane.
• A crosswalk on Fox Mill Road at Stratton Woods Park.
• A “Yield to Pedestrians” sign on Steeplechase Lane near Lawyers Road.

To see other suggestions or to make your own, visit the FCDOT website.

Fairfax County has allocated more than $300 million for pedestrian improvements on routes near the Silver Line. But the Silver Line opened in late July without most improvements in place, says advocacy group Reston 2020. Also, the Board of Supervisors recently approved a $100 million bond referendum. If approved by voters, most of the changes will benefit walkers and bikers.

Reston 2020 pointed out in a recent blog post that only 500 feet of sidewalk near the station has been built.

Reston 2020 pointed out the lack of pedestrian upgrades in a recent post:

… There is absolutely no excuse for this pathetic county performance. In Reston, the RMAG (Reston Metro Access Group) gave sound recommendations for improving access infrastructure in Spring 2008 — six years ago. The Silver Line has been under construction since Spring 2009, and its design specifically locked down so the county knew what to expect.

Yet here we are, the Silver Line launched nine months late and work on improving access to the station not even half done. This is a pathetic and unconscionable performance by our Board of Supervisors on transportation planning and implementation.