Environmental Services
In the Pipeline: Columbia Pike Revitalization Projects
Arlington County’s Department of Environmental Services is working to create a vibrant, easily accessible and pedestrian-friendly “Main Street” environment in the Columbia Pike Corridor. As one of Arlington’s primary transit corridors, the revitalization of Columbia Pike is a critical County priority. Together with our regional partners, Arlington is working on several initiatives to foster connections between neighborhoods, employment centers, and commercial areas along the Pike ultimately creating a vibrant, economic center for residents and visitors. Initiatives underway in the community include:
Utility Undergrounding & Streetscape Improvements
"Town Center" Streetscape Improvements - South Garfield Street to Oakland Street
The County has finished installing utility lines in the underground ducts along Columbia Pike between S. Garfield St. to S. Oakland St. and have connected the new underground lines to all of the businesses. Crews have removed the remaining overhead wires and utility poles, which will improve the appearance of the area and eliminate problems associated with downed power lines.
Streetscape improvements, which include new sidewalks, trees, and lighting, are underway and will be completed by the end of 2009. Project costs are being shared equally by VDOT and Arlington County. Arlington has also upgraded a water main between Glebe Road and Oakland Street in coordination with the streetscape improvements. Although some traffic delays are expected during construction, we will make every effort to minimize inconvenience.
South Wakefield Street to Four Mile Run
Arlington County is working with VDOT and various utility companies on designs for undergrounding utilities and streetscape improvements along Columbia Pike from S. Wakefield St. to Four Mile Run. Utility undergrounding and related work is schedule to begin in spring 2010 and the streetscape improvement work is expected to begin in spring 2011. Schedules are subject to VDOT approval and acquisition of right of way for improvements. The project is funded by federal secondary, state revenue-sharing and County matching funds. Project Details >>>
Providing Greater Access - 11th Street South
To improve access to and from the Halstead mixed-use development currently under construction, Arlington recently constructed a new section of 11th St. S. between Walter Reed Dr. and S. Garfield St. (parallel to and one block south of Columbia Pike). Traffic signals will also be installed at the new intersection of 11th St. S. and Walter Reed Dr. CPRO Development Updates on Halstead >>>
Comfort, Safety, and Convenience - Super Stops to Improve Pike Commute
This winter, construction will start on the first three Super Stops along Columbia Pike. Bigger, better and more easily accessible than traditional bus stops, the new Super Stops will offer Pike commuters ample seating, enhanced lighting and better security while they wait. The first three locations, which were determined by their high ridership levels, include one Super Stop on both sides of Columbia Pike at Dinwiddie Street, and a third on the south side of the Pike at Walter Reed Drive. Learn more at the CommuterPage >>>
Maintaining Critical Infrastructure – Washington Boulevard over Columbia Pike Bridge
Built in the 1940s, the existing single-span concrete bridge at Washington Blvd. over Columbia Pike is in need of rehabilitation. In June 2008, VDOT presented the community with the project design for the Washington Blvd. (Rt. 27)/Columbia Pike (Rt. 244) interchange improvements and bridge replacement. VDOT expects to award the design/build contract, which will be funded by state and federal sources, in winter 2009. Construction is currently scheduled to begin in 2011 and completion is slated for early 2014. VDOT Project Web Site >>>
Improving Pedestrian Safety – A New Crossing at Columbia Pike at South Scott Street
In the fall of 2008, the County installed a new pedestrian-activated traffic signal, crosswalk and lighting to address safety concerns at the busy Columbia Pike and S. Scott St. intersection. The new signal provides residents with a safe, well-lit crossing and better access to transit stops on either side of the Pike, as well as other area attractions. More Information >>>
Updated on October 28, 2009
Questions?
For additional information about Arlington County’s on-going Columbia Pike projects, please contact Bill Roberts at (703) 228-3824 or via email.
Helpful Links
Arlington Virginia Columbia Pike Initiative (CPHD)
