Fort Myer Drive and Wilson Boulevard Improvements

Planning

Status

Planning

Aerial map of Rosslyn depicting the limits of the Fort Myer Drive and Wilson Boulevard Improvement Project

Location

Fort Myer Drive, between eastbound Langston Boulevard and N Fairfax Drive

Wilson Boulevard, between N. Oak Street and N. Kent Street

Status

Fort Myer Drive and Wilson Boulevard in Rosslyn are in the initial planning phase of being redesigned to create safer and more welcoming streets for residents, workers, and visitors alike.

About the Project

Fort Myer Drive and Wilson Boulevard will be reconstructed into community-oriented complete streets to emphasize Rosslyn’s role as a gateway into Arlington from the nation’s capital. This highly anticipated project will transform these two streets, which already carry some of the heaviest pedestrian traffic in the County, into comfortable, enjoyable places for residents, employees, and visitors.

Project Goals

Removing the Fort Myer Drive Tunnel to create an at-grade intersection at Wilson Boulevard, opening up public right-of-way for other improvements such as:

  • Wider sidewalks
  • Dedicated bike facilities
  • New public spaces, including seating areas and landscaping
  • New mid-block crossing outside of the Rosslyn metro station entrance

Planning Background

Core of Rosslyn Transportation Plan & Realize Rosslyn

The Fort Myer Drive tunnel removal and intersection re-grade is identified as a high-priority project in the Core of Rosslyn Transportation Plan. The plan states that the tunnel removal will “increase pedestrian crossing options (access to Metro)” and “help reduce vehicle speeds in the Rosslyn urban core.” 

Note: The concepts shown in the Core of Rosslyn Plan are being updated to account for changes to traffic patterns and County goals since 2018. The project team is assessing existing conditions and will use analysis of the site and user behavior to develop a feasible concept before engineering design begins. 

 

Vision Zero Action Plan

After the Core of Rosslyn plan was published, the County also adopted the Vision Zero Action Plan, placing additional emphasis on improving pedestrian and bicyclist safety. In alignment with the Vision Zero Action Plan, this project will minimize conflict points between vulnerable road users and vehicles, reduce vehicle speeds, and develop new dedicated crossings and safer intersection designs for people walking and biking.

Public Process

Public feedback will be solicited through in-person public meetings during the existing conditions and initial concept design stages. Community members will also have an opportunity to submit comments via an online form. After a preferred concept is determined, future refinements to the design will be shared on the project page. 

Existing Conditions – Summer 2026

Community Engagement Level: Involve

  • Discuss project goals and how you currently use the streets
  • Share specific ideas and concerns for the street sections

This input will be used to refine goals and develop concept designs.

Open House Materials

Project Concept – Spring 2027

Community Engagement Level: Involve

  • Learn what we heard during Existing Conditions Feedback and how it helped inform the project concept
  • Review and share comments on the project concept

Input gathered will help evaluate and refine development of a preferred concept.

Preferred Concept – Fall 2027

Community Engagement Level: Communicate

  • Learn what we heard during community engagement on Existing Conditions and the Concept Design and see how it helped inform the Preferred Concept

Funding

This project is funded through local funds, contributions from adjacent developments, and revenue sharing with VDOT.