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VA-237 Corridor Multimodal Improvements

Project Updates

Vision Zero High-Injury Network Audit

Upon adoption of a Vision Zero safety strategy in 2019, Arlington identified a High-Injury Network (corridors with concentrations of severe or fatal crashes), which included the VA-237 corridor. Rather than conducting a second safety audit of the VA237 corridor and duplicating this corridor study that took place in 2018/2019, the Vision Zero High-Injury Network audit for the VA-237 corridor focused on evaluating the County's progress toward the action items set forth in 2018 and identifies additional needs to enhance safety on the corridor.

View the VA-237 Corridor Study Updates & Next Steps (Jan 2023)

Short-Term Pedestrian and Intersection Improvements

Several short term recommendations were implemented through signage and markings in 2019 to improve safety at intersections and access for pedestrians walking along and across the corridor.

View Before and After photos.

Safer Pedestrian Crossings with Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons Installed at Three Crossings

The project identified three locations for the installation of Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) to increase pedestrian visibility at existing crosswalks. Learn more about RRFBs.

10th St N & N Irving St. - Installed 2021
Fairfax Dr & N Kansas St. - Installed 2020
Fairfax Dr & N Utah St. - Anticipated 2023

Speed Management on 10th St N

The project identified the need for speed mitigation efforts on 10th St N corridor between Washington Blvd and US-50.

Improved sight lines by trimming trees approaching the traffic light at 10th & Barton from the west. (Completed Fall 2019)
The County installed speed feedback signs on 10th St N in both directions to assist in reducing vehicle speeds on the corridor. (Completed 2020)
The County will install a red light camera at 10th & Barton to improve red light compliance approaching the intersection. (Anticipated 2023)

About the Project

Arlington County acquired jurisdiction of the VA-237 Corridor (Fairfax Dr from Glebe Rd to 10th St N; 10th St N from Fairfax Dr to Barton St) from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) on July 1, 2018. Arlington County is currently evaluating the corridor to identify short-term, quick-build projects to enhance safety and mobility on the corridor. See map below for the corridor limits. More detailed maps/images of the corridor.

(PNG, 2MB)

The corridor area runs east along Fairfax Drive from N Glebe Rd (VA 120) to the intersection with 10th Street N/Kirkwood Road. The street’s name then changes to 10th Street N and continues east to N Barton St. The study area includes all intersections and street elements on the public right-of-way along this 1.5-mile corridor. While the full scope evaluation requires sizable resource and time, a Phase I evaluation with the objective of identifying “short term/quick build improvements” — issues that are both critical and can be addressed at current resource level – specifically regarding safety and mobility for motor vehicle users, pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. These issues and needs may vary in magnitude and priority along the corridor depending on context, as the character of the corridor varies from the Courthouse/Lyon Park neighborhoods through the Clarendon and Virginia Square neighborhoods and ending in the Ballston neighborhood.

As part of the short term analysis, Arlington County staff will review existing plans/projects relating to the VA-237 corridor (including the Master Transportation Plan and its elements, neighborhood Sector Plans, approved site plans, and approved Capital Projects). Staff will identify key takeaways from these plans to integrate into the analysis. Arlington County staff will also conduct an inventory of corridor infrastructure and conditions. This will include collecting and analyzing multimodal traffic volume data, curbspace use, crash data, and transit service data. This data analysis in combination with community comments and input will guide the development of “short term/quick build improvements” (i.e., can be design and implemented within 0-2 years and can be addressed at current resource level) on the corridor.

Long-term, large-scale improvements will be evaluated over the next several years as they require additional resources being sought and identified.

About the Process

In late fall 2018, Arlington County launched a three-week online public feedback form designed to gather input on travel behavior along the corridor and identify where improvements can be made in terms of safety, mobility, and accessibility. Additionally, County staff met with stakeholder groups through the corridor, including: the Ballston BID, the Ballston - Virginia Square Civic Association, and the Clarendon - Courthouse Civic Association to gather additional feedback from the community. View a summary of the results and a list of next steps.

Timeline