Bike Unfriendly Detour in Arlington — Fairfax Drive & North Wakefield

[DismalScientist]

While they are doing this, I would hope they would rip up all that “brick work” in one shot. Hopefully this will be faster than Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run Dr.

An alternative if coming from all the way from the WOD is to turn onto the Bluemont trail rather than the Custis. If coming from closer in, get off the Custis at George Mason and go south to Wilson and pick up the Bluemont trail at the corner of George Mason and Wilson. Another way is to turn south on George Mason and immediately across 66, turn left of Fairfax. Where Fairfax turns south get on the sidewalk to the left and this runs into the end of the Bluemont trail and continues in front of the Holiday Inn. Note that the Bluemont trail will deposit you on the south side of Fairfax Drive.

[mstone]

They did it mid day tuesday or wednesday. Wasn’t there when I went in, and I got a big surprise on the way home.

[DismalScientist]

Coming through today, it looks as if the concrete was dry and open. There is still a little problem just east of Wakefield on the north side of Fairfax.

Unfortunately, I was on the south side (in front of the Holiday Inn) so I didn’t get a good look. They were beginning to rip up that side as well. I think there is unlikely to be a good detour on the south side connecting the Bluemont trail to the Holiday Inn.

[mstone]

@DismalScientist 61487 wrote:

Coming through today, it looks as if the concrete was dry and open.

It’s passable now, but still pretty unpleasant. I expect they will still be tearing up more of the sidewalk and laying new concrete, so it may close again.

[Rogburt]

I work in one of the buildings in that block, you can also turn north on Wakefield and go around the building to catch the trail on the back side.

[Rogburt]

I’d still like to know why they’ve redone all the corners in that area, not sure it has gained any benefit outside of cosmetics.

[mstone]

@Rogburt 61551 wrote:

I’d still like to know why they’ve redone all the corners in that area, not sure it has gained any benefit outside of cosmetics.

They’re getting rid of most of the slip lanes and reconfiguring the intersections along that stretch for better pedestrian access.

[bobco85]

@mstone 61554 wrote:

They’re getting rid of most of the slip lanes and reconfiguring the intersections along that stretch for better pedestrian access.

To add to your post, here’s the project page: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/EnvironmentalServices/ProjectsAndPlanning/capprojects/page67332.aspx

[mstone]

@bobco85 61559 wrote:

To add to your post, here’s the project page: http://www.arlingtonva.us/departments/EnvironmentalServices/ProjectsAndPlanning/capprojects/page67332.aspx

Yeah, I’ve seen that site. It could definitely be improved with some simple “before” and “after” graphics highlighting specific features of the improvements. (As opposed to an engineering diagram.)

[bikesnick]

@mstone 61576 wrote:

Yeah, I’ve seen that site. It could definitely be improved with some simple “before” and “after” graphics highlighting specific features of the improvements. (As opposed to an engineering diagram.)

I came through there today – it’s a mess. Hopefully the bicycle lane will be extended going West on Fairfax Dr to the Custis Trail connector.

[mstone]

@bikesnick 62727 wrote:

I came through there today – it’s a mess. Hopefully the bicycle lane will be extended going West on Fairfax Dr to the Custis Trail connector.

It used to end at that last intersection, and you could jump onto the sidewalk at the facing curb cut. I’d assume it will end up back like that, which was fine, I thought.

[consularrider]

@mstone 62728 wrote:

It used to end at that last intersection, and you could jump onto the sidewalk at the facing curb cut. I’d assume it will end up back like that, which was fine, I thought.

Well, not quite. If I remember right there was a bumpout before the first driveway into the first Marymount building driveway forcing you into the right hand vehicle lane for about 30 yards. Not much fun during the evening rush to get to I-66. The Google Maps street view gives you a good feel because it currently shows a car blocking the sidewalk at the second driveway there.

[mstone]

You’re right, I misremembered the old layout. I’d jump on the sidewalk on the Marymount driveway, then take the crosswalk across that last street. I suppose it did suck a bit.

[mstone]

It’s looking like there might be enough room to extend the bike lane.

[bikesnick]

The bike lane is looking much better.
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