Lights out! in the Shirlington connector tunnel – who to contact?

[JustinW]

Spoke again with Alexandria’s Facilities person who must be new to the area. He needed help locating the area of concern, but having now done so says he’ll get out and inspect the lighting situation “within a few days,” and he thinks that fixes should be doable. I’ve asked him to update me if anything should change. We’ll see what happens….

[Tim Kelley]

While Arlington, VDOT and Alexandria are trying to figure out who is responsible for what along this section of trail, the Arlington County Bridge Engineering Program Coordinator has asked his team to fix these lights ASAP as it is a public safety issue.

I’m not sure what the timing will be, but please let me know if ride through there any things seem better. Thanks!

[Arlingtonrider]

Thanks so much! Will keep you posted. There are a lot of people besides those of us on the forum (joggers, etc.) who will greatly appreciate this. Please thank the Coordinator for us. Arlington is awesome for getting this done.

[Tim Kelley]

I had recently gotten word from a few regulars that the lights here hadn’t gotten fixed yet. I did some poking around and found that the Arlington maintenance team has looked into it.

Here’s the report: “The existing wall pack installed cannot be repaired and require replacement. These wall packs are no longer available and needs to be replaced with a different type. New mounting brackets need to be installed which means core drilling into the bridge structure. We need VDOT permission before we proceed with this work.”

They are currently seeking permission from VDOT and hopefully we’ll be back on track soon.

[JustinW]

The good news: the issue of the lights being out is recognized.

The bad news: the “who got it” nature of this fix….urghh.

Thanks Tim for keeping the fires stoked regarding this issue. For the time being can we duct tape some BikeArlington blinkies to the walks to provide some semblance of light in that underpass?

[OneEighth]

Those fixtures aren’t very old. Any word on what caused them to fail?

[chris_s]

@OneEighth 9550 wrote:

Those fixtures aren’t very old. Any word on what caused them to fail?

It looks like vandalism to me – covers ripped off, wires torn out, etc.

[Overtone]

All lights still out, completely black in there. Any update from the responsible officials?

I noticed because last night I became a honorary Ninja due to an unexpectedly drained battery. My apologies to any of you I enountered on the W&OD or 4 mile run trail. I was ringing my bell like mad hoping to be audible since I was invisible… Time to start carrying a backup light.

John

[JustinW]

Sounds like a symbolic lights out in terms of responsible parties stepping up. Last we heard, VDOT actually has domain over this location, tho there was talk of some Arlington folks making a quick fix (which seemed to not happen in the end).

For their part, VDOT is having trouble figuring this out – there are mentions of paperwork and permit requirements (??) as well as statements along the lines of “How do you know we are responsible for that? Are you *sure* about that? Let me check and someone will get back to you…”

The closest VDOT office on Columbia Pike suggests that their office in Dale City (!) would cover this since they are in charge of I-395 up to the river’s edge. That’s my next call – (703) 580-8357 may be the right number – to see if they have anything close to a clue.

My offer to affix BikeArlington blinkies to the underpass walls still stands…..

[zanna_leigh]

Tim was working hard on this issue…but it wouldn’t hurt to call that number and see what happens. We’ll follow up with it and get back to everyone soon hopefully!

[Tim Kelley]

Yes, it’s in VDOT’s hands. Arlington was going to try to do a quick fix, but upon inspection discovered it wasn’t just a matter of switching out bulbs, or fixtures. All of the wiring needs to be replaced and there is lots of drilling to be done. VDOT has permits into itself to get this taken care of. Feel free to check with them for updates.

I’ll let you know if I hear anything else.

[JustinW]

“VDOT has permits into itself…” — ouch, sounds painful.

Any timetable offered?

[Tim Kelley]

@JustinW 11647 wrote:

Any timetable offered?

Nothing that I’ve heard…I have tried impressing upon them the public safety that is at stake.

[Tim Kelley]

I’m happy to report that this afternoon when I rode through this underpass all the lights had been fixed and were working! I’m not sure when this had happened as I haven’t received any updates from VDOT on this project, but in any event they are up and running!

[Arlingtonrider]

Santa???! That’s great news, not only for cyclists, but also for many walkers and joggers. Thanks so much, Tim, Justin and any others, for all the following up!

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