I noticed this on a hike yesterday. During the construction of likely another townhouse neighborhood that is only accessible from Columbia Pike, the asphalt path running alongside Columbia Pike between Powell Ln and Madison Ln was removed. A temporary gravel path is now in its place, but I’m confident it will be paved over when the construction is completed.
looking east from Powell Ln/Columbia Pike (left) old Google Streetview; (right) as of last evening
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looking west from Madison Ln/Columbia Pike (left) old Google Streetview; (right) as of last evening
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At the very least, this retains a side path/service road along the south side of Columbia Pike between the Barcroft Plaza shopping center (Columbia Pike/Lincolnia Rd/Old Columbia Pike) to the west and Lacy Blvd which is only a few blocks on a medium-sized sidewalk from Baileys Crossroads to the east. The path also provides access to the Alexandria portion of the Holmes Run Trail.
