More Custis Work in a Different Location!

[bentbike33]

Interesting in that the developer of the new condo just poured a new concrete sidewalk connecting to the existing, and badly-in-need-of-resurfacing, existing asphalt trail. The bumped-out curve should improve sight angles at this intersection assuming the trees and bushes on the inside of the curve are not immediately replaced.

[Kolohe]

@bentbike33 122063 wrote:

Interesting in that the developer of the new condo just poured a new concrete sidewalk connecting to the existing, and badly-in-need-of-resurfacing, existing asphalt trail. The bumped-out curve should improve sight angles at this intersection assuming the trees and bushes on the inside of the curve are not immediately replaced.

I would imagine one of the design criteria is to provide some space between the path and the trees, not only for visibility, but also for the health of the trees that are in a ‘preservation’ status.

[dasgeh]

Bump, since this is tonight.

[chris_s]

This project was also supposed to install a water fountain and a gazebo for resting in the shade next to the trail. I haven’t been by there lately – anybody seen anything looking like either of those?

[chris_s]

@bentbike33 122063 wrote:

Interesting in that the developer of the new condo just poured a new concrete sidewalk connecting to the existing, and badly-in-need-of-resurfacing, existing asphalt trail. The bumped-out curve should improve sight angles at this intersection assuming the trees and bushes on the inside of the curve are not immediately replaced.

From the board report when the development was approved:

“The intersection of the Custis Trail is proposed to be modified to improve sight distance and safety for the trail users. Currently, where the Custis trail intersects
with the Lee Highway sidewalk, visibility for trail users is reduced due to the proximity of the trail to bridge railings and landscaping. The proposed trail realignment will pull the trail further west to a point where approaching visibility is better for trail users.”

😎

[dasgeh]

@chris_s 122235 wrote:

This project was also supposed to install a water fountain and a gazebo for resting in the shade next to the trail. I haven’t been by there lately – anybody seen anything looking like either of those?

Nope.

[Tim Kelley]

Update!

Custis Trail work was not completed earlier this week. Work will resume tonight at 9pm and be complete by 6am on Thursday morning. There will be signs directing overnight users toward alternate routes.

[sjclaeys]

@Tim Kelley 122460 wrote:

Update!

Custis Trail work was not completed earlier this week. Work will resume tonight at 9pm and be complete by 6am on Thursday morning. There will be signs directing overnight users toward alternate routes.

They did spray paint some nice lines on the trail though.

[bentbike33]

@sjclaeys 122466 wrote:

They did spray paint some nice lines on the trail though.

Unfortunately, the work lines don’t reach the root-heaves, etc. at the bottom of the hill, not to mention the moguls on the shelf road to the bridge to nowhere. To me, this stretch of the Custis is worse than most of what was just repaved. But I know we must be thankful for all trail maintenance.

[TwoWheelsDC]

@bentbike33 122487 wrote:

the moguls on the shelf road to the bridge to nowhere.

These are intentional, to ensure sleepy bike commuters don’t nod off….like rumble strips on the highway.

[Steve O]

@TwoWheelsDC 122488 wrote:

These are intentional, to ensure sleepy bike commuters don’t nod off….like rumble strips on the highway.

They are also good for eagle-eyed commuters to collect things, like lights and tools, that bounce off those sleepy commuters’ bikes.

[bentbike33]

@TwoWheelsDC 122488 wrote:

These are intentional, to ensure sleepy bike commuters don’t nod off….like rumble strips on the highway.

Maybe the moguls didn’t work on me this morning as it seemed the Custis, which now follows the new curve, consists of compacted gravel leveled to the old trail rather than asphalt. Still lots of equipment about, but no detour signs at all.

[Boomer Cycles]

This is what the project looked like yesterday afternoon on my commute home (westbound, by looking backwards eastward, since that was a better camera angle):

[Powerful Pete]

They’ve now torn up all that grass and there is construction machinery present (as of 9:15~ish this morning). The trail was not closed and was signed.

Beware though, the hardpacked mud will turn into a Belgian cyclocross nightmare (or super fun stretch, depending on your point of view) this PM if we get a lot of rain.

[Subby]

All the more reason to enjoy Lee Highway!

[Author]

Posts