Mount Vernon Trail – Goodbye Stop Sign!

[ShawnoftheDread]

Whoa! I believe we have DBB to thank for this.

[dbb]

Sweeeet!

A number of people were pulling on that rope. Kudos to the NPS for making this happen.

[Subby]

That’s so great. Thank you.

Are they planning on doing something with the south end of that road that is now blocked off?

[rcannon100]

I believe the Potomac Pedalers crowd did a lot of squealing. And the ARLBAC (which of course DBB plays a big role on) had been talking to NPS about this. NPS hearing lots of different voices from different corners can be quite helpful.

[dbb]

Last time I spoke with them they said that they still wanted to keep the ramp but were considering alternatives to Jersey barriers and asphalt. As a former facilities guy, I know how easy it is to make a decision to “abandon in place”. It is often the easiest and cheapest of the alternatives, particularly if nobody is pushing for something more comprehensive.

The good news is that we have a relationship with the GWMP team.

[mstone]

holy crap, they really do have a policy that they can’t just have a crossing without a stop sign?!? (as in, they had to put in a wall before they could take off the sign?) that’s the thing to really get changed.

[dbb]

The stop signs probably dated from the time the ramp was active, with motorists coming off a 45 mph roadway. I’d expect a stop sign was appropriate then. I’ve seen cars and trucks paring to the left of the plastic barriers in the photo.

[rcannon100]

@mstone 60723 wrote:

holy crap, they really do have a policy that they can’t just have a crossing without a stop sign?!? (as in, they had to put in a wall before they could take off the sign?) that’s the thing to really get changed.

The little piece of road to the left was still in use as a parking lot. There would be a small collection of cars parked there. Assume airport workers who had figured out where they could park for free. Thus, blocking the stub road temporarily while permanent revamp is in the works (I assume) is probably prudent to ensure no car / bicycle conflicts.

[consularrider]

@rcannon100 60727 wrote:

The little piece of road to the left was still in use as a parking lot. There would be a small collection of cars parked there. Assume airport workers who had figured out where they could park for free. Thus, blocking the stub road temporarily while permanent revamp is in the works (I assume) is probably prudent to ensure no car / bicycle conflicts.

Usually it was contractor employees who also will park further up the ramp.

[CaseyKane50]

@dbb 60726 wrote:

The stop signs probably dated from the time the ramp was active, with motorists coming off a 45 mph roadway.

Yes, it was quite a challenge dealing with the traffic coming on and off the GW Parkway in those days. At one time, there were four at-grade crossings of ramps coming into and out of the airport. It was really a huge improvement when they upgraded this area of the trail and added the bridges that did away with two of the crossings and blocked off the ramp pictured above.

[mstone]

@rcannon100 60727 wrote:

The little piece of road to the left was still in use as a parking lot. There would be a small collection of cars parked there. Assume airport workers who had figured out where they could park for free. Thus, blocking the stub road temporarily while permanent revamp is in the works (I assume) is probably prudent to ensure no car / bicycle conflicts.

If only there were some way to indicate a crossing where pedestrians have the right of way…

[Popsicleian]

This is great!

Now if only they would turn the subsequent crossing into a stop for cars, rather than trail users…

[KWL]

Sadly, I noticed the Jersey barriers today but did not notice the missing stop signs. Shows how much attention I gave them over the years even when the ramp was open.

[Author]

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