Upcoming Four Mile Run Trail closures

[dasgeh]

@CaseyKane50 70205 wrote:

I think that this is one of the better coordinated detours for bicyclists that I can remember. We have been given ample warning that the detour was happening and a solution was put in place before construction was started. It would be nice if actual detour signs are added along the detour route and that signs are placed at all of the entry points to this section of the trail.

This may be true, but from what I’ve read, the detour is sub-par. Maybe it’s a good first step — at least they didn’t forget about trail users altogether — but it’s nowhere near what should have been done. Right now, I don’t think my bakfiets could use the detour at all (turns too tight on the big ramp and ramp on the stairs too close to the handrail). So I would have to turn around and find another way – on my own because the County hasn’t bothered to sign any other detour, and probably with two kids to deal with. Thanks, County.

There is one fix that the County could still do at very little cost: they could publicize and sign the detour through Crystal City (Crystal City Connector — 18th St — Eads). It would add significant mileage for some, but probably not for most, and it’s at least POSSIBLE for all types of trail users.

Of course, in doing so, they may notice that Eads is a mess and is scheduled to get worse because the County is planning construction on Eads during this detour. Maybe they should rethink that.

[Arlingtonrider]

The trail was open today – no detour this morning. Will be interested to hear the when and what about any construction on Eads. That will be a critical connection while this is going on.

[MattAune]

Still not closed as of this morning.

[Subby]

Still nothing. I checked the web site: http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=1304 and there were no updates either. Did I miss an announcement?

[consularrider]

However, there is a yellow boom in the water below the bridge and you can see where they have begun demolishing the downstream edge of the bridge on the south bank.

[JimK]

Are they destroying two bridges or just one?

[consularrider]

@JimK 72225 wrote:

Are they destroying two bridges or just one?

Just one, I think the other is to be kept as part of the park.

[Tim Kelley]

Word on the street is that the developers had a problem with one of the contractors and the schedule has been significantly changed. The 24/7 closure that was supposed to have been 5 weeks from mid-March to mid-April has now turned into 13.5 weeks from late March to late June.

More details to come.

[mstone]

that’s ok, the same thing happens all the time on projects that shut down major roads with non-equivalent detours

[dasgeh]

@Tim Kelley 72346 wrote:

Word on the street is that the developers had a problem with one of the contractors and the schedule has been significantly changed. The 24/7 closure that was supposed to have been 5 weeks from mid-March to mid-April has now turned into 13.5 weeks from late March to late June.

More details to come.

Seriously, this would be so much less of a deal if they improved the obvious alternative route (18th–>Eads) and committed to adequately sign it.

[PotomacCyclist]

There will be a separate construction project on 18th St., but maybe after the bridge demolition is complete.

The County is planning projects for 18th, 15th and 23rd Streets along with the section of Crystal Drive between 26th and 27th. I think these are supposed to start up in the summer or perhaps a little later. An interim multimodal area will be built on 18th: bus bays, new lighting, etc.

[dbb]

Eads just north of Glebe was closed off for the sewer work that is going on at 32nd Street. There was room for a bike to get through the entire length of the closure.

[consularrider]

Since Wednesday gates have been erected that can close off the trail on either side of the bridge that will be demolished.

[cyclingfool]

@consularrider 73445 wrote:

Since Wednesday gates have been erected that can close off the trail on either side of the bridge that will be demolished.

Saw those last night, when I took 4MR that way for the first time in weeks. Was wondering how long they’d been there… now I know – not long.

[dbb]

Got an email today from the Northern Virginia Regional Commission in response to a “whats up?” question from me

“Sorry for the delay. We are working on an update now. yes, the project slowed a bit.
Should have something up soon- coordinating with all the entities!”

I’ll cross post any updates I receive.

[Author]

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