West Glebe Road Bridge replacement

[dbb]

Arlington will be replacing the West Glebe Road Bridge over the Four Mile Run Trail just east of I 395.

They had an open house last week and the project boards are at https://arlingtonva.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/31/2020/02/2020.02.12_WGRB_CommunityEventFinal.pdf

The project page is at https://projects.arlingtonva.us/projects/west-glebe-road-bridge/ where there is a link to a feedback form.

The issues that will likely affect cyclists the most are:

• Schedule – rebuild it incrementally over 18-24 months or close the bridge and do it more quickly (6-9 months)
• Separation of bike and traffic lanes – it seems that none of the options presented provide any significant protection for peds and cyclists
• Under-bridge lighting seems targeted on attractive rather than functional and reliable. Remembering how long the 395 underpass took, I favor functional and reliable
• Railings/parapets – I really don’t like a railing that is so low I would go over it if I fell. Some options seem low.

Please provide your thoughts to Arlington. Operators are standing by…

Topic

[zsionakides]

I’d assume either rebuild schedule will necessitate the closure of the 4MR trail underpass, with a best case scenario that the adjacent sidepath on S Glebe stays open. In the complete closure option with the south side sidepath open, it wouldn’t require stopping. OTOH, if that sidepath gets closed off, this will not be a fun detour.

I’m surprised they are insistent on keeping 4 lanes. There’s no need for 2 lanes eastbound and it’s just a waste of money building a wider bridge to accommodate.

[Author]

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