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When we identify a safety concern and existing measures within the County’s Multimodal Engineering Safety Toolbox are not the right fit, we may implement a safety pilot project. Pilots allow us to (1) respond quickly to safety needs and (2) test materials or strategies in new environments to determine their effectiveness at reducing serious crashes in our community. These pilot projects are closely monitored by County staff to gather observational and crash data, and we typically collect feedback from community members once the pilot has been in place for several months.
As we wrap up Year 2 of our Vision Zero program, we are assessing the outcomes of four Vision Zero safety pilot projects. The findings and next steps for each project are detailed below:
Temporary Road Closure for Oakridge Elementary School Drop-off/Pick-up
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Findings: Responses to the feedback form showed support from the community. Staff at Oakridge Elementary also voiced support for the pilot, especially after increased police enforcement of parking restrictions.
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Next Steps: Due to overall positive impacts in safety, the County will coordinate with staff at Oakridge Elementary to gauge interest and capacity to continue the temporary road closure as part of regular arrival and dismissal protocol at the school. Staff will also review and discuss the possibility of additional pick-up/drop-off operational enhancements.
Patrick Henry Drive & 18th Street N. School Crossing Pilot
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Findings: Before and after data shows an increase in driver-to-pedestrian yield rates by about 5% (73 to 78%), but no change in vehicle speeds (observed at 30mph in a 25mph zone) on Patrick Henry Dr. Responses to the feedback form indicated some safety improvement, but many requested additional action to manage speeds.
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Next Steps: Given the constructive feedback and desire to reduce speeds on Patrick Henry Dr, the County will install permanent speed feedback indicator signs (pictured to the right) as an additional treatment to slow drivers down as they approach the intersection. Due to positive impacts on driver-to-pedestrian yield rates and some positive community feedback, the County will apply SLOW SCHOOL XING markings at similar uncontrolled arterial school crossings in the County.
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N Oak Street Walkability Improvement Pilot
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Findings: Pedestrian counts showed that, from 6AM to 6PM, about 25 people per hour walked on N Oak St using the barrier space. Responses to the feedback form showed significant increases in pedestrian and cyclist safety on the segment.
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Next Steps: Because this project experiences significant usage, improved safety metrics, and increased feelings of safety among respondents, the County will evaluate the possibility of a sidewalk construction project as part of the FY25/26 Capital Improvement Plan budgeting process. In addition, the County will collaborate with the Rosslyn BID to identify options for improving the aesthetics of the barriers in the short term.
Fort Myer Drive & Eastbound Langston Blvd
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Findings: Before and after data from the pilot showed significant reduction in pedestrian-to-vehicle conflicts given the Leading Pedestrian Interval and turn lane removal, little change in queuing, and a significant reduction in pedestrian, bike and overall crashes.
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Next Steps: Given the success of this pilot, we are removing the “pilot” status and are considering the improvements as permanent.
Check the Vision Zero pilot page for updates on these projects and more.
The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Newsroom recently featured a collaboration between Arlington County and Prince George’s County on Traffic Gardens in their Regional Roadway Safety Spotlight. Traffic gardens are locations in the community where children can safely learn to navigate our transportation network by practicing safe walking, attention to road signs, and cycling in parks that are designed and scaled appropriately for our tiniest travelers.
The Vision Zero teams in Arlington and in Prince George’s Counties have been working together to establish guidelines for implementing permanent and temporary traffic gardens. The development of this universally-applicable traffic garden manual and templates was funded through a Regional Roadway Safety Program grant awarded to both counties in December 2021.
Checkout the article for more information on the collaboration, and stay tuned for a public release of the guidelines and templates later this spring/summer!
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Save the date for the evening of Wednesday, April 26th – We're hosting the 2nd annual Vision Zero Open House . Additionally, the month of April will bring many opportunities to engage with the Vision Zero team as we prepare for the annual safety feedback engagement, with an online feedback form and several pop-up events throughout the county. Stay tuned for more information on timing and locations!
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During their January meeting, the County Board approved an amendment to the County Code that allows for 20mph speed limits on neighborhood roads within 600 feet of a school or key school access point. This adjustment will allow the County to move forward with retrofitting school zones throughout the County following a successful demonstration of the school zone retrofits/school slow zones at 13 schools last year.
The school zone reviews and retrofits require extensive staff support, so updates will occur in phases. In fall 2023, we coordinated with APS staff to develop plans for a second phase of school zone retrofits / school slow zones at 13 additional schools. The school zone updates include updating speed limits (reassessing existing dynamic/beaconed zones or establishing the new 20mph school slow zones), signs, crosswalks, pavement markings, and other safety improvements in areas within 600 feet of school access points in accordance with Arlington’s school zone guidelines.
The 13 schools in phase 2 include:
- Barrett Elementary
- Campbell Elementary
- Carlin Springs Elementary
- Alice West Fleet Elementary + Jefferson Middle*
- Kenmore Middle
- Montessori Public School of Arlington + Arlington Community High + Arlington Career Center*
- Swanson Middle
- Williamsburg Middle + Discovery Elementary*
- Nottingham Elementary
*Indicates a combined school slow zone
DES will begin installing new signs early this spring and new markings in late spring, as the weather permits.
Learn more about the Arlington County School Slow Zone initiative on the Vision Zero website.
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Bike Arlington hosted the Winter Bike to Work Day earlier this month. While we may be having a mild winter, keep these winter riding tips in mind to stay warm and safe as you hop on your bike for the next couple of months!
Carlin Springs High Injury Network Audit
Quick-builds in Progress:
- Clarendon Blvd & N Danville St
- Fairfax Dr and N Jefferson St
- Wilson Blvd crossing between N Oak St and N Pierce St
- N Ohio St & 18th St N
Recently Completed Quick-builds:
Visit the Vision Zero Safety Projects page to learn more about safety-driven quick build projectss, capital projects, pilot projects, High-Injury Network safety audits, and more.
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