The Arlington County Vision Zero website has many exciting new updates, including a new Before/After Safety Studies page dedicated to documenting the before/after results for safety projects we have implemented through the County’s Vision Zero program. This page highlights results in the wide range of projects we implement including tactical improvements, construction projects, and pilot programs.
We recently analyzed crash data on eight hot spot or quick-build projects implemented in the County between 2017 and 2021. These eight analyses highlight the safety tools used at the location and a summary of the types of crashes that occurred before and after the project. Of note, each project lowered the crash rate at the location, with a few reducing the crash risk by more than half!
Many before/after studies are still in the works. Look forward to more results as we continue to monitor the impact of our work on the safety of our community.
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As mentioned above, we are constantly adding new content to our website to keep the community up to date on our safety initiatives. We recently updated the Quick-build Safety Projects page to include newly identified projects to be constructed in the next 1-3 years.
We also added information about the quick-build prioritization and workflow process. Based on the positive results we saw in the before/after studies of previous quick-build projects, we are working hard to identify and deliver these safety projects efficiently. Stay up to date on quick build projects happening in your neighborhood here.
Vision Zero is teaming with WalkArlington for the 2023 Walking Palooza spring walking celebration! If you’re interested in learning more about safety planning and design, join Arlington County’s Vision Zero Program Manager Christine Baker on a guided walk in Ballston and Virginia Square. She’ll explain a variety of improvements the County has made to this busy, High-Injury Network corridor to increase safety for all people. RSVP TO ATTEND
April is just around the corner, which means that the Vision Zero Open House meeting will be here before we know it! Save the evening of Wednesday, April 26th to drop in to room 527 in the Arlington Mill Community Center between 4 – 7 pm.
This public information session will highlight Vision Zero progress from 2022, provide an opportunity to provide feedback on transportation safety in Arlington, and share plans as we move into our third year of the program. We’ll also have an opportunity for attendees to participate in filming a Vision Zero PSA on transportation safety!! For additional details, view the meeting invite.
In addition to the Open House, the month of April will bring many opportunities to engage with the Vision Zero team as we prepare for several pop-up events throughout the county. Stay tuned for more information!
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After a temporary roundabout was installed in 2021 at the intersection of Military Rd and Nelly Custis Dr, the County has installed interim updates to the existing temporary roundabout.
Community feedback gathered in the summer of 2022 sought roundabout improvements to reduce visual clutter, improve yield rates, and reduce confusion for all intersection users. The interim updates will be followed by a permanent round about installation at this intersection.
Interim Updates to the roundabout include:
- Center and median islands of the intersection will be installed to curb height with asphalt
- Sloped apron around circumference of center island to encourage drivers to slow down, while still accommodating larger vehicles
- Removal of plastic pylons after other improvements are in place
- Painting these new features using colors that meet federal standards for structures in the roadway
Check in for project updates here and check out this VDOT video and information page for tips on navigating a round about as a motorist, pedestrian, and cyclist.
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Working from the recently developed inventory of Arlington’s sidewalks, the Water Sewer Streets Bureau is addressing sidewalk tripping hazards countywide. This process entails shaving the sidewalk using a horizontal concrete saw that cuts a wedge out of the sidewalk. It is an effective way to address uneven sidewalks in many situations and allows for systemwide implementation since it’s significantly more cost, time, and environmentally effective than replacing full sections of sidewalk. The Water Sewer Streets Bureau has been conducting sidewalk shaving over the past seven years, steadily covering each maintenance zone within the county. By the end of this year, the sidewalk shaving contractor will have addressed approximately 80% of all sidewalk tripping hazards in the County.
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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