All-way stop control at intersections can be an important tool in transportation safety (see page 32) and in Arlington County. All-way stops are proven to:

• Reduce encroachment by drivers into crosswalks when implemented with stop bars i.e., markings that indicate where drivers should stop. 
• Reduce the amount of time people must wait to cross streets.  
• Make it easier for drivers that are turning to find a gap in traffic 
• The crash modifications clearinghouse cites that stop signs – when used appropriately can have a crash reduction factor of 22% on both minor approaches of an intersection (Haleem and Abdel-Aty, 2010). 

Examples of recently installed all-way stop control can be found throughout the county at the following four intersections:

• John Marshall Dr & Little Falls Rd
• N Ohio St & Little Falls Rd
• N Quincy St & 9^th St N
• N Carlin Springs Rd & N Vermont St/ N Park Dr

These locations qualified for all-way stop control based on the Federal Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices and Arlington County’s own warrants. They are intended to eliminate the need for turning vehicles to gauge a gap in traffic, which can lead to safety issues, as well as increase awareness of pedestrians and bicycles crossing the street, particularly near schools.  DES continuously evaluate intersections that might be suitable for an all-way stop.

It’s important to recognize that an all-way stop isn’t always the first or best solution for every location. Our engineers observe, review data, and understand the nuances and nature of the roadways before we recommend installation of an all way stop. View the County’s Multimodal Safety Engineering Toolbox to learn more about how we identify and assess locations for this and other types of safety improvement. 

The Washington Area Bike Association (WABA) hosted the 2023 Washington Region Vision Zero Summit primarily on Zoom on Wednesday, June 14^th. An in-person program event also took place at MLK Library in Washington, D.C.

The theme of this year’s summit was Community Engagement and Safe Streets. Sessions focused on how practitioners, decision makers, and advocates can authentically seek and incorporate community feedback and build lasting community buy-in for safer streets.

Arlington County Vision Zero Program Manager, Christine Baker co-led a session on Equity in Safe Streets and Community Response. Baker was joined by representatives from other local Vision Zero programs to discuss equity issues with regard to their Vision Zero framework. The session focused on how equity is considered when reviewing and responding to community-reported safety concerns.

The recently released Arlington County Equity Analysis Report has set an important framework for DES and other County departments and programs to incorporate equity into project prioritization. You can watch this session and the many other sessions from the Summit here.

In October 2022, the Vision Zero team conducted a High-Injury Network safety audit of S Glebe Rd from 24^th St to Route 1/Richmond Highway. We’ve thoroughly reviewed identified safety needs and are coordinating potential improvements with the Virginia Department of Transportation, who owns and maintains Glebe Rd. Documentation of the audit and next steps is now available here.

Vision Zero safety audits are conducted on Arlington’s High-Injury Network corridors. Our High-Injury Network (HIN) includes corridors in Arlington that have recently experienced concentrations of critical crashes. Click here to learn more about HIN safety audits.

This June, the County completed retrofits of 14 school zones, in the second of three phases to retrofit all school zones in the County to meet the County’s new school zone guidelines. County staff developed plans for these 14 schools (listed below) in close coordination with faculty members at each school. School zone features in Arlington include lower speed limits (either at arrival/dismissal times for beaconed areas or permanently 20mph in school slow zones), school crossing signs, high visibility crosswalks, and special pavement markings on roads within 600 feet of school access points. The first phase of retrofits included 13 school zones completed in 2022.

The 14 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
• Yorktown High

*Indicates a combined school slow zone

Please remember that even though school is out of session, the school slow zone areas are permanent 24-hour speed limits—enforceable at all time. Learn more about the Arlington County School Slow Zone initiative on the Vision Zero website.

APS is conducting a survey for students, staff, families, and community members to receive feedback on how the school division is communicating with stakeholders. The survey is available in multiple languages until Friday, June 23.

We are sharing the survey because much of the County’s Vision Zero work relates directly to the APS community, and we share transportation safety information through their channels, as well.

The results of the survey will be used to improve APS communication methods and to inform the development of a strategic communications plan, especially as new communications tools will be launched for the 2023-24 school year.