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The George Washington Memorial Parkway near Belle Haven.
Residents say one of the most confusing and dangerous intersections in the Belle Haven area are the intersections of George Washington Parkway and Belle View Road and, further south, at Belle Haven Boulevard.
Now, U.S. Rep. Don Beyers office is looking at the two intersections and trying to help figure out how to reduce speeding, left-turn accidents and other issues. Speed cameras, roundabouts and other road changes are under consideration.
"Since the study, and as a result of additional community feedback, changes were made at the Belle Haven and Belle View intersections. The intersections now have dedicated northbound merge lanes to improve safety. However, it is clear more needs to be done to reduce speeding and eliminate confusion and accidents at the intersections," Beyer wrote in a letter to constituents.
(Residents can call District Chief of Staff Noah Simon at 703-658-5403 or email noah.simon@mail.house.gov.)
Beyer said in his letter that he plans, to "introduce legislation in January to authorize the use of speed cameras on the GW Parkway, and to return funds generated to the Parkway." Speed cameras were deemed too expensive for the National Park Service because the revenue was not designated to go back to the NPS.
In addition, state legislators Sen. Scott Surovell and Delegate Paul Krizek will be seeking ways to allow Fairfax County and State Police to conduct traffic enforcement along that stretch of road.
"I will also request federal funds this coming year for continued safety improvements at the Belle Haven and Belle View intersections, including the implementation of solutions to slow traffic and construct permanent barriers like curbs and replacing current intersection pylons and road painting," Beyer wrote. "Additionally, the funds will provide for clearer signage and a possible decrease to a single southbound land approaching the intersection from Old Town Alexandria."
