At the peak of rush hour, the 5.5 mile trip from Old Town Alexandria’s waterfront to Landmark Mall in Alexandria’s West End can take 45 minutes. Drivers can spend 20 minutes or more sitting in traffic to get onto I-495 from Telegraph Road. Traffic on West Taylor Run Parkway backs up past Dartmouth almost every weekday.
There’s no doubt traffic in Central Alexandria can be a nightmare for both residents and commuters.
Now, a task force dedicated to the issue is making a number of recommendations to ease congestion, including traffic calming measures, restrictions on certain turns and more. In addition, both members of and candidates for city council are mostly supportive of traffic restrictions for non-residents.
Earlier this month, Alexandria City Manager Mark Jinks released a memo to the City Council with recommendations from the Central Alexandria Traffic Study (read the full memo here). The memo had additional recommendations from the presidents of local civic associations aimed at improving safety and reducing the number of cars that use residential streets to avoid main traffic corridors like Duke Street.
“The long-term recommendations included initiating a complete street redesign of the Duke Street at West Taylor Run Parkway intersection,” according to a report summary.
The report notes that within the next year, the City staff would also like to implement these recommendations:
• Afternoon peak right tum restriction pilot from southbound East Taylor Run Parkway and Moncure Drive
• Reconfigure the East Taylor Run Parkway at South View Terrace intersection
• Add new and upgrade crosswalks throughout the four neighborhoods
• Design a midblock crossing on West Taylor Run Parkway to Angel Park
• Provide speed cushions on East Taylor Run, Yale Drive and North Jordon Street and upgraded cushions on West Taylor Run Parkway
• Begin to redesign the Duke Street at West Taylor Run Parkway intersection
In addition, the presidents of several Civic Associations made longer-term policy recommendations to the City Council. “The four civic associations in the Central Alexandria Traffic Study area unanimously agreed-when asked to choose between cut-through traffic, safety and congestion-that reduction of cut-through traffic is our top priority as it addresses both quality of life and safety concerns within our communities,” the letter with those recommendations stated.
The recommendations were:
1. Proactively engage regional leaders to provide cross-jurisdiction transportation choices.
2. Redesign the West Taylor Run Parkway at Duke Street Intersection, with the primary objectives of reducing cut-through traffic and improving safety.
3. Accelerate Corridor "B" design with the goal of reducing cut-through traffic on Central Alexandria neighborhood streets, improving safety, and providing more efficient mobility.
4. Prioritize Duke Street for Traffic Adaptive Signal Control implementation.
5. Promote and encourage greater use of transportation alternatives in Alexandria and in neighboring jurisdictions.
That letter with recommendations was signed by civic association Presidents Nancy R. Jennings (Seminary Hill Association, Inc.), Hendrick Booz (Taylor Run Citizens' Association), Lisa Porter (Clover-College Park Civic Association) and Sue Goodhart (Seminary Ridge Civic Association).
Questionnaire to City Council, Mayoral Candidates
Last week, those four civic associations released the responses from the mayoral candidates and city council candidates to a questionnaire about traffic in Central Alexandria.
According to the questionnaire introduction, “Over the last ten years cut through traffic and congestions along local, residential roads has negatively impacted the quality of life for many Alexandria residents.”
The questions that were given to City mayoral and council candidates are as follows.
Answers are presented first from Mayor Allison Silberberg, who is running for reelection, and Vice Mayor Justin Wilson, who is challenging her in the June 12 primary. Following Silberberg’s answers and Wilson’s answers, City Council candidates’ comments are listed in alphabetical order by last name and current council members are noted with a *). The comments have not been edited for content, spelling or grammar.
1. Will you develop and support a permit program similar to the one developed within the City of Falls Church that would only permit cars with Alexandria City decals to drive on our local, residential streets during rush hour?
Mayor Allison Silberberg:
Unsure. I have seen and been caught in the congestion in the neighborhoods near Duke Street, and I certainly share the deep frustration of residents in that area. After Ryan Brown was struck while riding his bicycle, I held a one-hour meeting with the City Manager and senior staff focused on Taylor Run and Duke Street as well as all the other streets in that area in order to focus on short and long-term solutions. From that meeting, the Director of T&ES, Yon Lambert, made some timing adjustments in concert with our Alexandria Police Department, and we have held subsequent conversations while awaiting the traffic study results.
The results of the Central Traffic Study showed that a large percentage of cars during rush hour are cut-through commuters. This collaborates the observations that residents have made in recent years. We all acknowledge this is a safety and quality of life issue for our residents. While this permit system could be an option that staff should explore, at this point in time, I do not believe we have sufficiently analyzed the trickle-down consequences of such a permit plan to begin putting it into place. We have to acknowledge that our streets are public thoroughfares and are part of a larger transportation grid. If we start closing off various streets in that grid, staff has stated that it would merely move the gridlock to other streets and can create massive choke points that will impede even our own residents from accessing our larger roads and moving throughout the city. In addition, the police have stated that they do not have the resources to enforce such prohibitions on the many streets that would want to become permit-only, so other drivers would soon learn that this was not an enforceable restriction and would ignore the prohibition. Enforcing who is allowed to make a left turn onto certain streets is difficult to manage and may involve legal, as well as logistical, issues. A blanket prohibition against left turns would prevent residents from accessing their own homes. There needs to be more professional input into the pros and cons of such a plan before we take steps to enact it. I will press city staff to take steps to better synchronize the traffic signals along Duke Street to help move the traffic.
Vice Mayor Justin Wilson*:
Unsure. I am happy to consider any efforts that will keep cut-through, commuter traffic off of residential streets. In order to adopt a permit program similar to what Falls Church has deployed, I would need to understand the City’s legal authority and requirements. I would also want to understand the ancillary impacts of such changes and ensure that they are managed comprehensively to avoid “half solutions.” I would urge that the City develop a clear criteria for which streets are eligible for participation.
Willie Bailey*:
Yes. I couldn’t agree more that parking and driving in our City is a daily challenge. I would support development of a similar program in our City.
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker:
Unsure. As a resident of Taylor Run, I know the aggravations of cut-through traffic and I agree that it is a serious problem across the City. My main concern is that this type of program does not restrict access to public streets for nearby residents and would not inhibit visitors or service providers from easily accessing residents’ homes. Assuming those concerns could be addressed and there is broad support in the neighborhood, then I would support the program and devoting City staff time to its development and implementation. Falls Church program: www.fallschurchva.gov/358/Drive-Through-Permit (Note, it asks if you would develop - wouldn’t that be a job for City Staff??)
John Chapman*:
Yes. I am definitely committed to looking into how we can bring permit programs like those used by our neighboring localities to improve the quality of life, safety and traffic to our residential neighborhoods
Kevin Dunne:
No. Alexandria has a fixed supply of road connections to move vehicles within and across the city, so a reduction in connections anywhere will mean corresponding increases in delay everywhere. I am concerned the system-wide readjustment that would occur in this circumstance could place undue pressure on road traffic, ultimately to the detriment of our economy. Where possible, Alexandria's streets should be for Alexandrians, but I think economic and local business concerns
Matt Feely:
Unsure. The Falls Church model could be useful in developing our own. Other jurisdictions, including New York City also offer ideas. My singular reservation in “ONLY permitting cars with permits to drive on local, residential streets during rush hour” is that in enforcing this restriction, we would be paternalistic and perhaps would cause legitimate and understandable grievance. Surely there is good reason in some cases for non-Alexandrians to use local, residential streets during rush hour. I have dear friends from out of town whom I would like to be able to visit me during the so-called rush hour – which, in reality, last for several hours each day depending upon location. My interpretation of the findings of the Central Alexandria Study would suggest that reducing the cut-through traffic problem would reduce the imposition on local, neighborhood streets – if only a little. I realize that our arterial streets are carrying most of the cut-through traffic. Yet even the relatively small amount on local streets causes a safety problem, so a small reduction in local streets’ traffic – the result of resolving the cut-through traffic problem – would make a big difference. Bottom line: Focus on eliminating or reducing significantly the cut-through traffic problem and reassess the need to adopt a restrictive model that might mimic Fall Church’s.
Dak Hardwick:
Unsure. I believe a resident-only permit program could be part of a larger solution needed to address cut through traffic in central Alexandria, but would want to know the effects of such a program on other Alexandria neighborhoods, including Old Town, Del Ray, and parts of the West End. Any resident-only permit program would need to be applied equally across Alexandria and given the diversity of planning within the city (both urban and suburban), we will need to be mindful of the impacts of a city-wide resident-only permit program on all Alexandria neighborhoods.
Chris Hubbard:
Yes. We will try to do a resident only access during rush hour. Bylaws rules may limit.
Amy Jackson:
Unsure. Ensuring that Alexandrians feel safe in their own city is a top priority of mine, and programs such as Falls Church’s Drive-through-permit program will certainly be considered. Any plan to ensure safety without overburdening our citizens or public safety professionals is one that will always receive consideration from me.
Robert Ray:
Yes.
Mo Seifeldein:
Yes. As a resident who lives on Seminary Rd., I share your concerns and I would support Alexandria City only decals vehicles to drive on our local, residential roads during rush hour. The residents’ request is reasonable and does not burden other Alexandria residents and does not deprive Virginia drivers from driving on the roads most of the time. This is a sensible approach as the safety of residents should be first. How else will the City follow Vision Zero if it doesn’t want to address real safety concerns.
Mark Shiffer:
Yes. In addition, if there are issues with such a plan in terms of legality, I will be transparent about what those issues are so that we can solve them together and actually get something implemented.
Paul Smedberg*:
Unsure. I am open to exploring this possibility but I want to know more about how it could be implemented on a larger scale than Falls Church and whether we have to get approval from Richmond.
2. With 42% of the traffic funneling through Central Alexandria originating and ending outside the City of Alexandria, and regional traffic growth expected to reach unsustainable proportions even during non-peak hours, will you make it a priority to develop city policies aimed at addressing cut through traffic and the impact of regional traffic on communities throughout the City of Alexandria?
Silberberg:
Yes. As we are all aware, Alexandria’s geographic location places it at a point where traffic from other jurisdictions crosses through our city to reach their ultimate destination. The ultimate solution to mitigating this problem is to work with leaders from other jurisdictions to increase the availability of frequent and reliable mass transit to encourage commuters to use other forms of transit to reach their work locations. That is a long-term goal of this entire region. In the interim, our city can do a better job of using technology to coordinate the flow of traffic along our arterial streets, such as Duke Street. We are starting this process with the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) which will better manage traffic signals and flow.
Wilson*:
Yes. I do believe we must implement policies to discourage cut through traffic and work to encourage regional traffic to remain on the highways.
Bailey*:
Yes. Absolutely, I pledge to make this a very important priority for me if reelected to City Council.
Bennett-Parker:
Yes. As my campaign has knocked on thousands of doors, I have heard loud and clear from my fellow Central Alexandria residents that cut-through traffic is a top concern. Ensuring safe streets is a fundamental responsibility of government, and addressing the safety and quality of life concerns raised by traffic in our region should be a top priority for the City.
Chapman*:
Yes. As a resident of one of the streets that is most affected by the traffic that is referenced, I am making this a priority to pull together my colleagues on council to develop city policies that will address cut through traffic and congrestion.
Dunne:
Yes. Alexandria needs to reinforce the benefit of traveling on arterial roads vis-a-vis residential roads. Something that I would do to achieve this is synchronizing existing traffic and transportation plans together better--creating a stronger marginal incentive for traffic along our main roads. Speed limits for example between the two road networks appear more similar now than before, and this could harm cumulative resident safety (i.e. an effect greater than what help it does on main roads).
Feely:
Yes. Finding a solution to this problem is enormously important – to quality of life and to our very safety. I also believe that solving the cut-through problem is central to our ability to achieve the goals of Vision Zero. There are a couple of matters that are clear to me. To solve the cut-through traffic problem, we need to: (1) take a regional approach; (2) incorporate technology into the solution; and (3) consider utilizing socio-economic tools. Briefly, in turn… A regional approach is necessary because travel patterns cross jurisdictional boundaries. Technology can help, in part, because technology has helped to create the problem. There are examples of jurisdictions working with Waze and other “traffic apps” to, for example, exclude certain Alexandria streets from being identified as alternate routes for cut-through cars. Socio-economic tools such as congestion pricing could effectively reduce traffic during rush hours, as financial incentives might steer non-Alexandrians away from Alexandria’s roads during busy hours. London, England and several large towns and cities in Sweden have also used such methods to solve what had seemed like intractable problems. Working on this problem would be a great passion and joy for me.
Hardwick:
Yes. After having walked East Taylor Run, West Taylor Run, and Clover College Park during rush hour with residents, I have a much greater appreciation of the challenge in front of us and will make it a priority. Quality of life for residents in central Alexandria is being negatively impacted by this cut through traffic and we need comprehensive, short-term and long-term solutions. I’m committed to finding those solutions in conjunction with the residents in these neighborhoods and throughout central Alexandria.
Hubbard:
Yes.
Jackson:
Yes. Addressing the traffic concerns of our city is critical to its safe and sustained development. A safe and lively city is one where new families and businesses can thrive, but this can easily be threatened by overburdened road systems. However, to address this growing problem, we must start now.
Ray:
Yes.
Seifeldein:
Yes. Council’s job is to prioritize the needs of Alexandria that is why there are departments with staffs. As long as Council is willing to dictate, our City agencies are staffed with competent experts who are able to carry out the job. The Council needs strong leadership and the willingness to tackle multiple issues at the same time.
Shiffer:
Yes. I will support the use of *all* the tools at our disposal to mitigate this including: signal timing designed to restrict flow into the city, working with regional groups to push for better highway and mass transit infrastructure, I will push for regional telecommuting and flexible hours, etc.
Smedberg*:
Yes. This must be done in a comprehensive way in order to prevent unintended consequences. The Central Alexandria was an important project and gave us data and a potential framework to move forward.
3. The City budget currently allocates approximately 1.5 million in the FY 2019 budget to support the City’s traffic safety program, but this is insufficient to address safety issues on local neighborhood streets, in addition to addressing safety issues on arterial streets. Will you commit to immediately expanding resources to address the cut-through traffic safety threats actively facing our City residents?
Silberberg:
No. I will work with our professional staff to determine the funding priorities for traffic safety. I supported the reduction in the speed limit on Seminary and Quaker, and have pushed for greater traffic enforcement along our roads across the city. Our Vision Zero Plan is directing more resources to our traffic safety efforts throughout the city, especially in locations that have experienced a high rate of accidents. We are only the third jurisdiction in the region to adopt such a plan.
Wilson*:
Yes. Increasing infrastructure investment has been a central focus of my tenure on the City Council, including investments in safety improvements on our roads and sidewalks. I have successfully built coalitions (FY 2018 budget additions included Complete Streets) on the City Council to expand these investments in the past and will work to do so in the future.
Bailey*:
Yes. I completely agree that more needs to be done and I pledge to continue working on this if reelected to City Council. As a public safety professional, pedestrian safety is paramount and always at the top of mind when making crucial decisions involving traffic safety and our residents.
Bennett-Parker:
Yes. Again, one of the top priorities for any community should be public safety and ensuring that our streets are safe for everyone. There are obviously many demands on the City budget, but I will support finding ways to expand the resources devoted to ensuring our residential streets are safe. I also want to make sure that the City is employing best practices to address traffic safety.
Chapman*:
Yes, I plan to work with the Central Alexandria communities and city staff to add money to the city budget to deal with cut through traffic and work to improve traffic safety in their neighborhoods.
Dunne:
No. I don't want taxpayers who are affected by these issues to double pay, first for remedial, temporary solutions, and then again for more permanent ones. Instead, we need to fast-track a comprehensive plan for funding what is necessary to ease safety concerns long-term. By having a strategic plan elevated to high priority, we can be more efficient in achieving more valuable goals.
Feely:
Unsure. I have made it clear in public that my absolute top two priorities for this city are safety and education. I cannot commit to increasing financial allocations to traffic safety, however, until I have intimate understanding of where and why and to what degree the current allocation is insufficient. Certainly, I believe that we need to compensate our public safety officials (first responders, etc.) sufficiently. Other matters that would enhance safety – to include those that I suggest would reduce cut-through traffic are unlikely to be highly burdensome financially.
Hardwick:
Yes. As a former chair of the city’s Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee, I’m ready to start immediately if I’m fortunate enough to be elected in June (and November) to make immediate adjustments to address cut through traffic safety threats.
Hubbard:
Yes.
Jackson:
Unsure. While I agree that greater resources ought to be dedicated to addressing these safety concerns, acting too quickly without a vision of where the plan will lead in coming years will not solve our city’s problems efficiently or effectively. We would need an action plan that numerous different organizations and governments to create a solution that solves all of our problems together before the City invests more money in this issue. I will look into it.
Ray:
Yes.
Seifeldein:
Yes. I always maintained that education, safety, and health are the top priority on my agenda. We can’t put a price on safety for our residents. If residents don’t feel safe in their City, what the points of having anything else. I’m committed to providing a safe environment for our residents.
Shiffer: Unsure. The unfortunate situation in Alexandria today is that due to a continuous lack of accountability, leadership, and planning for the future this is not the only underfunded issue currently at crisis levels. I do pledge to look at the budget carefully to spend money more efficiently and to promote programs that increase revenue, while looking for and having implemented low cost, efficient measures we can take to fix cut-through *now*, such as turn restrictions with resident exemptions.
Smedberg*:
Yes. Again, any new initiative must be done in a comprehensive, coordinated program. We must also take advantage of opportunities as other programs such as ‘Vision Zero’ are implemented. I also think there are grant opportunities we should seek.
4. Do you agree that building more roads invites more traffic and hence is not a solution to Alexandria’s cut-through traffic concerns?
Silberberg:
Yes. Given Alexandria’s limited land area, building more roads is not really a viable option within our city limits. I do think it is important to remember that while cut-through traffic is certainly a concern to all in our city, including the central Alexandria area, our own residents account for a majority of the traffic, and we must address our own driving habits as well.
Wilson*:
Yes. I do believe that additional road capacity simply induces demand and will not address the underlying causes of cut-through congestion.
Bailey*:
Yes. I’ve been saying this for many years; the construction of more roads are not the solution. We have to start thinking out of the box when it comes to issues like these. There are other methods of traffic control that other jurisdictions are employing and we must examine those methods to see what works for our City – and this primarily includes engaging with the community on solutions that they think might work best for their respective neighborhoods.
Bennett-Parker:
Yes. I am an advocate for expanding public transportation, biking and walking options, as well as for applying smart growth principles to all development in the City. I have a variety of reasons for supporting these policies, but among them is that I do not believe that building more roads to accommodate more cars is a sustainable model for our community or our region.
Chapman*:
Yes. A number of studies show that by building additional streets will be used and in time fill up with new cars, thereby adding to the congestion problem, not solving them. I believe a focus on ensuring our current roads can handle the capacity we need.
Dunne:
Unsure. When we build roads, Alexandria subsidizes outside traffic flow. To some extent, this greater ease of travel facilitates patron visits to the city. But after reaching a certain point, and especially during rush hour, the benefits of marginally improved capacity leave Alexandria. I want Alexandria to calibrate and commit to providing the road capacity we need for economic growth, without spending on any excess in construction in which we subsidize non-Alexandrian uses of our roads.
Feely:
Yes. I do – generally – believe that the “if you build it, they will come” prediction often is realized. The result is often a loss of quality of life – rarely increased satisfaction.
Hardwick: The issue is not more or less roads, but the lack of connections to key arterial roads in Alexandria that allows for the disbursement of traffic into neighborhoods. The lack of purposeful and dedicated connections in Alexandria has allowed new technologies like Waze and Google Maps to take advantage of previously quiet residential streets and has turned them into the de facto connections to arterial roads, a purpose for which they were never intended. If elected, I will ask the community to consider a full range of traffic mitigation measures, including additional connections to arterial roads in order to move traffic out of our neighborhoods.
Hubbard:
Yes. You don’t lose weight with loostening the belt — more roads.
Jackson:
Unsure. Alexandria is also lacking the space to easily and efficiently build more roads, but we need to do what is best for Alexandria. If we need to look at overpasses where clusters of traffic are gathering, then we should have city engineers look into what can be done to alleviate traffic and look into cost projections. I understand the concerns. Safety is top priority. We need to look at creative ways to minimize the traffic issue.
Ray:
Unsure. I agree in principal but some expansion or improvements can make certain situations safer.
Seifeldein:
I’m not sure that Alexandria has land for more roads. I’m a believer in science and data. If the data back this premise, then Yes. We have to be innovative in solving problems like this. In today’s world, data is the best approach to convince the Counsel of our goal.
Shiffer:
Both Yes and No. While building more roads can increase the number of cars on the road, it does not necessarily cause more traffic. Traffic happens when cars can’t flow on existing roads. This can be caused by higher capacity roadways meeting lower capacity roadways, what I call impedance mismatch. In addition, roads can built to allow cars to bypass the city, rather than drive through it, putting traffic “where it belongs”. All this said, I’m not advocating for more roads. I believe it is a complicated problem and if building a road somewhere will reduce the problems in the city, I will consider it.
Smedberg*:
Not necessarily — focuses on intersection and exchanges. It is unlikely we will ever build new roads, but I do not want to close the door to intersection and exchange improvements. I believe some intersections and exchanges with some of our traffic issues. For example, Duke, Telegraph and Taylor Run.
5. Do you believe the City should work with regional partners and government officials in Maryland and Fairfax County to increase the availability and use of transportation alternatives by their residents as a means to mitigate both congestions and cut through traffic within the City of Alexandria?
Silberberg:
Yes. As I stated in my answer to Question #2, we certainly must continue to work with our neighboring jurisdictions to find reliable alternatives that will allow commuters to give up single occupancy driving in favor of other methods of transit.
Wilson*:
Yes. I do believe the City has numerous opportunities through regional partnerships to increase transit connectivity to reduce congestion in our City. The ongoing regional planning effort along Route 7 (King Street) provide an opportunity for new transit deployment. The planned Transit Corridors B and C, as well as the completed Transit Corridor A all provide opportunities for regional transit connectivity. The Wilson Bridge was built to accommodate transit connectivity, and the City continues to have an opportunity to connect Corridor A through Old Town into Fairfax County. Additionally, I continue to believe that the Potomac River has untapped capacity for commuter traffic.
Bailey*:
Yes. I agree.
Bennett-Parker:
Yes. Alexandria works with regional partners on a number of transportation issues, and cut-through traffic and congestion should certainly be part of that regional conversation. As the population in the DC area continues to grow, this is an issue that affects many jurisdictions, and is a reason to work together to find solutions.
Chapman*:
Yes, this needs to be a main focus in our strategy to affect congestion in our residential areas. I believe a regional effort to combat congestion is overdue.
Dunne:
Yes. Close collaboration with our neighbors could give us greater influence in transforming the broader flow of traffic in Northern Virginia. Any effort short of cooperation with the outside on the issue of traffic is short-sighted.
Feely:
Yes. In my comments above, I mention the absolute need to approach the traffic problem as a regional matter. We must not forget other jurisdictions… Arlington County, etc.
Hardwick:
Yes. There is no question that we must work with our regional partners to find a regional solution. Cut through traffic is not unique to Alexandria, but we acutely feel the negative effects of the traffic given Alexandria’s geographic location within the greater Washington, DC area.
Hubbard:
Yes.
Jackson:
Yes. The best way to reduce the number of cars on our roads is to have all in our region working together to produce multi-modal initiatives that will alleviate the traffic in all of our region. Encouraging citizens of our City and those around ours to adopt practices that reduce the number of cars on the road would make a significant impact in becoming a safer City concerning our traffic.
Ray:
Yes.
Seifeldein:
Yes. As more people move to the DMV area, traffic will increase. The best thing local government can do is to invest in more alternative transportation methods. I strongly encourage collaboration with our neighbors in addressing common concerns.
Shiffer:
Hell yes! As I stated in a previous answer, I would make sure we work with regional partners as this is a regional problem at its core that needs buy-in (and money) from as many corners as possible. Transportation alternatives and telework and flexible hours can all be part of the solution.
Smedberg*:
Yes, this is important. This is a necessity. A regional approach to multi-transit options is vital for the Nova and Metro DC region. I serve on the WMATA board, chair the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission and VRE board. I represent the City on these boards and commissions and promote and advocate for funding and partnerships to support Alexandria’s programs and projects.
6. The National Capital Region’s Transportation Planning Board Long-Range Plan Task Force Projects that population and job growth estimates will result in 74% increase in drivers commute times. Do you support expanding the areas required for traffic studies in development plans to address the regional impacts on traffic created by new housing and business expansion?
Silberberg:
Yes, I do support expanding the areas required for traffic studies in development plans. Clearly, developments have a far-ranging and cumulative traffic impact beyond the streets that immediately border a site.
Wilson*:
Yes. I am happy to explore whether changes to our traffic studies are required to better capture the regional impacts of forecasted traffic.
Bailey*:
Yes. I highly support this idea to be certain we account for the wide array of factors that could potentially impact traffic right here in Alexandria. It only makes commonsense to do so.
Bennett-Parker: Yes. Anyone who has lived in this region for any length of time can tell you how commutes have become increasingly difficult in many communities. We know that long commute times behind the wheel can have negative health consequences, and can also make it difficult to keep up with life outside of work, especially for people trying to balance work and family commitments. I support whatever means the City has available to address traffic concerns, including expanding the areas required for traffic studies in development plans.
Chapman*:
Yes, this is essential, so that stakeholders and residents fully understand the impacts that new development can have on traffic and congestion.
Dunne:
Yes. In principle, if such plans do not provide a large marginal disincentive for development, then yes, I support this. Historic development patterns in Alexandria have already proven a cage of sorts to what land use options we can support. With massive growth forecasted, we would be wrong to not consider the implications of our development across all facets.
Feely:
Yes. I am convinced that optimal solutions are those that include all regional stakeholders. Thus, I support expanding the geographic areas included in regional traffic studies.
Hardwick:
Yes. As Alexandria continues to grow and redevelop, having a full understanding and appreciation of the traffic impact on housing and business expansion is an important aspect to growing smartly.
Hubbard:
Yes.
Jackson:
Yes.
Ray:
Yes, using the most modern software.
Seifeldein:
Yes, the more information we have the better we are equipped to make long term plans for addressing issues. This is one of the issues I addressed in my pledge not to take money from developers. If the City is going to develop, it must take into account concerns that come with it.
Shiffer:
Yes. We should be looking at immediate (a few block radius), local (city wide) and regional (commuter) impacts of all new development. This is information that can help us work with regional partners to push for regional solutions to some of the issues we are facing. We should be developing regional guidelines in partnership with our neighbors on development and transportation.
Smedberg*:
Yes. I think this should be explored, but only in a coordinated approach. I am mindful of the fact practically all of the new development takes place within a ¼ mile of Metro stations.
Additional Comments (Optional)
Bailey*:
Thank you for your time and commitment to these important issues. As I stated earlier, I have been a public safety professional for over 26 years and I am committed to keeping our residents safe and concerns with traffic are no different. I also realize that we have assisted other neighborhoods with handling cut-through traffic i.e. putting up signage barring vehicles from entering that street during certain hours of the day.
Dunne:
I appreciate the tradeoffs to roadway use. It is so important for city council to not stint on initiatives that can save lives, and, at the same time, Alexandria must remain committed to its business community to power our local economy. I want you to consider me as the candidate who can strike a middle ground on these tensions. We must compensate limited spatial and financial resources with better strategy, to the extent good strategy can substitute for excess cost. When such a trade-off cannot occur, we must protect our safety—it is certainly worth any marginal delay.
Feely:
I wish to note two matters. First, I believe Alexandria’s Vision Zero is a worthwhile. The analysis that underscores it is, I think, correct. To maximize our enhancements to safety, we need to address problems articulated in Vision Zero: distracted drivers, speeding, and running red lights and stop signs – with speed as the single greatest risk factor for death or injury. To address, we must (in addition to addressing cut-through traffic) educate automobile drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians to improve their safety awareness; and increasing enforcement activity. Second, there is a tension in Alexandria between bicyclists and automobile drivers. While I believe that bicycling deserves to be considered a mode of transportation, not merely a form of recreation, we must be very careful – and comprehensive – in our method of accommodating bicycles.
Hardwick:
Having seen the impacts on cut through traffic firsthand in central Alexandria, I believe we have reached a tipping point and immediate action is necessary. If elected, I’m committed to find near- and long-term solutions to alleviate the burden on our residents and corresponding neighborhoods.
Hubbard:
Pedestrian safety is #1 priority. Therefore, traffic mitigation is needed on all scales, regional & local.
Jackson:
Thank you for allowing me to address your concerns. I look forward to working with your task force in finding solutions to these problems.
Ray:
I am with you.
Shiffer:
I just want to reiterate that we are where we are because of years of neglect, lack of accountability, lack of planning for the future, and a clear lack of leadership. There is a group of council members who seem to believe we can develop our way out of these problems ignoring the new problems those developments create. In order to fix our traffic problems and the other issues this city faces, we need a city council that will meet problems head on, be open and transparent, innovative, and lead the community in improving our quality of life. I believe that as a candidate, this is what I have to offer.
Smedberg*:
I am keenly aware of the traffic and safety issues facing Central Alexandria and other neighborhoods in the City. I understand it will take multiple initiatives to address these issues. My work on the Metro and VRE boards and the NoVa Transportation Commission will help promote and secure partnerships to find solutions.
