Updated Monday, Oct. 3
The Duke Street corridor project is moving forward and the city is seeking feedback from residents on which plan to implement, including how each plan would affect businesses, residential access and the ease of commuting in Alexandria.
"Community input in October will contribute to deciding which elements to advance into further design, analysis, and additional public input as we work to develop a final design recommendation for Duke Street In Motion," according to official information on the project.
"Bus transit will be the primary component of the final concept. Bicycle, pedestrian, and vehicular improvements will be included, where possible, and will follow other City priorities like Vision Zero and the Complete Streets Design Guidelines," city officials wrote on the Duke Street In Motion website.
On Saturday, Oct. 1, city officials released this YouTube video providing an overview of the project:
At the most recent advisory group meetings, presentation documents indicated that the city is considering Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) for Duke Street, which would likely give buses priority in lane use and traffic signaling. Initial concept designs might include giving buses dedicated lanes either in the middle of the street or along the outer edges.
City officials collected input from residents in 2021 that led to the development of Vision and Guiding Principles adopted by the Duke Street in Motion Advisory Group. Those principles include:
- Convenient: Make bus travel more predictable, frequent, and comfortable.
- Efficient: Improve mobility for all Duke Street travelers.
- Equitable: Use enhanced bus transit to support equitable access for a diversity of people and places.
- Safe: Ensure safety and accessibility for all corridor users, including those connecting to and riding inside the bus.
- Vibrant: Support and enhance thriving and future corridor destinations that improve resident quality of life and boost the local economy.
- Sustainable: Contribute positively to the environment, now and in the future.
Duke Street from the West End east to the King Street Metro station has been divided into three segments for the purposes of the study and plan. Segment 1 is from the former Landmark Mall to Jordan Street; segment 2A is from Jordan to Roth streets; segment 2B is Wheeler to Roth streets; segment 3 is from Roth Street to the King Street Metro Station area.
Webinars and Engagement Opportunities
Residents are encouraged to watch the video above, visit the Duke Street project page here and provide feedback here.
There are multiple dates available for community engagement meetings on this project, at which residents can learn more and also provide feedback:
- Wednesday, Oct. 12, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bishop Ireton Auditorium
- Monday, Oct. 17, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bishop Ireton Auditorium
- Thursday, Oct. 20, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Patrick Henry Rec Center
- · Wednesday, Oct. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Patrick Henry Rec Center
In addition, city officials have set up multiple pop-up events where there will be information available:
- Oct. 1, noon-5 p.m. at Beatley Library (5005 Duke St.)
- Oct. 7, 2-7 p.m. at Foxchase Apartments (766 N Howard St.)
- Oct. 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Dukes Laundromat (80 N Gordon St.)
- Oct. 9, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Brenman Park (4800 Brenman Park Dr.)
- Oct. 14, 2 p.m.-7 p.m. at The Mark Apartments (100 S Reynolds St.)
- Oct. 15, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Speedy Laundromat (235 S Van Dorn St.)
- Oct. 16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Angel Park (201 W Taylor Run Pkwy.)
- Oct. 16, 3-7 p.m. at Witter Field (2660 Witter Dr.)
