Photo courtesy of the National Park Service
The George Washington Memorial Parkway is a national treasure enjoyed by pedestrians, cyclists and motorists — many of whom are speeding along the scenic route to avoid traffic on Route 1.
This week, the National Park Service (NPS) released a 300-page assessment of traffic and safety along the 6.3 mile stretch of the George Washington Memorial Parkway between Old Town and Mount Vernon. Chief among the recommendations in the report: Reduce traffic lanes from four to three and add a turning lane.
This section of the parkway serves more than 25,000 vehicles daily. The purpose of the traffic and pedestrian safety assessment, according to the report is, “to investigate traffic and operational issues and develop context-sensitive solution to make improvement while maintaining the Parkway’s scenic and historic character.”
The report was based on a large amount of traffic data and incorporated feedback from the public, stakeholders and elected officials that was collected in 2019.
“We are being responsive to comments from the public and the expert advice of transportation professionals,” Superintendent of George Washington Memorial Highway Charles Cuvelier said in a press release. “Whether you are a park visitor or commuter, these changes will make driving, walking and bicycling between Alexandria and Mount Vernon safer and more enjoyable for everyone.”
The study focused on nine intersections along the parkway (see map below).
- Belle Haven Road
- Belle View Boulevard
- Tulane Drive
- Morningside Lane
- Wellington Road
- Collingwood Road
- Waynewood Boulevard
- Vernon View Drive
- Stratford Lane
Image courtesy of the National Park Service
The report proposes a variety of short term and long term solutions. Initial improvements, which could begin later this year, include the following:
- Restripe the road to implement a road diet while maintaining driving capacity.
- On the parkway between Tulane Drive and Stratford Lane, the NPS will change markings so that there will be three travel lanes (2 northbound, 1 southbound) and one turn lane.
- Increase visibility of lane markings and Mount Vernon Trail crosswalks.
- Remove vegetation at intersections to improve visibility.
Other efforts and projects could include more public education, increased policing and enforcement of speed limits and distracted driving. Officials are also considering the addition of rumble strips, improvements to traffic patterns (like pedestrian and bicycle refuge islands, roundabouts and U-turn and left-turn lanes) and additional lighting, striping and signs.
A complete copy of the report and more information can be found here.
