Chris Militzer/Miliman 12 Photography
Virginia Dept. of Transportation officials are on the verge of recommending a speed limit reduction along Richmond Highway in Southeast Fairfax County.
Commuters have until Aug. 1 to comment on the speed limit along the nearly 8-mile stretch of road.
As the corridor becomes more urban with new business and residential developments, officials are looking at ways to make the eight-mile stretch of road safer for all users.
Based on a study of 6 years of traffic data and more recent average driver speeds, the Virginia Dept. of Transportation is set to recommend reducing the speed limit from Jeff Todd Way to the Capital Beltway (7.2 miles of Richmond Highway) to 35 MPH. The portion of the highway south of Jeff Todd Way would remain at 45 MPH.
The new speed limit would go into effect in early 2023.
VDOT started a study assessing the 45 MPH speed limit on the 7.9-mile stretch of Richmond Highway between Belvoir Road and the Capital Beltway interchange back in August 2021. Earlier this month, VDOT hosted a public information meeting and disclosed their safety recommendations. Residents and commuters now have until Aug. 1 to give their last comments.
A final report will be released this fall.
The study looked at seven points along the roadway and presented data on the top speed at which 50% of vehicles travel. In all but one point, most drivers were below the posted speed limit of 45 MPH.
To comment on the study, commuters can email meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov (and put “Richmond Highway (Route 1) Speed Limit Study in Fairfax County” in the subject line), or visit virginiadot.org/Route1SpeedLimitStudy.
