Gallows Road, a critical corridor connecting Tysons, Merrifield, Inova Hospital, and Annandale, has immense potential as a vibrant, accessible route for biking, walking, and public transit. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is holding a series of public meetings in November to gather community input on a comprehensive multimodal study focused on enhancing Gallows Road for all transportation modes.
In September 2019, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors commissioned a study of Gallows Road and its connections, particularly considering barriers created by I-495. In meetings and surveys over the past five years, FABB has recommended numerous safety treatments for Gallows Road, including separated bicycle lanes. In the past year, FCDOT has developed multiple design alternatives to improve mobility for cyclists, pedestrians, drivers, and transit users. Now, FCDOT is seeking public feedback on these alternatives and how they might influence the number and design of I-495 crossings.
Historically, transportation planning has prioritized road expansion to increase traffic capacity. However, this study marks a significant shift toward promoting active transportation modes, environmental protection, and alignment with the County’s Strategic Plan. This why FABB is Speaking Up! at the meetings and we need local riders to add their voices.
FCDOT’s proposed alternative strategies vary in focus:
- Alternative 1: Primarily reduces lane widths and manages speeds, favoring vehicular improvements.
- Alternative 2: Focuses on transit with a designated bus lane, transit signal priority, bus boarding islands, and enhanced bus stops.
- Alternative 3: Emphasizes active transportation, with wider sidewalks, high-visibility crosswalks, and pedestrian refuge islands. A variation, Option 3B, would incorporate an off-street cycle track where possible.
While these improvements could increase travel times for vehicles, they offer safer, more sustainable alternatives to simply adding more lanes. FABB supports Alternative 3 as the most forward-looking approach that offers multiple long-term returns on the investment in active transportation that benefits everyone, including drivers.
Three meetings will address different segments of Gallows Road:
- Middle Segment (I-66 to I-495): Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 7:00 pm at Fairhill Elementary School Cafeteria, 3001 Chichester Lane, Fairfax.
- North Segment (Tysons to I-66): Thursday, November 14, 2024, at 7:00 pm at Kilmer Middle School Cafeteria, 8100 Wolf Trap Road, Vienna.
- South Segment (I-495 to Annandale): Thursday, November 21, 2024, at 7:00 pm at Woodburn Elementary School Cafeteria, 3401 Hemlock Drive, Falls Church.
FCDOT will also host a virtual Q&A session on December 5 at 12:00 p.m. for those who cannot attend in person.
- Join via Microsoft Teams.
- Join via the Web: Meeting ID 237 304 130 473; Passcode: Snuhrn
- Dial-in Information: 571-429-5982; Phone Conference ID: 520 283 316#
Each segment has unique challenges and opportunities, and FCDOT is looking for feedback to help shape these solutions. Whether you’re a daily commuter, cyclist, or pedestrian, this is your chance to advocate for a safer, more accessible Gallows Road.
Join FABB in supporting a more bike-friendly, walkable, and transit-oriented future. Plan to attend one of the meetings, bring a friend, and make your voice heard. Let’s work together to make Gallows Road a model for multimodal transportation in Fairfax County.
Interested in doing more to help FABB advocate for better bicycling infrastructure? Contact us at [email protected].
