Biking or walking along Wiehle Avenue in Reston can be a hazardous journey. However, plans are underway to make this area more pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly, promising a safer and more enjoyable experience for non-motorists.
The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) hosted a public meeting on May 23, 2024, unveiling three innovative concepts based on feedback from last November’s workshop. These concepts propose significant changes, such as lane reductions, wider sidewalks, landscaped buffers, dedicated bicycle facilities, and roundabouts.
FCDOT’s multimodal corridor study focuses on Wiehle Avenue, stretching from Sunrise Valley Drive to the Washington and Old Dominion Trail. The study aims to transform this auto-dominated suburban road into a multimodal urban street adjacent to the Metro Silver Line Station. The goal is to introduce new and improved bicycle/pedestrian facilities and innovative intersection treatments, alongside evaluating potential reconfigurations of vehicular lanes to accommodate current and future land use. The proposed alternatives are:
Alternative 1
- Reduce turning lanes to create space for multimodal facilities
- Remove slip lanes at Sunrise Valley Drive
- Lower speed limit to enhance pedestrian and cyclist safety
Alternative 2
- Reduce through lanes to two in each direction
- Maintain existing 35 MPH speed limit
- Construct a two-way cycle track on the west side
Alternative 3
- Reduce through lanes to two in each direction
- Maintain existing 35 MPH speed limit
- Install one-way protected bike lanes on either side
- Construct roundabouts at Sunset Hills Road and Sunrise Valley Drive
While both Alternatives 2 and 3 promise substantial improvements over current conditions, the protected bike lanes and roundabouts in Alternative 3 are favored by FABB. Meeting attendees, however, leaned towards Alternative 2’s cycle track option. Regardless of the preference, the consensus is clear: Wiehle Avenue needs to be safer for everyone.
The concepts will be refined into a final recommendation based on the May meeting feedback and other comments still being accepted by the study team. Your input is crucial in shaping the future of Wiehle Avenue. Share your views through this FCDOT survey, which is open until July 1, 2024.
Local residents and riders, don’t miss your chance to influence this important project! Take the survey today and help create a safer, more accessible Wiehle Avenue for all!
