tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post2973219950448321680..comments2023-09-16T04:58:07.261-04:00Comments on the Annandale Blog: Urban design experts recommend short-term fixes for AnnandaleAnnandale Bloghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07543558586252790593noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-91737500764849506072016-08-10T18:52:06.696-04:002016-08-10T18:52:06.696-04:00Yep getting rid of on street parking is a great id...Yep getting rid of on street parking is a great idea!Coleenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16714214735721993804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-5999307560776284612016-08-09T16:48:27.852-04:002016-08-09T16:48:27.852-04:00For what it's worth, I do tend to agree with A...For what it's worth, I do tend to agree with Anon 8:24 that on-street parking is not needed on this stretch. Instead, the proposed change would create the possibility of dedicated bike lanes to connect with others being identified in the area.Andrewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-39095509133569734052016-08-09T16:45:35.807-04:002016-08-09T16:45:35.807-04:00There's lots of traffic in Northern Virginia, ...There's lots of traffic in Northern Virginia, but not everywhere equally. In 20 years of Annandale residency, I can't ever remember a traffic jam on the stretch of Columbia Pike between John Marr and Backlick Road. Is there a time of day that there is a consistent backup there, which I just haven't run across yet? <br /><br />What I'm hearing proposed here is pretty similar to what's been done in Arlington on Wilson Blvd. between Geo. Mason Dr. and the Fairfax county line. A lightly traveled 4 lane became a reasonably traveled 2 lane w/ center turn lane. As a result, it's calmed traffic speeds (because there's no room to pass if someone wants to go 20 mph over the limit), it's become pedestrian friendly--it can be crossed without terror or a dead sprint--and if you just cant stand the 30 mph speed limit, choose the alternative of Rt. 50.<br /><br />Yes, Columbia Pike does back up between LRT and Backlick, but that's due to the terrible design of the Columbia Pike/ LRT/ Ravensworth/ Annandale Rd. intersection, and the resulting long light cycle. Even there, I find the backlog largely clears on each cycle.<br /><br />Indeed, I think the worst spot in downtown Annandale is on Backlick Road trying to cross LRT in either direction. The proposed change might help encourage more people to take John Marr (the "Annandale bypass") between Columbia Pike and Backlick or Ravensworth. For years, we've had a commute that required going between Backlick and Columbia Pike, and even if the distance is a little greater, using John Marr is quicker than waiting through multiple cycles at Backlick and LRT.<br /><br />All that's just my gut feeling, though. A change like this will require traffic counts and other data, and I wouldn't make a final decision to support or oppose until those numbers are in. There is a science to determining capacity, and we should expect that VDOT can give us a pretty good, data-supported analysis to justify the final recommendation.Andrewnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6246743662284890173.post-16971942247305502532016-08-08T20:24:54.445-04:002016-08-08T20:24:54.445-04:00Cutting the lanes from 4 to 2 will just make Gallo...Cutting the lanes from 4 to 2 will just make Gallows Road incredibly busy instead. The speed limit is already 25 there. How slow do they want cars to go? Please no on street parking there as that will really mess traffic up. One of the problems with Annandale "downtown" is that it is so incredibly ugly. Either move out the car loan places or make them paint them like normal businesses instead of their garish look. Some plants instead of a parking lot that holds 20 cars and needs spaces for 4 would be nice. Much could be done to beautify Annandale. Cutting car lanes is the typical "planner's" reaction to everything. They could easily improve sidewalks and actually put in grass or small trees next to them. I do like the ACCA idea. Spend some money on landscaping rather than an ambassador. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com