Studies
Route 1 Multimodal Improvements Study
A study for multimodal connectivity in the vicinity of Crystal City and Pentagon CityArea Maps
July 2020
Est Completion Date
Summer 2021
Phase
Study
Cost
$2 million (study only)
Lengths and Limits
12th Street South to
23rd Street South
Locality
Arlington
District
Northern Virginia
Contact
Email the Project Team
Dan Reinhard, P.E.
Project Manager
Note: A virtual public information meeting was held Dec. 16, view the PDF presentation.
About the Study
U.S. Route 1 (Richmond Highway) is a major north-south arterial and part of the National Highway System. Regionally, Route 1 is a primary arterial road connecting Washington, D.C., Arlington County, the City of Alexandria, and southern suburbs including Fairfax and Prince William counties. Route 1 carries more than 45,000 vehicles per day in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area.
In late 2018, with the announcement of an agreement to bring Amazon's new corporate headquarters to Crystal City, the Commonwealth of Virginia identified improvements to Route 1 as one of five transportation projects to be fully or partially funded by the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth’s commitment to Amazon is to improve safety, accessibility, and the pedestrian experience crossing Route 1.
The purpose of this study is to identify enhanced multimodal connectivity and accommodations along and across Route 1 in Crystal City, to meet the changing transportation needs of this growing urban activity center. The need for this study is two-fold:
- Multimodal transportation demand is increasing from the creation of an additional Amazon U.S. Headquarters (HQ2) and other ongoing development in the Crystal City and Pentagon City area
- These areas are already heavily developed with limited space for expanding the footprint of the transportation network
The study on Route 1, from approximately 12th Street to 23rd Street South, will explore an at-grade urban boulevard, but also review and compare potential improvements to the current elevated condition, and the elevated urban boulevard described in the Crystal City Sector Plan. Ultimately, the study aims to provide sufficient information to make the best decision on a future project on Route 1 in Crystal City.
At this time, no construction funding has been allocated, so this study will not set design or construction dates.
This study will be performed in close coordination with Arlington County staff and other local and regional stakeholders.
Project Goals
Safety: Improve multimodal safety for pedestrians, bicyclists, micro-mobility modes, transit and vehicles along and across Route 1
Multimodal accessibility and accommodation: Increase multimodal accessibility and accommodation along and across Route 1
Transit effectiveness: Make transit more accessible, reliable, and convenient
Vehicular operations: Maintain an appropriate level of vehicular operation and accommodation along Route 1 and on intersecting streets: 15th Street, 18th Street, 20th Street, and 23rd Street
Environmental: Preserve, protect, or enhance the built, natural, visual, and social environments
Community Engagement
The study team will engage community partners during the study process. Beginning this fall, the team will reach out to civic associations, Arlington County advisory groups, and the National Landing Business Improvement District (BID) to create a task force to receive community input. Five meetings are anticipated with the task force.
Three opportunities for the general public to provide feedback are also anticipated during the feasibility study. Sign up at the right to receive updates about opportunities, or visit this webpage to learn more and participate in the first survey expected in early fall 2020. Formats will be developed to reach, engage and accommodate as many members of the public as possible in light of the current pandemic.
Get Involved
Sign up at the right to be sure to receive updates about meetings and input opportunities.
Comments or questions? Send them to: route1multimodalstudy@vdot.virginia.gov or Dan Reinhard, P.E., Project Manager, VDOT's Northern Virginia District Office, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.
Resources
Virtual Public Information Meeting PDF Presentation,
Comment Sheet and Ad - Dec. 2020
Route 1 Task Force Second Meeting Summary and Presentation - Dec. 2020
Route 1 Task Force First Meeting Summary and Presentation - Sept. 2020
governor.virginia.gov/amazon
arlingtonva.us/amazon
Project Numbers
State: 0001-000-894, P101
UPC: 115882
