Planned changes to the easternmost leg of Langston Blvd include efforts to improve safety for bicyclists and reduce backups onto I-66.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has released a set of six conceptual sketches at Langston Blvd intersections between N. Lynn Street and N. Veitch Street. The agency is seeking more public feedback as part of an attempt to strengthen safety and operations along the busy road and the nearby Custis Trail.
“The goal of this project is to reconfigure the study corridor in ways that will improve access and safety for non-motorized traffic while ensuring that these improvements will not cause major impacts to vehicular operations,” a feedback form says.
Some of the most extensive proposed changes are at the N. Lynn Street intersection, which includes the on-ramp and off-ramp to I-66.
VDOT envisions reconfiguring turn lanes and extending “storage length” on the off-ramp to reduce cars backing up onto the interstate. The on-ramp, meanwhile, could get a protected intersection for bicyclists making left turns, along with a raised crosswalk to reduce vehicle speeds and curb modifications to reduce crossing distance.
Other possible alterations include a modified traffic signal for the crossing at the Custis Trail, allowing it to be phased separately from westbound vehicles making right turns, and enhanced warning signage to improve awareness of the trail crossing.
Other upgrades would focus on the Custis Trail itself.
VDOT proposes better pavement markings and “bike-friendly rumble strips,” a realignment to improve sight lines at N. Quinn Street and enhanced signage to improve awareness of the trail crossing at various intersections.
Further proposed changes include:
- N. Veitch Street: Eliminating eastbound and southbound dedicated right turn lanes, implementing a protected intersection design to separate bicyclists from vehicles, and installing green pavement markings to guide bicyclists through the intersection
- N. Uhle Street: Replacing “substandard” curb ramps with wheelchair-accessible ones
- N. Scott Street: Removing the northbound dedicated left turn lane, and installing bi-directional curbside bike lanes; installing green pavement markings and reducing crossing distances on the north side of the intersection
- N. Quinn Street: Adding raised crosswalks to reduce vehicle speeds, plus curb extensions to reduce crossing distances
- N. Oak Street: Adding curb extensions and enhanced signage
These aren’t the only changes in the works on Langston Blvd. On the other end of the county, VDOT is considering adding another turning lane from eastbound Langston Blvd onto westbound Washington Blvd adjacent to I-66. County staff believe this could help ease a major rush-hour traffic choke point in East Falls Church.
