Additional signs, markings and flex posts will be coming to six Arlington Blvd intersections beginning next week, seeking to promote safety at crossings without traffic signals.
Building on the success of similar installations at N. and S. Highland Street, the project will add left-turn and through restrictions at all unsignalized intersections on Arlington Blvd between Fillmore Street and Glebe Road, along with a left-turn restriction at N. and S. Irving Street.
The Irving Street intersection has been identified as especially hazardous based on crash data, since the lack of dedicated left-turn lanes often leads drivers to swerve around those turning left to avoid an extensive wait.
The crossing at Columbus Street, located further west on the corridor, will also receive new flex posts meant to stop drivers from attempting dangerous maneuvers.
“Since the pilot launched in spring 2025, there have been significant crash reductions, decreases in vehicle speeds, and community support for this interim safety treatment,” the Department of Environmental Services said in a letter to community members.
At Highland Street last spring, the county added right-turn-only signs and restrictions that prevent vehicles in both directions from either turning left or driving through the intersection. While the intersection previously averaged around eight reported crashes per year, as of last month, only one crash had been reported at the intersection since the changes were installed.
During that period, the 85th percentile speed in the studied area also dropped from 48 mph to 42 in the westbound direction, and from 47 mph to 43 mph going eastbound. This part of Arlington Blvd has a 45 mph posted speed limit.
The new safety installations are meant to be temporary, only remaining until the Virginia Department of Transportation installs more extensive safety improvements on Arlington Blvd in 2030.
Installation work is only expected to take two days per intersection, but it may lead to lane closures. After the installation, electronic messaging signs will be up for about two weeks, notifying drivers about the changes.
