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Board backs further study of Algonquin Parkway multimodal upgrades, endorses near-term safety fixes
Summary
Supervisors voted to send study-level work on a full, two-sided 10-foot path along Algonquin Parkway to committee for further evaluation and to include $7.92 million in short- and mid-term safety improvements for CIP consideration.
The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on Oct. 21 endorsed further analysis of a full-build multimodal alignment for Algonquin Parkway and supported placing $7.92 million in short- and mid-term safety improvements into a future Capital Improvement Program (CIP) cycle for consideration.
Staff presented a multimodal feasibility study that analyzed four concepts for the corridor north of Route 7: (A) fill missing segments on one side; (B) widen and complete missing segments on one side; (C) widen and complete missing segments on both sides to meet countywide transportation plan (CTP) standards (10-foot shared-use paths each side); and (D) construct a new continuous 10-foot path adjacent to the roadway while retaining existing HOA paths. The study included short- and mid-term fixes such as trimming vegetation, restriping faded crosswalks, upgrading curb ramps to ADA standards and improving push-button pedestrian signals.
After debate about scale, cost and right-of-way issues, the board voted to send the concept C/D work for further evaluation at TELOC (the transportation committee) and to endorse incorporating the short- and mid-term safety improvements (an estimated $7.92 million planning-level total) into the CIP process for prioritization by the board. The higher-cost concepts (C approximately $105 million; D approximately $115 million for the alternate alignment) remain at the study stage and will require detailed engineering, property or easement acquisition and interjurisdictional coordination (a portion of the corridor crosses into Fairfax County).
Supervisor Mike Turner, who moved the staff recommendation after a house-keeping split motion, said the short- and mid-term improvements would reduce immediate pedestrian and bicycle safety risks while the larger multimodal concepts are refined. Several supervisors asked staff to inventory which segments sit on HOA property and to confirm whether the county must acquire easements to bring existing HOA paths up to VDOT and county standards. Staff confirmed the county would need to review deeds and negotiate easements or acquisitions in many locations.
What the board did
- Motion (divided): direct staff to pursue further evaluation of Concept C and D alignments; and endorse placing $7.92M in short- and mid-term safety improvements into a future CIP for board consideration and prioritization. - Vote on CIP endorsement: 7–2 in favor.
Why it matters
Algonquin Parkway has narrow shoulders, several worn HOA trail segments that do not meet ADA or CTP standards, and documented pedestrian and bicyclist crashes in locations along the corridor. The study's recommended near-term improvements focus on crossings and vegetation/visibility and can be implemented more quickly than large corridor reconstruction.
Next steps
Staff will return to the board with further analysis and engineering on the recommended alignment (Concept C/D), an estimate to complete the study-level work, and a plan for right-of-way, deed and HOA negotiations. Any CIP funding requires a future board prioritization vote.
