Fairfax City launches coordinated Safe Streets, pedestrian and Old Town circulation studies; councilors weigh plaza pilot

City staff on July 1 told the Fairfax City Council they will develop three linked plans — a citywide safety action plan, a pedestrian master plan and a detailed Old Town circulation study — to prioritize pedestrian safety, walkability and traffic circulation and to position the city for construction funding.

The presentation, led by Chloe Ritter, the city’s transportation planner, explained the work as a single “Move Fairfax City” project that layers analysis, public engagement and funding. “We were awarded a $400,000 grant from the federal Safe Streets for All program, and that’s matched with $150,000 in local funding,” Ritter said as she opened the briefing.

Why it matters: staff said the three studies are meant to turn long-range policy guidance in the comprehensive plan, bicycle master plan and Old Town Small Area Plan into prioritized, implementable projects. The approach is intended to create consistent recommendations across studies, reduce duplication of outreach and create competitive applications for future implementation grants.

What staff will do: Alta and Timmins Group consultants described the safety action plan as using a safe-systems approach to focus on infrastructure, speed management, post-crash care, behavior…