Board hears options for Barton Hill crosswalk; schedules community meeting

Reston Association staff and an on-call engineer presented two feasible options for a pedestrian crossing on Barton Hill Road during the April 24 board meeting, and the board asked staff to host a community meeting to gather local input before committing to a design.

John Cummings of Rinker Design Associates described two possibilities: an at-grade crosswalk closer to the Sunrise Valley intersection and a raised crosswalk (traffic calm/“traffic pillow”) placed slightly further along Barton Hill Road. Staff noted that neither option matches the original location some residents requested; constraints include trail alignments, sight-lines, and existing parking patterns.

Cummings warned that parking near the crossing could reduce sight-lines for drivers and recommended addressing parking and signage if the board pursues a raised crosswalk. Director discussion focused on sight-lines, parking enforcement near crosswalks, and whether the county could fund roadway elements; staff said the county had not committed CIP dollars for this project but would follow up. Several board members urged a site-based community meeting; Vice President Santas and other directors said a public on-site meeting would help show trade-offs between the options and parking impacts.

Chair Johnson and staff agreed to organize a community meeting in late May or early June, timed if possible to coincide with other neighborhood engagement (e.g., Lake Newport tennis-court meeting), so residents can see the options in place and ask questions.

Ending: Staff will schedule a community meeting on Barton Hill crosswalk options and return with community feedback and a recommended option for board consideration and potential CIP inclusion.