Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Program topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews proposed two‑year transportation program emphasizing multimodal projects and grant readiness
Summary
Staff presented a proposed two‑year transportation program that lists five near‑term projects — Fairfax Circle evaluation, bike wayfinding, Main/Lyndhurst intersection work, Vienna Metro north side improvements (Metro‑led), and feasibility studies for Rust/Westmore sidewalks — and emphasized outreach and the long lead time for funded projects.
Wendy Sanford, Fairfax City transportation director, told the council the two‑year transportation program is a 'starting line' used to prepare concept plans and identify projects ready for outside funding. She emphasized that many transportation grants and awards require years of advance planning and that the city has successfully leveraged roughly $250 million in non‑local transportation funding since FY2016 while investing about $20 million in local funds to support grant applications and concept development.
Sanford outlined the program’s proposed projects: a Fairfax Circle intersection evaluation; a bike route wayfinding plan and implementation across the city; intersection improvements at Main Street and Lyndhurst informed by a road safety audit; support for Vienna Metro to improve the north‑side station area (Metro to implement, city to sponsor); and feasibility studies for residential sidewalks on Westmore Drive and Rust Road after resident petitions. The latter two arose from petitions and were evaluated for safety, connectivity, constructability and community support.
Councilmembers welcomed the long‑range stewardship approach. Several members highlighted pedestrian and accessibility concerns at the Main/Lyndhurst intersection and suggested wayfinding and signage include reminders for bicyclists to use audible signals when passing. Councilmembers also asked staff to ensure the engagement tools are accessible; staff said Engage Fairfax generated about 1,000 page visits with nine guestbook comments and 21 map pins, and staff recommended no changes to the proposed list based on current outreach.
Sanford recommended the council hold a public hearing on the two‑year program at the next council meeting (Feb. 25) and, if adopted, use the program to advance concept planning and future grant applications. The session produced no formal council vote; staff will bring a public‑hearing item forward at the next meeting for adoption.
