Smart and Sustainable Future for Travel in Alexandria
In 2018, the City started the process for updating the 2008 Transportation Master Plan that will culminate in the fall of 2019. Outreach activities will be carried out between summer and fall of 2018.
This update will continue the paradigm shift characterized by the 2008 Transportation Master Plan, prioritizing people and goods' mobility and improving access to economic, social and leisure activities. As Alexandria becomes increasingly urban, technology-driven integrated mobility solutions will be key to providing safe, reliable, efficient and equitable mobility for all Alexandrians.
2008 Transportation Master Plan and 2016 Update
The 2008 update of the City's Transportation Master Plan initiated an unprecedented paradigm shift, putting Alexandrians first and providing them with innovative transportation options.
The goal of the 2008 concept-oriented Master Plan is to successfully integrate and link walking, bicycling, and transit together, providing connectivity and accessibility to all of Alexandria's recreational, cultural, and economic assets, along with those of the greater Northern Virginia region.
The Transportation Master Plan was developed by the members of the Ad Hoc Transportation Task Force and the City of Alexandria to ensure the wise, effective, and sustainable planning of the City's transportation future. It establishes a multimodal vision that will guide the City forward in its transportation decision-making process.
In April 2016, City Council approved an update to the 2008 Pedestrian and Bicycle Chapters of the Transportation Master Plan. The update consolidated these two sections into one chapter. The update featured updated vision, goals, and planning objectives; pedestrian case study areas; defining bike networks; high priority projects and strategies. The update also featured a progress report, civic engagement summary, case study summaries, and a more detailed list of projects and phasing that were integrated into the 2008 Transportation Master Plan appendices.
The Transportation Master Plan includes an overview and six sections as described below:
Complete Transportation Master Plan (11 MB)
Overview
The Overview includes 1) the Vision of promoting balance between travel efficiency quality of life and, 2) the Guiding Principals that form a new template for transportation decision-making.
Section One – Transit Concept
The Transit Concept outlines a progressive vision for the future of travel throughout the City with a system of innovative transit vehicles operating along three primary transit corridors within secure rights-of way dedicated exclusively to transit use. The Plan is a vision for the development of clean, efficient enjoyable transit services that enhance mobility throughout the City and region for commuters, residents, and visitors.
Section Two and Three - Pedestrian and Bicycle Section
The Pedestrian Section calls for a city where public spaces, including streets and off-street paths offer a level of convenience, safety, and attractiveness that encourages and rewards the choice to walk regardless of age or ability. This section outlines supportive policies and targeted infrastructure investments that will make the City a regional leader in the creation of pedestrian-friendly streets. The Bicycle Section is a blueprint for creating a safe and convenient bicycle network that will increase the number of Alexandria's who bicycle for all trips shorter than five miles. With "complete streets" designed to enable safe travel by all users and routine accommodations for bicyclists, the City can make bicycling a viable transportation option. More information on the Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan.
Section Four – Streets Section
The Streets Section outlines approaches and techniques that will ensure streets are designed to safely accommodate all modes of travel, while preserving community character.
Section Five – Parking Section
The Parking Section provides a background of the City's existing parking policies, identifies the guiding principles for parking management, and includes specific actions and strategies for managing parking resources in a cost-effective manner that contributes toward the overall vision of the City.
Section Six – Funding and Implementation Section
The Funding and Implementation Section provides a list of federal, state, and local funding resources that the City may utilize to fund the identified actions, strategies, and plan concepts. The process and policies for identifying project funding priority and implementation are also included in this section.