Update (February 5, 2026): The Traffic & Parking Board will consider the recommended design concept at its February 23 Public Hearing. More information on how to participate can be found in the Project Development section below.
Description
The Braddock Road Trail Access and Corridor Improvements project is intended to enhance safety and accessibility for all roadway users along Braddock Road between Russell Road and North West Street. The goal is to create a more connected, comfortable, and safe corridor for walking, biking, transit, and driving while improving access to the Braddock Road Metrorail Station, Potomac Yard Trail, Metro Linear Trail, George Washington Middle School, and nearby neighborhoods and businesses.
Project Area
Background
Braddock Road is a key east–west corridor in Alexandria that connects neighborhoods, local businesses, the Braddock Road Metro station. Braddock Road also connects to the Metro Linear and Potomac Yard Trails which provide important north–south connections to Old Town, Potomac Yard, and Del Ray. The mix of people walking, biking, scooting, driving, and taking transit, especially during peak travel times, has created safety concerns at crossings and along the corridor. Residents have shared these concerns through Alex311, and a 2023 Safe Routes to School walk audit at George Washington Middle School identified the need for safety improvements. Additionally, the Virginia Department of Transportation designated the segment between Mount Vernon Avenue and North West Street as a top statewide priority for pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades.
Project Development
Overall Project Status: Planning & Concept Design/Community Engagement
Planning & Concept Design
Status: In Progress
Alternatives Analysis:
Conceptual Design Options
Presentation on Design Options
Traffic Analysis Results
Parking Study
Crash Map
Recommended Design Concept
The project team recommends the following concept alternatives, which are collectively shown in the Recommended Design Concept:
- Russell Road to Commonwealth Avenue: Option 1B
- Commonwealth Avenue to Mount Vernon Avenue: Option 2A*
- *Note: Parking would be retained for approximately 100’ on the unit block of East Braddock Road and 60’ on the 200 block of East Braddock Road
- Mount Vernon Avenue to West Street: Option 3
- Intersection of Russell Road/Braddock Road/West Alexandria Avenue: Option 4B*
- *Note: Reversing the direction of West Alexandria Avenue is not included in the recommendation.
- Intersection of Commonwealth Avenue/Braddock Road: 5A
- Intersection of Mount Vernon Avenue/Braddock Road: 6C*
- *Note: This represents an operational modification to Option 6A, where a westbound left/through lane + right-only lane are proposed instead of a westbound left-only lane and through-right lane.
Together, these recommendations include improvements that make it easier, safer, and more comfortable for people walking, biking, and scooting to get to/from the Metro Station, GW Middle School, the Potomac Yard Trail, the Metro Linear Trail, Old Town, Del Ray, Potomac Yard, and nearby businesses. Features include:
- Safer crosswalks at intersections and near the Metro through shorter crossing distances and improved visibility
- A two-way bike lane connecting the Potomac Yard Trail, the Metro Linear Trail, and Braddock Road Metro Station
- New bike lane connections on Commonwealth Avenue as it intersects Braddock Road
- Continuous bike lanes between West Street and Russell Road, filling a gap in the City's bicycle network
- Removal of on-street parking on Braddock Road between Russell Road and Mount Vernon Avenue and on Commonwealth Avenue between Braddock Road and Spring Street*
- *Note: Disability parking will be relocated to provide continued ADA access
- Reduced travel lanes on Braddock Road between Mount Vernon Avenue and West Street to accommodate safety and access improvements
Community Engagement
Status: In Progress
February 23, 2026: Traffic & Parking Board Public Hearing
The Traffic & Parking Board will consider the staff recommendations for the Braddock Road Corridor Improvements Project at its February 23 Public Hearing.
Traffic & Parking Board Public Hearing
Monday, January 23, 2026 at 7 p.m.
Del Pepper Community Resource Center, Room 1305 - Council Chambers
4850 Mark Center Drive, Alexandria, VA
Information on how to participate is available on the Traffic & Parking Board webpage.
Fall 2025-Winter 2026: Continued Community Engagement
Staff continue to engage ad hoc with civic associations, community groups, and residents.
Fall 2025: Comment Period on Conceptual Design Options
The City gathered feedback on conceptual design options for the project from September 10-October 5. A project open house was also held on September 17 at George Washington Middle School. Thank you for your comments!
Outreach Flyer
Press Release
ALXnow Article
Presentation on Design Options
Community Feedback Summary
Spring 2025: Initial Public Comment Period
The City collected community input on existing conditions in the project study area from March 7-21, 2025.
Outreach Flyer
Community Comment Summary
Detailed Design
Status: Not Started
Construction
Status: Not Started
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the City doing this project?
The corridor's mixed traffic creates safety concerns, particularly during rush hour and at crossings, where different types of travelers interact. Residents have reported safety issues via Alex311. The 2023 Safe Routes to School Walk Audit at George Washington Middle School recommended safety improvements. The Virginia Department of Transportation has designated the section between Mount Vernon Avenue and North West Street as a top priority for pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades statewide.
What are the goals of this project?
The goal of the project is to make it easier, safer, and more comfortable for people of all ages and abilities to walk, bike, scoot, take transit, and drive on Braddock Road.
What is the project timeline?
The planning and conceptual design phase of this project will take place from Winter 2025 - Winter 2026.
How can I provide input?
There will be multiple opportunities for community members to provide input into this process. Visit the Project Development section for more information. To receive project updates, please contact Alex Carroll, Project Manager, at Alexandria.Carroll@AlexandriaVA.gov.