Crossing Improvements Near Schools

Page updated on July 8, 2024 at 3:52 PM
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About the Project

The purpose of this project is to install curb extensions to make it easier and safer for students and their families to walk to and from school.

Curb extensions are a recommended safety treatment in the City of Alexandria’s Complete Streets Design Guidelines and a common safety feature used around the city. They are created by extending the sidewalk at corners or mid-block, thereby shortening the crossing distance, making pedestrians more visible, and slowing turning vehicles at intersections. Curb extensions increase safety, calm traffic, and provide extra space along sidewalks for users and amenities.

Curb extensions are particularly valuable near schools where the shortened crossing distance and increased pedestrian visibility make it easier and safer for families to cross the street.

Sample Curb Extensions

This image from the Complete Streets Design Guidelines shows how curb extensions reduce crossing distances and create more space for pedestrians.
Curb extensions on Mt Vernon Ave.
Curb extension and high-visibility crosswalk near City Hall and Market Square.
Curb extensions near Cora Kelly Elementary School
A photo showing a painted curb extension
A person crossing the street
This image from the Complete Streets Design Guidelines shows how curb extensions reduce crossing distances and create more space for pedestrians.
Curb extensions on Mt Vernon Ave.
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This image from the Complete Streets Design Guidelines shows how curb extensions reduce crossing distances and create more space for pedestrians.
This image, from the Complete Streets Design Guidelines shows how curb extensions reduce crossing distances and create more space for pedestrians when waiting to cross the street.
Curb extensions on Mt Vernon Ave.
Curb extension on Mt Vernon Ave near the Mount Vernon Community School.
Curb extension and high-visibility crosswalk near City Hall and Market Square.
Curb extensions near Cora Kelly Elementary School
This image shows curb extensions near Cora Kelly Elementary School.
A photo showing a painted curb extension
This image shows how a painted curb extensions can create more safe space for pedestrians to wait when crossing the street.
A person crossing the street
This image shows how painted curb extensions can shorten the distance pedestrians need to travel when crossing the steet.
This image from the Complete Streets Design Guidelines shows how curb extensions reduce crossing distances and create more space for pedestrians.
This image, from the Complete Streets Design Guidelines shows how curb extensions reduce crossing distances and create more space for pedestrians when waiting to cross the street.
Curb extensions on Mt Vernon Ave.
Curb extension on Mt Vernon Ave near the Mount Vernon Community School.

Background & Locations

Map showing proposed locations for Curb Extensions Near Schools

In 2017, the City conducted Safe Routes to School Walk Audits at 13 elementary and K-8 schools. Recommendations from those Walk Audits include curb extensions at intersections near multiple schools.

To advance implementation of the Walk Audit recommendations, this project will design and implement eight curb extensions at intersections near four campuses. The map to the right shows the proposed locations for curb extension near schools.

  • Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 School
  • Mount Vernon Community School
    • Location Flyer
    • Commonwealth Ave & Uhler Ave
    • Commonwealth Ave & Mt Ida Ave
    • Commonwealth Ave & Groves Ave
    • Commonwealth Ave & Forrest St
  • Patrick Henry K-8 School
  • Samuel Tucker Elementary School

Process & Timeline

The City is developing a grant application to fund design and construction. If awarded, funding is expected to be available beginning in Fiscal Year 2025 (Calendar Year 2024).

  • Planning & Public Engagement: Summer 2023
  • Grant Application Deadline: Fall 2023
  • Design*: 2024
  • Construction*: 2025 to 2026

*Proposed timeline is subject to change depending on availability of grant funding.

More Information

If you are interested in learning more about the curb extensions near schools project or the City's Safe Routes to School program, please contact Bryan.Hayes@AlexandriaVA.gov.