Braddock Road Trail Access and Corridor Improvements

A City of Alexandria project to improve trail access and traffic safety along Braddock Road near the Metrorail Station.
Page updated on Nov 14, 2025 at 11:29 AM
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Description

The Braddock Road Trail Access and Corridor Improvements project aims to enhance safety and accessibility for all users along Braddock Road between Russell Road and North West Street. It seeks 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, and Metro Linear Trail.

Project Area Map

This map shows the study area for the Braddock Road Trail Access & Corridor Improvements project. The study area runs along Braddock Road from Russell Road in the west to North West Street in the east. The map also includes bus stops in the study area as well as lines marking the Potomac Yard Trail, the Metro Linear Trail, and the shared lane markings (sharrows) on Mount Vernon Avenue, Braddock Road, and Commonwealth Avenue.

Background

Braddock Road is a key east-west route in Alexandria that links residential areas, businesses, and the Braddock Road Metro station. The nearby Metro Linear and Potomac Yard Trails offer north-south connections for pedestrians and cyclists to King Street and Potomac Yard stations. The corridor's mixed traffic creates safety concerns, particularly during rush hour and at crossings, where different types of travelers interact. Residents have reported issues via Alex311. The 2023 Safe Routes to School Walk Audit at George Washington Middle School recommended safety improvements. VDOT has designated the section between Mount Vernon Avenue and North West Street as a top priority for pedestrian and bicycle safety upgrades statewide. 

Timeline

Community Engagement

Status: Active

  • Phase One Outreach: March 7 to 21, 2025
    • The City collected community feedback on existing conditions in the project study area.
      • Outreach flyer.
      • A summary of the feedback is available here.
  • Phase Two Outreach: September 10 to October 5, 2025)
    • The City collected community feedback on design options.  
    • An open house was held on September 17 at George Washington Middle School. Nearly 40 residents attended to learn about and provide input on the project.

 

Planning & Concept Design

Status: Active

  • Spring / Summer 2025: Develop design options.
  • September 2025: Design options posted for comment.  
     

Project Design

Design options for improving safety and accessibility along Braddock Road are available for review. The concepts were developed based on community feedback from March 2025, incorporating analysis of traffic patterns, parking utilization, crash data, and other metrics. These options aim to enhance safety and connectivity for all users while maintaining access to the Braddock Road Metrorail Station, Potomac Yard Trail, and Metro Linear Trail. The City collected community feedback on these design options from September 10 to October 5, 2025.

Watch a short video describing corridor and intersection design options.

Complete Streets

Learn more about what the City is doing to make it easier to walk, bike, and ride transit.

Vision Zero

Learn more about what the City is doing to improve traffic safety.

Safe Routes to School

Learn more about the City's Safe Routes to School Program.

Alexandria Mobility Plan

Learn more about the City's adopted transportation plan.

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. VDOT 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 project goals include reducing traffic crashes, making it easier to walk, bike, and take the bus, and minimizing impacts to traffic congestion.

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. To receive project updates, please contact Bryan Hayes, project manager, at bryan.hayes@alexandriava.gov.