Project Updates:
April 2025: The posted speed limit has been reduced from 35 MPH to 25 MPH.
Project Description
The purpose of this project is to make it easier, safer, and more comfortable for all road users to travel on Eisenhower Avenue between South Van Dorn Street and Holmes Run Trail. This is the first in what is expected to be a series of phased improvements to the broader Eisenhower Avenue corridor.
Background
Eisenhower Avenue an east-west four- to five-lane roadway that is located on the southern side of the city parallel to I-495. Recommendations to improve the corridor for all users have been adopted as part of the Alexandria Mobility Plan and the Eisenhower West Small Area Plan. Additionally, Eisenhower Avenue has been identified as one of the City's high-injury corridors through the Vision Zero safety program.
In 2023, the Virginia Department of Transportation provided the City with technical assistance to study transportation issues, needs, and solutions on Eisenhower Avenue. More information on that effort is available on the Eisenhower Avenue Transportation Study webpage.
In 2024, the Traffic & Parking Board and City Council voted to endorse the following changes to Eisenhower Avenue between South Van Dorn Street and Holmes Run Trail:
- Remove left turns from the intersection of Eisenhower Avenue/South Van Dorn Street and reroute those movements to Metro Road, providing congestion relief at the Eisenhower Avneue/South Van Dorn Street intersection.
- Install a sidewalk on the south side of Eisenhower Avenue connecting South Van Dorn Street to the Van Dorn Metro Station, filling an important sidewalk gap.
- Remove one travel lane in each direction to slow vehicle speeds, create more space for other important roadway features, and increase safety for all road users.
- Provide a protected two-way bike lane on Eisenhower Avenue, effectively extending the existing multi-use path on the east end of Eisenhower Avenue to the Van Dorn Metro Station.
- Provide safer crossing opportunities along the corridor and improve access to transit.
- Add on-street parking on the south side of Eisenhower Avenue near businesses with limited off-street parking.
- Reduce the speed limit from 35 to 25 MPH to slow vehicle speeds and improve safety for all road users.
Project Development
Overall Project Status: Planning & Conceptual Design
Planning & Conceptual Design
Status: In Progress
The City completed the Eisenhower Avenue Transportation Study in 2024, which led to this project. City Council approved the preferred conceptual alternative for Eisenhower Avenue, and the project team is now working to secure grant funding to fund detailed design and construction.
Approved Concepts:
Concept Plan: Eisenhower Avenue/South Van Dorn Street
Concept Plan: Eisenhower Avenue from Metro Road to Holmes Run Trail (interim)
Design
Status: Not Started
Construction
Status: Not Started
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What will this mean for traffic?
Congestion at the intersection of Eisenhower Avenue and South Van Dorn Street is expected to improve significantly by removing the left turn lanes, which will instead be routed through Metro Road, which operates well under capacity. Removing the left turns allows the green time that's given to those turns today to be reallocated to other movements, such as the southbound through movement, in the future.
Why is the City providing bicycle infrastructure on Eisenhower Avenue?
Both the adopted Alexandria Mobility Plan and the Eisenhower West Small Area Plan call for major improvements for people biking on Eisenhower Avenue. This has the benefit of improving access to key destinations, like Metro Stations, bus stops, connecting trails, and neighborhoods. It also improves access and safety for people walking, scooting, and taking transit.
What community engagement was done? How can I stay involved?
The City had a robust community engagement process as part of the Eisenhower Avenue Transportation Study, which was the precursor to this project. That process included online feedback forms, community meetings, emails with stakeholders, and two public hearings. To stay involved, check this webpage for updates or email Alexandria.Carroll@alexandriava.gov.
What does this mean for Metro Road?
Traffic will increase on Metro Road as a result of relocating the left turns from the Eisenhower Avenue/South Van Dorn Street intersection. The City is working with community members on near-term improvements to Metro Road to minimize potential impacts of increased traffic. More information is on the Metro Road Improvements project webpage.
Additional Resources
Visit the resources below to learn more.