Take Action for a Better Arlington

An aging Clarendon office building from the 80s has been submitted for potential redevelopment. With its prime location directly across from the Clarendon Metro, this building could provide transit accessible homes for many Arlington neighbors while upgrading the public realm to the benefit of all Arlingtonians.

Give your feedback on Clarendon Square - support height and density near Metro, and suggest commonsense public realm improvements like a protected bike lane on Wilson Boulevard. 

9th St S is an important connection between Arlington Heights and Alcova Heights near Columbia Pike.  In addition to being the designated bicycle boulevard (an intentionally safe, quiet street for biking, as an alternative to Columbia Pike, which has no bike infrastructure), it is the only through connection in the 1,700+ ft between the traffic signals at 7th St and at Columbia Pike.

Despite this importance, the crossing has never been safe.  The installed Rapid Flashing Beacon is difficult to access and difficult to see, and traffic is moving fast and not looking for pedestrians. The County has initiated a project to improve this intersection, the concept plan includes a full traffic signal, a full set of high visibility crosswalks, curb bump-outs, widened pedestrian refuges, and improved sight lines.  Unfortunately, a petition has been sent to the County opposing this much-needed traffic signal due to concerns about creating additional cut-through traffic on 9th St S.  We think these concerns, if found to have merit, could be mitigated with a traffic diverter (also known as a modal filter) that allows people walking & biking to continue down a street, but forces cars to turn, making that route less convenient and attractive for drivers. We also think the project could be improved with the additional of leading pedestrian intervals and raised crosswalks. Speak up today on this important safety project!

Arlington's next Fiscal Year Operating Budget is shaping up to be a challenging one.  Speak up today for keeping transportation as a critical priority!