Traffic board to weigh new crosswalks, turn restrictions in pedestrian safety push
Board will consider crossing improvements near schools, new rules following October crash
The Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board will hold its December public hearing Monday evening, with a full docket that includes pedestrian safety improvements near schools, new “no turn on red” restrictions following a recent crash, and a proposed framework for curbside electric vehicle charging.
The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 301 King St., and is also accessible via Zoom.
What’s on the agenda
Pedestrian safety near schools
Staff is asking the board to approve the removal of two parking spaces at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Ida Avenue in Del Ray to accommodate new crosswalks serving Mount Vernon Community School, the James M. Duncan Branch Library, and the Mount Vernon Recreation Center. The project would add a northern crosswalk and a diagonal crossing at an intersection that currently lacks a crossing guard.
Data collected in September showed high demand for both crossings, with many pedestrians crossing diagonally without marked crosswalks — particularly during school arrival and dismissal times.
New turn restrictions after October crash
Following a severe crash on Oct. 24 at the five-way intersection of Russell Road, Monroe Avenue, and High Street, staff is recommending “no turn on red” restrictions at all approaches. In that incident, a driver turning left from westbound Monroe Avenue struck a woman and her child in the crosswalk.
The city has already implemented a leading pedestrian interval at the intersection, which gives pedestrians a head start before vehicles begin turning. The additional turn restrictions are intended to further reduce conflicts between drivers and pedestrians.
EV charging program takes shape
The board will consider approving an administrative process that would allow the city to designate “EV charging only” parking spaces for a proposed curbside charging program. The initiative, which still requires City Council approval in January, would let vendors install public EV chargers in the right-of-way at no cost to the city.
Under the proposed rules, chargers could not be installed on King Street, portions of Duke Street, the George Washington Memorial Parkway, Patrick Street or Richmond Highway. Vendors would need letters of support from property owners or occupants whose buildings front the proposed charging spaces.
Other items
The board will also consider a loading zone request from LaPluma Coffee & Wine on North Patrick Street, the temporary relocation of the Market Square Capital Bikeshare station to South Royal Street during the City Hall renovation, and moving the motorcoach loading zone from the 300 to the 400 block of King Street for the same reason.
A curb cut appeal for 1612 Princess St., which was deferred from October’s meeting pending a traffic study, will return to the board with a revised staff recommendation to approve.
How to participate
The meeting will be held in person at City Hall and virtually via Zoom. Registration is required for virtual attendance at zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_pzIhzaGxTZ6aL6evcyI-KQ.
Written comments can be submitted to trafficandparkingboard@alexandriava.gov by 3 p.m. Dec. 8. The full docket is available on the city’s website.
The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026.