Transportation Brief: Alexandria leaders step into regional roles, Van Dorn study nears finish line
A weekly roundup of transportation news affecting how Alexandria moves
Two of Alexandria’s top elected officials are taking on leadership roles that will amplify the city’s voice on regional transit and planning issues this year. Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley is set to chair the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, while Mayor Alyia Gaskins will serve as vice chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.
Closer to home, VDOT is ready to unveil its recommended fixes for the South Van Dorn Street corridor, the city is ramping up engagement on the Duke Street land use plan, and the National Park Service is eyeing safety upgrades to a well-worn stretch of the Mount Vernon Trail in Old Town North.
Here’s what you need to know.
Alexandria to lead at regional transit and planning tables in 2026
Alexandria will have an outsized voice in regional transportation decisions this year as two city leaders take on prominent roles.
Vice Mayor Sarah Bagley is expected to be elected chair of the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission during the agency’s meeting on Thursday. Bagley currently serves as vice chair and also chairs the Virginia Railway Express Operations Board. She was first appointed to NVTC in 2022.
The commission coordinates funding and planning for Metro, VRE, and local bus systems across Northern Virginia. Bagley will succeed outgoing Chair David Snyder and be joined by Vice Chair Matthew F. Letourneau of Loudoun County and Secretary-Treasurer Maureen Coffey of Arlington.
Bagley is expected to advocate for transit funding, safer streets, and environmentally sustainable solutions, according to her NVTC profile.
Thursday’s meeting will also includea discussion of transit funding priorities for the 2026 General Assembly session and comments on WMATA’s proposed budget and capital program. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. at the Navy League Building, 2300 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington, and will be livestreamed on YouTube.
Meanwhile, Mayor Alyia Gaskins will serve as vice chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments in 2026. The 34-member board of elected officials sets policy on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, and human services. Fairfax County Supervisor Rodney Lusk currently chairs the board.
VDOT to present Van Dorn Street improvement recommendations Jan. 14
The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold an open house next week to present recommended improvements for South Van Dorn Street, wrapping up a yearlong study of one of the West End’s key corridors.
The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 14, from 7 to 8 p.m. in the cafeteria at Edison High School, 5801 Franconia Road.
The STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study examined safety, operations, transit, and bicycle and pedestrian improvements along 2.5 miles of South Van Dorn Street between Telegraph Road and the Alexandria city limits, plus three-quarters of a mile of Franconia Road between Grovedale Drive and South Van Dorn Street.
VDOT collected public input in March and presented draft alternatives in September and October. The preferred alternatives cover six key locations: the I-95/I-495 ramps, Crown Royal Drive, Franconia Road, Beulah Street, Kingstowne Boulevard and Telegraph Road. Multimodal improvements are also proposed throughout the corridor.
A final report is expected this fall. STARS studies develop proposed improvements but do not set construction timelines—localities must then pursue funding to advance projects.
City seeks input on Duke Street land use plan
The Planning Commission will hold a work session tonight on the draft framework for the Duke Street Land Use Plan, a long-awaited document that will guide development along one of Alexandria’s most auto-oriented corridors.
The session begins at 6 p.m. and is open to the public but will not include public testimony.
The city will also host three community workshops later this month for residents to engage with plan materials and participate in small-group discussions with staff. Attendance is capped at roughly 25 people per session to keep conversations manageable, and the city said it may add sessions if demand exceeds capacity.
The workshops will cover the same information presented at a Dec. 10 open house. Materials are also available through an online community open house, which closes Jan. 23.
Workshop schedule:
Tuesday, Jan. 20, 6:30-8 p.m. — Port City Brewing, 3950 Wheeler Ave.
Wednesday, Jan. 21, 6:30-8 p.m. — Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4653 Taney Ave.
Thursday, Jan. 22, 6:30-8 p.m. — Patrick Henry Recreation Center
Light refreshments will be provided. Register at research.net/r/AlexandriaVA-DSLUPworkshop or contact urban planner Christian Brandt at christian.brandt@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3859.
NPS planning trail, intersection improvements in Old Town North
The National Park Service is preparing an environmental assessment for improvements to the Mount Vernon Trail and George Washington Memorial Parkway adjacent to the former Potomac River Generating Station in Old Town North.
The project area stretches from Slaters Lane to Bashford Lane and is being planned in coordination with HRP Potomac, LLC, the developer transforming the 18.8-acre former coal plant site into a mixed-use district.
Proposed improvements include replacing and widening the aging cantilevered trail bridge, adding new trail connections and river overlooks, removing invasive vegetation, and providing recreational access to the Potomac River.
The plan also calls for redesigning the Slaters Lane and Bashford Lane intersections with the Parkway and improving East and West Abingdon drives for vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians with new crosswalks, turn lanes, bike lanes, and signals.
The NPS said the project addresses longstanding safety and access challenges along one of the most heavily used sections of the Mount Vernon Trail. Public comment information is available on the NPS Planning, Environment, and Public Comment website.
Got a transportation tip? Email ryan@alexandriabrief.com.