Pedestrian Access Should be Enhanced, Not Impeded

Transit-oriented development should be pedestrian-friendly.  In three important respects, the Metro West proposal fails this benchmark.

First, there are proposals for the addition of a left-turn lane from eastbound Rt. 29 (Lee Highway) to northbound Rt. 243 (Nutley Street).  This intersection includes the Pan Am shopping center, which contains a critical grocery store, pharmacy, and other retail.  Pedestrian currently walk to this shopping area, at considerable peril.  To add an additional left-turn lane would make the intersection all the more dangerous and discourage, rather than encourage, additional pedestrians.  It would also make the intersection more perilous for drivers.  Furthermore, the additional left turn lane is completely unnecessary.  This is due to the proposed extension of Vaden Drive, which would allow eastbound traffic on Rt. 29 to access I-66 at the western entrances, rather than have to turn northbound on Rt. 243 to enter at the eastern entrances.  This additional lane should not be built.

Secondly, the adjacent community of Hunter’s Branch would be separated from the Metro West development by walls and locked gates.  Hunter’s Branch residents would be provided with card keys allowing them to get through the gates, but other pedestrians would be denied access.  Locked gates seriously undercuts the proposal’s claim to enhance pedestrian traffic flow.

Thirdly, Metro West will block pedestrian access by placing numerous new streets between pedestrians and the entrance to the Vienna metro station.  Approaching from south of Vaden Drive Extended, pedestrians currently cross just two lanes of traffic (Saintsbury Drive) to reach the Metro.  Because of Metro West, pedestrians will have to cross 15 lanes of traffic.

Pedestrian circulation around and through the development should be enhanced.  However, as the proposal stands, pedestrian access is impeded, contrary to the goals of transit-oriented development.