This project seeks to make it easier and safer for cyclists and pedestrians to use the Mount Vernon trail at intersections between Pendleton Street and Canal Center Plaza. Using pavement markings, signs, and other treatments this project will clarify how cyclists, pedestrians, and motorists use each intersection.

The improvements will be installed at four locations along the Mount Vernon Trail:

• Pendleton Street
• Madison Street
• Montgomery Street
• Canal Center Plaza

The project was developed and informed by the Union Street Corridor Study (2013) and comments received from the Alexandria Waterfront Commission, Alex311, the Traffic & Parking Board, and more.

Pendleton Street

Improvements planned at the intersection of the Mount Vernon Trail and Pendleton Street focus on creating space for cyclists to transition on and off the trail. The green painted bicycle turn lane provides a safe space for cyclists to wait for car traffic to pass. The shared lane markings (sharrows) were designed to guide cyclists across the railroad tracks at angle that will prevent tires from getting stuck. Additionally, The painted curb extensions and flex posts provide additional safety for all users by preventing cars from blocking sight lines near the trail entrance.

Madison and Montgomery Streets

The existing stop signs that stop trail users at Montgomery Street and Madison Street will be removed. New stop signs will be installed for road users on Montgomery Street. Signs that say "Trail Users Do Not Stop" will be installed underneath the new stop signs on Montgomery Street and the existing stop signs on Madison Street.

The change to the stop sign direction was approved at the July 2023 Traffic & Parking Board meeting.

Canal Center Plaza

The intersection of the Mount Vernon Trail and Canal Center Plaza will be enhanced with a new high-visibility crosswalk that creates more space for all trail users while also suggesting a path for cyclists to safely cross the railroad tracks. The stop signs for trail users will be removed at Canal Center Plaza. New stop signs will be installed for road users of Canal Center Plaza. A sign reading "Trail Users Do Not Stop" will be installed under the stop sign. 

The wayfinding signs for trail users will also be updated with distances for destinations.

• Planning & Design: Spring 2023

• Stop Sign Changes: Approved by Traffic & Parking Board on July 31, 2023

• Implementation: Fall 2023

Design: Mount Vernon Trail Improvements at Pendleton Street and Canal Center Plaza

For more information about this project, please contact Bryan Hayes, Complete Streets Coordinator, at bryan.hayes@alexandriava.gov.