Update: The neighborhood mini-roundabout is now installed with the art work, and the new traffic pattern is in effect. More information regarding the art component, please visit https://www.alexandriava.gov/public-art/project/vision-zero-public-art. 

Please be patient and use caution as you navigate the intersection. It is typical for drivers to take several weeks to adjust to any new traffic patterns. Staff is monitoring and evaluating the intersection over the next several weeks following the project implementation. The Alexandria Police Department is also providing support during the post-implementation period by performing education and enforcement at the intersection.

The purpose of this project is to improve safety at the intersection of Hickory Street and Kennedy Street in Warwick Village. 

The City's Neighborhood Traffic Calming program is focused on improving safety by slowing speeds within neighborhoods. The intersection of Hickory Street and Kennedy Street was identified as a location of concern by Warwick Village residents in February 2023.

The intersection has numerous pedestrians and bikes hourly and over 1,200 vehicle users per day. Speeding on Kennedy Street and the size of the intersection make it difficult and uncomfortable for people walking to cross. It is also difficult for drivers to understand who has the right-of-way due to the size of the intersection and presence of access roads. 

In 2023, City staff coordinated with residents on identifying options to address safety for all users. Countermeasures implemented as part of this project include:

• Curb Extensions: The existing medians from the northside service roads and southwest corner of the intersection will be extended to help reduce active time that pedestrians are in the roadway as well as reduce vehicle turning speeds.
• High-Visibility Crosswalks: In addition to the "Stop for Pedestrians in Crosswalk" plaques, the high-visibility crosswalks increase driver attentiveness and visibility of pedestrian crossings.
• Mini-Roundabout/Neighborhood Traffic Circle: The roundabout improves traffic flow through the intersection, reduces conflict points between roadway users, and reduces vehicle speeds, thereby lowering the risk of injury-related crashes.

Initial work is complete as of May 22. Staff will be evaluating the neighborhood mini-roundabout over the next several months and will make adjustments as necessary. 

Evaluation 

Status: In Progress

• Travel Data was collected in June 2024 to determine if any adjustments can be made to the existing layout to try to further influence drivers to properly use the roundabout.
• The data collection device observed travel paths, potential conflicts with other intersection users, and approaching speed and volume of drivers.
• It was observed the that drivers going up the hill on Kennedy (westbound) do not have much deflection going around the roundabout.
• Additionally, there several instances a vehicle was turning in front of the circle coming from Hickory Street southbound turning onto eastbound Kennedy Street (towards Mt. Vernon Ave).
• The average speed dropped noticeably down the hill on Kennedy and slightly coming up the hill, and the 85th percentile speed (or majority of vehicles) are traveling closer to the speed limit now.
• The percentage of vehicles driving over the 30 MPH also decreased in both directions.
• There were no near miss incidents or collisions that were observed. 
• Adjustments planned: September/ October 2024 (Complete)

1. Slight adjustment to the modular devices in the middle to become more of an oval shape to provide more deflection for the westbound approach.
2. Create a travel lane border and push the travel lane more towards the center in hopes of leading drivers to the center of the roundabout, forcing them to maneuver around the roundabout while going through the intersection.
3. Install more modular devices to make turning in front of the circle from Hickory Street onto Kennedy Street a little more difficult in hopes to encourage proper use of the intersection. 
4. Explore adding arrows pavement markings to notify drivers the proper direction.

• After Data Collection efforts will take place Spring 2025. 

public art PILOT

Status: Complete

The intersection has been selected to be part of a public art pilot project. For more information, visit the project webpage. 

Design & Construction

Status: Complete

Project Design

Community Engagement

Status: Complete

Staff met with the Warwick Village Citizens Association on multiple occasions over the course of the project. Staff presented the recommended concept at the July 2023 Traffic & Parking Board Public Hearing. The Board endorsed the staff recommendation. 

Staff has continued to engage with the community during implementation and following project completion. 

More Information on Mini-Roundabouts

What is a Mini-Roundabout?

• A circular, unsignalized intersection where all traffic moves in a counter clockwise direction around a central island
• Traffic entering the mini-roundabout slows down and yields to traffic already inside
• Mini-roundabouts have a fully-traversable central island and splitter islands that larger vehicles can drive over

How do I navigate a Mini-Roundabout?

Follow these tips to navigate the mini-roundabout:

• People driving should:
  • Stop for pedestrians in the crosswalk or entering the crosswalk.
  • Yield to traffic already inside the circle, then proceed through the circle counterclockwise.
  • Turn more slowly than they did previously.
• People walking should use the high-visibility crosswalks, pausing at the curb extensions, if desired. 
• People biking should use the road like cars do and yield right-of-way to those in the circle. 

The mini-roundabout is designed to be approached at 15 MPH or less. Large vehicles like box trucks, buses, or trailers may ride over the center circle. The City will be using modular curbs similar to those on Commonwealth Avenue that can be traveled over by larger vehicles, albeit at very low speeds. 

In addition to the graphic below, watch the Virginia Department of Transportation video on how to navigate a mini-roundabout.