Route 7 Transit Study Underway; Employee Survey Available
The Route 7 corridor from Route 1 in Alexandria all the way to west of Tysons Corner is the subject of a Transit Alternatives Analysis, whose main question is what transit options would be worth investing in to make the corridor more accessible, more desirable and easier to travel through. Transit alternatives being studied include express bus, rapid bus, bus rapid transit, light rail, and streetcar. The background research has been completed, and public meetings to discuss the study are likely to begin in June. Findings could be announced as soon as October 2013.
Route 7 is a key east-west route that contains commercial development as well as residential uses, is heavily-traveled, and is slated for revitalization. It links employment centers in Northern Virginia, beginning in Old Town Alexandria and including the Mark Center, Skyline, Baileys Crossroads, Seven Corners, Falls Church, and Tysons Corner.
This study originates in an earmark made by Congressman Jim Moran that initially focused on Route 7 to Falls Church. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission is the study sponsor, and defined the scope of the study, issued a Request for Proposals, and selected Parsons Brinckerhoff as its consultant.
For further information about the study, consult the website www.Route7corridorstudy.com. A survey for people employed within one-half mile of the study corridor can be accessed from the home page on that site. The survey asks about travel patterns and mod
e of transportation for travel to and from work.