Sidewalk proposed for Columbia Pike

Funding considered for a sidewalk on this section of Columbia Pike in Annandale.

The Fairfax County Department of Transportation is considering applying for federal funding under the Transportation Alternatives Set Aside Project (TAP) for five projects, including “Columbia Pike Complete Streets.”

FCDOT is holding a public meeting on this Sept. 4, 7 p.m., at the Fairfax County Government Center, Conference Room 2, 12000 Government Center Parkway in Fairfax.

At the meeting, county staff will give a presentation about the program, followed by a question-and-answer session. People can also submit comments online.

The Columbia Pike Complete Streets project would consist of a new sidewalk along the south side of Columbia Pike from Backlick Road to Tom Davis Drive and a new crosswalk and curb ramps on Columbia Pike at the west leg of Tom Davis Drive. The crosswalk would accommodate a pedestrian refuge island with a future “road diet” (narrower lanes for vehicles).

FCDOT issued a report a year ago recommending bike and pedestrian improvements on Columbia Pike. Arlington County, meanwhile, is making improvements to Columbia Pike between the Fairfax County border and Four Mile Run Drive.

Another TAP proposal would add 10 new Capital Bikeshares stations throughout Fairfax County to connect with existing stations in Tysons, Merrifield, Reston, Arlington, Alexandria, and Falls Church.

The other proposed projects include Safe Routes to School programs at Shrevewood Elementary School in Falls Church and Orange Hunt Elementary in Springfield and a trail extension between Route 1 and Mason Neck Park.

TAP funds projects that enhance communities by improving connections and access, such as bicycle and pedestrian facilities, streetscape improvements, and refurbishment of historic transportation facilities.

Fairfax County would submit an application to VDOT under the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (the FAST Act). The program provides 80 percent of the funds for each eligible project, with the locality contributing the remaining 20 percent.