Tag: safety
Residents of Annandale’s ‘opportunity neighborhoods’ work on action plans
ON-Annandale community organizer Nayely Lopez surveys residents of Fairmont Gardens. [FACETS] The biggest concerns among residents of Annandale’s Opportunity Neighborhoods are security and safety; children’s issues; and apartment issues. That’s the chief finding of a survey conducted by volunteers with FACETS, the nonprofit organization coordinating the ON-Annandale initiative.
Let’s make our streets safer for walking and biking
Little River Turnpike at John Marr Drive in Annandale. By Phil Kemelor Have you almost been hit by a car when walking or cycling? Now you can report those “near misses” and help make your streets safer.
Mason District needs better pedestrian and bicycle connections
Old Columbia Pike could use a walkway. Mason District doesn’t have enough safe, connected bicycling routes or pedestrian pathways, which makes it hard to get around without driving. That’s the key message local residents brought to a meeting on the ActiveFairfax transportation initiative April 8 hosted by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT).
Traffic signal improvements set for Columbia Pike
Columbia Pike as seen from Maple Court. Construction is expected to start this month on two traffic signal upgrades aimed at improving safety on Columbia Pike: at John Marr Drive/Chatelain Road in Annandale and at Lacy Boulevard/Maple Court in Bailey’s Crossroads. The Virginia Department of Transportation will install at each intersection two twin signal poles with mast arms, … Continued
Metro closing stations in advance of Inauguration Day
Virginia National Guard troops are assisting the inauguration security efforts in Washington, D.C. [U.S. Army] Metro is closing 13 stations and reducing bus service in advance of the inauguration ceremony on Wednesday, Jan. 20, for President-Elect Joe Biden. In response to concerns of further violence by Trump supporters following the siege of the Capitol on … Continued
Holding a phone while driving is now illegal
Distracted driving causes accidents. [Vancouver Courier] As of Jan. 1, it’s illegal to hold a cellphone while driving in Virginia. The penalty is a $125 fine for a first offense or using a phone in a highway work zone and $250 for additional offenses. If using headphones for talking on a phone hands-free, you can … Continued
Community meeting will address Backlick Road improvements
The main north-south road is Backlick Road. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation invites the public to an online meeting Wednesday, Dec. 16, at 7 p.m., on the Backlick Road Spot Improvements Project. The project is aimed at relieving congestion and improving safety at the intersection at Backlick Road and Industrial Road in Mason District … Continued
Residents urged to comment on potential Route 50 improvements
Eastbound Route 50 approaching Allen Street. [VDOT] The Virginia Department of Transportation is considering a long list of alternatives to improve traffic and pedestrian safety along Route 50 (Arlington Boulevard) between Jaguar Trail and Wilson Boulevard in the Falls Church area. This study is being conducted through VDOT’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) program. … Continued
Fire department hosts virtual events during Fire Prevention Week
Due to the need to maintain safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fairfax County fire stations are not inviting the community to open house events this fall. Instead, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department is hosting interactive, virtual events every day during Fire Prevention Week, Oct. 5-10. This year’s theme is “Serve Up Fire Safety … Continued
Public comment sought on pedestrian signal at dangerous Annandale intersection
The Conwell Drive intersection at Little River Turnpike. Representatives from the Fairfax County Department of Transportation will be at a tent at the corner of Little River Turnpike and Conwell Drive in Annandale tomorrow and Monday seeking public feedback on a proposed HAWK signal for improving pedestrian safety. Residents are invited to drop by and discuss … Continued
Fairfax County seeks input on new pedestrian signal for Little River Turnpike in Annandale
A HAWK signal is planned for this crosswalk on Little River Turnpike at Conwell Drive. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation seeks feedback from the community on a HAWK signal planned for Little River Turnpike at the Conwell Drive intersection in Annandale. The HAWK (High-Intensity Activated crossWalK) is aimed at improving pedestrian safety, especially as … Continued
With no big local July 4 events, expect a lot of neighborhood fireworks
A fireworks stand on Little River Turnpike in Annandale. The Annandale Blog wishes everyone a fun and safe Fourth of July—but don’t forget, we’re still in the midst of a pandemic. There are no public fireworks events scheduled locally, so as you enjoy your backyard DIY fireworks shows, don’t invite too many people and be … Continued
Southern Towers tenants call for rent strike
Southern Towers Residents of the Southern Towers apartment complex in Alexandria’s West End are organizing a rent strike. According to a story published by WAMU, many tenants have lost their jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic and can’t afford rent and are also concerned about unsanitary conditions in the building’s common areas. A petition circulated … Continued
Health officials working to contain spread of coronavirus, identify people at risk
Health and government officials speak at a March 8 briefing on coronavirus. From the left: Fairfax County Health Director Dr. Gloria Addo-Avensu, Virginia Health Commissioner Dr. Norman Oliver, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay. Two people have tested positive for the novel coronavirus (officially known as COVID-19) in Virginia, but, “at this … Continued
Pedestrian fatalities most likely to involve seniors
“Walking seniors are dying in record numbers on Virginia’s roads,” reports AAA Mid-Atlantic. Statewide, there were 37 fatalities involving pedestrians age 65 or older in 2019, compared to 19 in 2018. Fairfax County had 16 pedestrian deaths in 2019, including six people age 65 or older, the most of any jurisdiction in Virginia. There were … Continued