The National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board (TPB) at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) approved more than $5 million in funding for 11 projects in Northern Virginia through the Transportation Alternatives Program. The program provides funding to transportation projects other than traditional highway construction, including bicycle, pedestrian, trail, and Safe Routes to School projects.
The TPB approved the following projects, totaling $5,440,710:
- Arlington County: Four Mile Run Trail Connection – $241,000
- Arlington County: Rosslyn-Ballston ADA Improvements – $392,000
- City of Fairfax: Judicial Trail Connection – $174,800
- Fairfax County: Vienna Metro Bike Connection Improvement – $800,000
- City of Falls Church (Northern Virginia Regional Parks Authority): W&OD Trail Mode Separation – $274,250
- Fairfax County: Fair Lakes Boulevard Walkway – $480,000
- Prince William County: Sudley Road Sidewalk – $148,000
- Prince William County: Mill Street Crosswalks – $147,280
- Prince William County: Gemini Way Pedestrian Improvements – $880,000
- Prince William County: Gemini Way Pedestrian Improvements – $1,527,484
- Town of Hillsboro: Gaver Mill Trail-Shared-Use Path Project – $375,896
The projects were selected in part based on how well they advance regional priorities, such as improving accessibility for communities with high concentrations of low-income and/or minority populuations and people with disabilities, and for enhancing walkability to schools and transit.
“The Transportation Alternatives Program offers the region the ability to fund small projects that make it easier for people to leave the car at home,” said John Swanson, COG Transportation Planner. “We know that little things – building sidewalks, extending paths – can really make a difference in whether people feel they can safely walk or bike.”
The TPB works with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to administer the funding for the projects and will submit the funding recommendations to VDOT for inclusion in the Commonwealth’s Six Year Improvement Program for Transportation.
MORE: View the TPB meeting page for materials and more information on the TAP projects.