A Car-Free Street Dream in Northern Virginia

The city of Alexandria has begun to explore the idea of transforming sections of King Street into a car-free pedestrian zone.

1 minute read

August 29, 2019, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


Alexandria, Virginia

King Street in Alexandria, Virginia leads to Waterfront Park and the Potomac River. | Google Streetview

"A small section at the base of King Street in Alexandria, Virginia could become a car-free zone," reports Joanne Tang.

The proposal is still speculative, but "city staff are looking into closing some combination of the 100 block and 200 block of King Street to car traffic to make the space even more attractive and useful," according to Tang.

Tang also notes that even in the project's conceptual stage of development, the idea has provoked a windshield perspective from the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

Missy Schrott reported on the project earlier in August. Schott's coverage includes a quote from Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, who makes the case for a car-free street in the city: "There is very much a yearning for rethinking the way we use public space….Here, you have a space that attracts a lot of people, a lot of visitors, a lot of residents, and I think there’s a way to make that even more vital, even more attractive to the community."

Wednesday, August 28, 2019 in Greater Greater Washington

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