22 Mile Trail Parallel to I-66 -- Helpful Video and Input Needed

[CBGanimal]

Went to the meeting (my first time ever going to this kinda thing) I was a bit intimidated...regardless... out of about 15 people that stood in line to speak, 4 were cyclist! They all said the same thing that the multi use trail should be on the quiet side of the sound wall. VDOT said they have addressed the issue and it stands as is...since they are "accommodating" a bike trail that should be enough. But after the 4th cyclist they at least said there might be a way but didn't really say how...
Comments sent in is the best way to get their attention...lots of comments!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[Judd]

I sent the following e-mail:


Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed concept for the "Transform 66" Project. As an Arlington, VA resident who bikes, walks and drives in the I-66 corridor, I was pleased to see that the proposed concept includes a 22 mile multi-use path. The existing Custis Trail along I-66 in Arlington allows several thousand cyclists, joggers and walkers each day to commute, to exercise or to connect to another neighborhood. (Source: Arlington trail counter data at http://counters.bikearlington.com/counter-dashboard/)

Unfortunately, the current concept on the Transform 66 website presents a trail that at best would be extremely unpleasant and that many trail users would consider dangerous. This can be fixed by moving the trail behind the sound barrier. The proposed trail should be moved behind the sound barrier for the following reasons:

1. Interstate highways are noisy. According to a Federal Highway Administration article, "Levels of highway traffic noise typically range from 70 to 80 dB(A) at a distance of 15 meters (50 feet) from the highway. These levels affect a majority of people, interrupting concentration, increasing heart rates, or limiting the ability to carry on a conversation." (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publication...s/03jul/06.cfm) This level of noise not only would discourage trail use, it would also make it difficult for trail users to hear bells or voice calls when passing each other, creating a safety issue.

2. Interstate highways are full of debris. Blown tires, car parts, bolts, and even a mattress or two are often found on the side of Interstates. These present a hazard when they end up on the trail and are potentially deadly when propelled from a travel lane on the trail. There is good reason that pedestrians and cyclists are banned from using Interstate Highways. Placing the trail at grade with I-66 separated by only a two foot wall and two buffer lanes presents an unnecessary risk of serious injury.

3. Interstate highways are uncomfortable heat islands. Virginia summers are hot and often humid. Add the heat island effect of a concrete sound barrier, an asphalt roadway and the heat from engines with a lack of trees or landscaping to provide shade and this trail will be unbearably hot in the summer.

I appreciate the opportunity to provide feedback. As you consider refining the concept based on public comment, I implore you to ask yourself if the current concept is the kind of trail that you would be happy to take a walk with your family or if you'd rather use a trail that is separated from the noise and debris of a high volume Interstate highway.

Thank you,

Judd Lumberjack
Arlington, VA

[dbb]

Thanks Judd. I poached much of your comments and sent them to my delegate in the state house.

[consularrider]

...

Unfortunately, the current concept on the Transform 66 website presents a trail that at best would be extremely unpleasant and that many trail users would consider dangerous. This can be fixed by moving the trail behind the sound barrier. The proposed trail should be moved behind the sound barrier for the following reasons:

1. Interstate highways are noisy. According to a Federal Highway Administration article, "Levels of highway traffic noise typically range from 70 to 80 dB(A) at a distance of 15 meters (50 feet) from the highway. These levels affect a majority of people, interrupting concentration, increasing heart rates, or limiting the ability to carry on a conversation." (https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publication...s/03jul/06.cfm) This level of noise not only would discourage trail use, it would also make it difficult for trail users to hear bells or voice calls when passing each other, creating a safety issue...

And the sound barrier exists to protect homes several hundred feet away from the reduced affects of the noise, so yea, let's put the unprotected right in the middle of it!

[Steve O]

Another point, if people are still polishing their remarks.

In the case of fast moving weather, such as a hailstorm or lightning storm, it would leave trail users, particularly those on foot, with no place to shelter. It seems there are pretty long sections without exits. Imagine one were pushing a stroller and a fast moving lightning storm came up with the nearest exit point 1/2 mile or further away. No place to go; no way to flee into the nearby neighborhood or industrial park or commercial area. Trapped with literally no way to shelter whatsoever. This seems pretty scary to me.

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If they actually build it the way it's planned, it will be world famous! Many conferences I've been to include presentations that show epic failures: bike lanes that end at brick walls, two ends of a bridge that don't line up, buildings that fall over, etc. This trail will be paraded out at every transportation conference for the next few decades as an example of an epic failure. If VDOT would like that ignominy, then they should go right ahead.
If someone attends one of the meetings and would like to include this comment idea, do it. You may even use the word "ignominy" if you like.

[Steve O]

. VDOT said they have addressed the issue and it stands as is...since they are "accommodating" a bike trail that should be enough. But after the 4th cyclist they at least said there might be a way but didn't really say how...

This is infuriating!! Ostensibly, the whole point of "Transform I-66" is to provide a host of travel choices along the corridor. This very statement, "accommodate" exposes their hypocrisy. "We're building this for cars, and we will 'accommodate' you other peons."

[nosrednaj]

I have been wandering around the website from the original post in this thread. Is there something that discusses or illustrates what happens to the bikepath at vehicular entrances/exits to I-66?

Per meetings FABB has had with VDOT, FCDOT and in talking with the head/lead engineer of the contractor - the trail will be grade separated at every ramp on all interchanges unless the trail exists onto a trail/sidewalk/etc. The trail does go on-road in some locations.

[nosrednaj]

Seems like when I-66 gets plowed, a lot of the snow and ice from the freeway will wind up on the trail, making it unrideable until spring, and a mess throughout the year.

Does anyone have any experience riding over the Wilson Bridge during winter? What happens to the snow ? The bike trail there is not so different than what VDOT is proposing except no wall on one side....just awesome views of the Potomac.

[nosrednaj]

And after seeing the video, I don't like it. We are blocked from seeing trees and birds with tall noise wall, so it's not enjoyable, and only 2 feet tall barrier between us and cars, so it's not safe. However; on the plus side, car drivers would be able to see us going faster than they are. Unfortunately, I can't get to the meetings either.

The video is being updated. The wall at a minimum is 32" but VDOT says the will likely install 50" and fencing on top. Still not a great experience but better protection.

[nosrednaj]

That sound wall is freaking amazing too. Incredibly quiet on the trail side.

Is that the plexiglass like wall?