Does the new W&OD bridge over Rte 29 have a name?

[lordofthemark]

Just rode over it for the first time. I had on idea, and on reflecting, it seemed like the only possible name.

[Henry]

Just rode over it for the first time. I had on idea, and on reflecting, it seemed like the only possible name.

It does not. I asked VDOT about the this and it is a complex process involving the Commonwealth Transportation Board acting on behalf of a local jurisdiction's request to name something. Said jurisdiction must first agree to pay for all signage, too.

This would likely need buy-in from the NVRPA.

I also suggest starting with any surviving family members to make sure they are ok with it.

Here is the reply I got from Heidi Mitter at VDOT:

<Begin email>
Hi Henry,

So far, it seems possible to name the bridge - but VDOT treats bike/ped facility naming the same as highway naming, with a process that requires locality support, funding of naming expenses, and CTB approval. Find the webpage link below with further details.
I still need to ask NOVA parks for their resolution on facility naming. If this moves forward, we'd need to figure out what role that would play. I'm also guessing that Leah/other County staff would be good to consult with.

The commemorative namings of VDOT transportation facilities needs a county resolution supporting/requesting it to the CTB. More information can be found here: http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-highway-named.asp
Please be sure to follow the Examples Template for the namings (linked within the above web page) as including certain information and the county agreeing to pay for everything are very important.

<end of insert>

Happy to talk off-line if there is a desire to proceed.

Henry

[Steve O]

Just rode over it for the first time. I had an idea, and on reflecting, it seemed like the only possible name.

I give up.

[consularrider]

I give up.

Dirt. I saw that Bikenetic is now sponsoring the nearby Beautify Virginia section of I-66.

[lordofthemark]

It does not. I asked VDOT about the this and it is a complex process involving the Commonwealth Transportation Board acting on behalf of a local jurisdiction's request to name something. Said jurisdiction must first agree to pay for all signage, too.

This would likely need buy-in from the NVRPA.

I also suggest starting with any surviving family members to make sure they are ok with it.

Here is the reply I got from Heidi Mitter at VDOT:

<Begin email>
Hi Henry,

So far, it seems possible to name the bridge - but VDOT treats bike/ped facility naming the same as highway naming, with a process that requires locality support, funding of naming expenses, and CTB approval. Find the webpage link below with further details.
I still need to ask NOVA parks for their resolution on facility naming. If this moves forward, we'd need to figure out what role that would play. I'm also guessing that Leah/other County staff would be good to consult with.

The commemorative namings of VDOT transportation facilities needs a county resolution supporting/requesting it to the CTB. More information can be found here: http://www.virginiadot.org/info/faq-highway-named.asp
Please be sure to follow the Examples Template for the namings (linked within the above web page) as including certain information and the county agreeing to pay for everything are very important.

<end of insert>

Happy to talk off-line if there is a desire to proceed.

Henry

Of course if the family did not support it, that would be the end of the story.

I would think a resolution of support from the ArlCo BOS would be easy. Not sure how much signage costs, or if a fundraiser would be a possibility.

Glad someone seems to be moving it forward, and that the idea occurred to others. In my mind it already has the name, signs or no signs.

[consularrider]

Of course if the family did not support it, that would be the end of the story.

I would think a resolution of support from the ArlCo BOS would be easy. Not sure how much signage costs, or if a fundraiser would be a possibility.

Glad someone seems to be moving it forward, and that the idea occurred to others. In my mind it already has the name, signs or no signs.

I'd pay for the signs, no fundraiser needed (but contributions gladly accepted if and when the time comes). Thought about "lumberjacking" a temporary sign as I rode to Bikenetic this afternoon.

[Tim Kelley]

Of course if the family did not support it, that would be the end of the story.

Lemme check on that--brb.

[Steve O]

I'd pay for the signs, no fundraiser needed (but contributions gladly accepted if and when the time comes). Thought about "lumberjacking" a temporary sign as I rode to Bikenetic this afternoon.

I had exactly the same idea on Thursday. Shoot, I was thinking of ordering a sign that looks real and just putting it up.

[accordioneur]

Not to burst any bubbles, but anyone who states that there is only one possible choice for the name of this bridge is engaging in either hyperbole or myopia. Arlington is a county of 200,000+ people, at least some of whom may have other ideas about who most deserves this kind of honor. Of course, sometimes the early bird gets the worm, so maybe the bike community can grab naming rights before anyone else does.

[Arlingtonrider]

As far as I'm concerned, it already is and always will be the Pete Beers Memorial Bridge. After all, we named Trollheim, right? (Or did Pete do that?) Not to mention the Intersection of Doom, which Pete surely named.