Four Mile Run Trail Closure Along South Glebe — Options

[wheelswings]

Has anyone ridden that stretch of sidewalk lately on S. Glebe between Mt. Vernon Ave and S Eads? In the past I’ve heard it’s not great, but how bad is it really?

[dbb]

@wheels&wings 145782 wrote:

Has anyone ridden that stretch of sidewalk lately on S. Glebe between Mt. Vernon Ave and S Eads? In the past I’ve heard it’s not great, but how bad is it really?

It sucks pretty bad. A bunch of abandoned driveway entrances (there apparently was housing there) and irregular surfaces. I will probably set my rear blinkeys to stun and take the lane. Probably not for the faint of heart.

[Harry Meatmotor]

@dbb 145785 wrote:

It sucks pretty bad. A bunch of abandoned driveway entrances (there apparently was housing there) and irregular surfaces. I will probably set my rear blinkeys to stun and take the lane. Probably not for the faint of heart.

35 mph speed limit along here means even I’m hesitant to take the lane on this section. typical traffic is running at 45+.

[Steve O]

@Harry Meatmotor 145792 wrote:

35 mph speed limit along here means even I’m hesitant to take the lane on this section. typical traffic is running at 45+.

Just go 45 then.

[ginacico]

@dbb 145785 wrote:

It sucks pretty bad. A bunch of abandoned driveway entrances (there apparently was housing there) and irregular surfaces. I will probably set my rear blinkeys to stun and take the lane. Probably not for the faint of heart.

I did this on my way to Crystal City Coffee Club this morning, just to test your theory. In the midst of rush hour about a hundred cars (I could be exaggerating) passed me, but I made it to Eads alive, and only one honk from a Prius-driving cabbie who still managed to give me enough space.

The sidewalk is pretty gnarly, at least until you get past all of the abandoned driveway entrances. Plus it’s narrow with not a lot of passing space if that’s where the joggers wind up.

The best choice IMO is to take the recommended detour on the Four Mile Run Park Trail. Except, as was much discussed, it sucks to have to cross Mt. Vernon Ave at the intersection with S Glebe. Can they not leave the trail open through the underpass to avoid that mess?

[chris_s]

@ginacico 145804 wrote:

Except, as was much discussed, it sucks to have to cross Mt. Vernon Ave at the intersection with S Glebe. Can they not leave the trail open through the underpass to avoid that mess?

The underpass beneath Mt Vernon Ave will remain open the entire time.

If you can decipher the detour map, they are trying to get Eastbound and Westbound users to use different sides of the Mt Vernon Ave bridge because those sidewalks are so narrow. Encountering someone coming the other way while on the bridge sidewalk is not enjoyable.

They want Eastbound people to stay on the West side of the bridge and cross Mt Vernon at the light @ Four Mile Run Road. They want Westbound people to use the East side of the bridge and use the underpass beneath Mt Vernon Ave. That is how it will be signed. I also expect it to be thoroughly ignored.

[ginacico]

@chris_s 145806 wrote:

The underpass beneath Mt Vernon Ave will remain open the entire time.

Oh, that’s good news! And looking at the map more closely, I see what you describe.

As with any construction project, I’m sure we’ll adapt. Perhaps in ways that they don’t intend, but we’ll adapt.

[CaseyKane50]

@chris_s 145806 wrote:

The underpass beneath Mt Vernon Ave will remain open the entire time.

If you can decipher the detour map, they are trying to get Eastbound and Westbound users to use different sides of the Mt Vernon Ave bridge because those sidewalks are so narrow. Encountering someone coming the other way while on the bridge sidewalk is not enjoyable.

They want Eastbound people to stay on the West side of the bridge and cross Mt Vernon at the light @ Four Mile Run Road. They want Westbound people to use the East side of the bridge and use the underpass beneath Mt Vernon Ave. That is how it will be signed. I also expect it to be thoroughly ignored.

For the eastbound detour, another option is to take the lane on Mount Vernon Avenue. In the morning the traffic headed southbound is usually pretty light. The posted speed limit on Mount Vernon is 25 mph. This gives you the option of turning left into the Four Mile Run Park parking lot or continuing up to the traffic light at Four Mile Drive. Northbound traffic is usually creeping along as it approaches the Glebe Road intersection.

[vern]

From those in the know I’d like to hear about the feasibility of going north on Arlington Ridge Road and then cutting east on 23rd to get to Crystal City. Is there any reason why this wouldn’t be a decent workaround?

[ginacico]

@vern 145812 wrote:

From those in the know I’d like to hear about the feasibility of going north on Arlington Ridge Road and then cutting east on 23rd to get to Crystal City. Is there any reason why this wouldn’t be a decent workaround?

That’s a helluva hill. Arlington Ridge Road really is on a ridgeline, so any way you approach it there’s a climb. And traffic is pretty steady during rush hours.

We also discussed Army Navy Drive as a workaround. It’s better, not as hilly and mostly bike lanes. Traffic interactions are minimal, but you either have to turn right on 23rd to Arlington Ridge (again, quite a climb) or deal with navigating Pentagon City.

[ShawnoftheDread]

@vern 145812 wrote:

From those in the know I’d like to hear about the feasibility of going north on Arlington Ridge Road and then cutting east on 23rd to get to Crystal City. Is there any reason why this wouldn’t be a decent workaround?

It’s a great way to go if you have the legs for it. It’s a long, steep climb to 23rd.

[wheelswings]

Very interesting to hear about the Arlington Ridge option. Is there a decent edge so cars can pass you without too much trouble on the uphill? Or is it super-narrow?

[Emm]

@wheels&wings 145817 wrote:

Very interesting to hear about the Arlington Ridge option. Is there a decent edge so cars can pass you without too much trouble on the uphill? Or is it super-narrow?

It’s narrow. If a car is coming the opposite direction (which during rush hour they generally are), a car would have a tough time safely passing you. It’s not the worst route, but it’s also wouldn’t be on the top of any “safest routes” lists.

Also, it curves at a few points which means cars going down it go pretty fast through a few turns with difficult visibility, which just adds to the risk.

[americancyclo]

https://www.strava.com/segments/709246

[KayakCyndi]

@ShawnoftheDread 145816 wrote:

It’s a great way to go if you have the legs for it. It’s a long, steep climb to 23rd.

I was thinking about this when I saw the closure notice. We’re gonna have to ride it again together as I can’t remember exactly how to do it.

[Author]

Posts