Virginia transportation department to explore transit options for U.S. Route 1 corridor

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) has launched a public outreach program to inform people about and gather input on the U.S. Route 1 corridor in northern Virginia.

The outreach efforts are part of a comprehensive, multi-modal transportation alternatives analysis that will examine a range of transit, roadway, pedestrian and bicycle options along a 14-mile corridor running from the Interstate 95/Interstate 495 Capital Beltway interchange in Fairfax County to Route 123 in Prince William County.

DRPT officials and the consulting team conducting the analysis expect to define key transportation issues along the corridor and explore a range of transportation solutions, including light-rail service, bus rapid transit, extended Metrorail service, roadway widening, and restructured pedestrian/bicycle pathways and facilities. The study is expected to be completed in summer 2014.

Until then, DRPT and consultants will work with community members along the corridor to obtain input on the corridor plan. The first public meeting is scheduled for Oct. 9 at the South County Government Center in Alexandria.