WASHINGTON — Public hearings are set for the coming weeks in Arlington County where lawmakers are considering changes to the local transportation regulations to allow for pedestrian-only streets.
During a county board meeting Tuesday, members confirmed they would be holding the hearings and advertising them to the community.
Hearings will be in front of the county’s planning commission Oct. 5 and in front of the board on Oct. 15.
“It’s well worth considering,” said board member John Vihstadt. “We pride ourselves on being bicycle-friendly and pedestrian-friendly. I do think that there is a place in certain locations in the county that could benefit from a pedestrian-only street.”
Lawmakers are considering amending their Master Transportation Plan, which currently does not include any language about such streets.
Specifically, the amendment would impact a reconstruction plan around the Rosslyn Metro station to “break up north-south blocks and enhance access” to the station.
The plan calls for a segment from N. Lynn to N. Oak Street to “accommodate pedestrians and bicyclists only, without motor vehicle access.”
In addition to impacting the Rosslyn project, the transportation amendment would provide guidance on how to potentially utilize pedestrian-only streets in other areas of Arlington.
