WASHINGTON – The City of Alexandria is implementing left-turn restrictions after a 2011 study of the Washington Street corridor showed an elevated accident rate for vehicles turning left during HOV hours.
The elevated accident rate occurred most frequently between 7 and 9 a.m. and between 4 and 6 p.m. Protected left turns, where vehicles can turn left on a green traffic signal arrow, have been added for southbound vehicles turning left at Washington and Wythe streets and at Washington and Princess streets during the morning HOV hours. Similar protected left turns have been added at Washington and Wythe streets and at Washington and Queen streets during the evening HOV hours.
Left turns are prohibited Monday through Friday from 7 to 9 a.m. at the following intersections:
- Southbound Washington Street at Pendleton Street
- Southbound Washington Street at Oronoco Street
- Southbound Washington Street at Princess Street
- Southbound Washington Street at Cameron Street
- Southbound Washington Street at Duke Street
- Southbound Washington Street at Wolfe Street
Left turns are prohibited Monday through Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the following intersections:
- Northbound Washington Street at Pendleton Street
- Northbound Washington Street at Oronoco Street
- Northbound Washington Street at Cameron Street
- Northbound Washington Street at Duke Street
- Northbound Washington Street at Wolfe Street
The city’s Traffic and Parking Board, who approved the study in November 2011, believe the number of accidents resulting from left turns will decrease with these restrictions. All other existing regulatory restrictions will remain in effect.
The restrictions will go into effect on Wednesday, Oct. 24.
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