Politics & Government

Alexandria Considering Right-Hand Turn Lane from Route 1 onto Reed Avenue

Recommendation expected to come in March.

A decision to construct a right-hand turn lane on southbound Route 1 onto E. Reed Avenue could be right around the corner.

City Council addressed the issue on Saturday when it approved a new affordable housing complex at the intersection.

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“I think that right-hand turn lane study should be completed expeditiously and constructed expeditiously,” Councilman Tim Lovain said. “I’ve thought for years there should be a right-hand turn lane coming south on Route 1.”

Currently, a third lane on the southbound side of Route 1 ends just before the intersection with Reed, causing congestion during peak hours.

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Dozens of residents of the E. Reed Avenue area testified before the Planning Commission this month, pleading with its members to open a right hand turn lane and conveying frustration with the current traffic situation at that intersection.

One Lynhaven resident told board members that she waited two hours to move 20 yards in her car to make a right onto E. Reed during bad weather.

Rich Baier, the director of the city’s Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, said Saturday a meeting about the turn lane was being scheduled for the end of February and that recommendations would be brought back to council in March.

Councilman Paul Smedberg brought up the turn lane issue in September when council approved a loan for AHC, the nonprofit behind the complex, to cover predevelopment costs.

Old Town Alexandria Patch editor Sharon McLoone contributed to this report.

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