August is Back to School Month

Although we are still in the “Dog Days of Summer” and many are squeezing in some late summer holidays, it is time to begin to focus on the upcoming school year and what that means for transportation safety in our area. 

The first day of the 2024-25 school year is Monday, August 19.  That’s when traffic conditions intensify during morning and afternoon commuting hours when the county’s 1,600+ school busses make their appearance along with long lines of slow moving traffic on roads like Georgetown Pike.  The inevitable delays created by the return of more traffic following the summer season can create stress on drivers, especially those running behind. 

Here are some safety reminders for all drivers:

Stop for school buses with flashing red lights on.  Drivers must stop in both directions, unless separated from the bus by a median strip (See graphic above).  It is considered reckless driving - a criminal offense - if you pass a stopped school bus loading or unloading children.  Obey the road rules.  It is not worth getting to your destination a few seconds faster when you are risking the safety and lives of others.

Slow down in school zones when the school zone lights are flashing; be aware of the speed camera pilot program in certain school zones.  Fairfax County police issued more than 20,000 citations to drivers who ignored school zone speed limits during the school zone speed camera pilot program and more schools are being added to the list for speed cameras.

Follow the directions of the county’s dedicated crossing guards to ensure the safety of students.  Pay attention in crossing guard zone areas as you drive.

Transportation Safety Issues: School Zones and

Walker Road Safety Study Comments

Walker Road Safety Study Comments
On July 12, 2024, the comment period for the VDOT Walker Road Safety Study closed for public input.  However, since these comments were visible to all visitors to the feedback website, we were able to document 149 comments received.  The comments varied since the study encompasses the entire section of Walker Road from Colvin Run to Georgetown Pike.

The opposition to the proposed larger bridge structure was clear in a ratio of 2:1.  Other comments focused on the safety of Walker Road in general pointing out the absence of warning signs, the sharp curves, and blind intersections along the corridor.  Also noted were comments asking for improvements for school bus stops and the Colvin Run Road – Walker Road intersection, citing the need for better traffic controls.

Some observations were critical of the VDOT consultant’s (Kimley-Horn) survey and data collection process.

In anticipation of a September meeting with VDOT and Kimley-Horn, the GFCA has requested the results of the Kimley-Horn study in advance of the next meeting and additional notice in order to prepare questions for that meeting.  No response has been received by the GFCA to date.

School Zone Speed Enforcement
During the recent Board of Supervisor’s safety committee meeting, the Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) reported their success in speed camera enforcement in school zones following a prior pilot program.  Currently, Virginia law limits speed camera enforcement to school zones and work zones.  Police Chief Davis stated: “We continue to see motorists traveling at speeds well above the posted speed limit…This program provides a great tool to help reduce speed, deter pedestrian crashes, and keep our communities safe.”

Board of Supervisors Chairperson Jeffrey McKay added: “This program, in coordination with the Police Department and Fairfax County Public Schools, is a critical tool to deter dangerous behavior and ultimately save lives.  As you drive through our neighborhoods and school zones – the message is clear, please take a moment to slow down.”

If approved, the FCPD plans to expand speed camera enforcement to 50 additional school zones in addition to the nine currently active.  Dranesville Supervisor, James “Jimmy” Bierman, expressed his support for the project and observed “...nobody should be speeding in a school zone.”  GFCA has been unable to determine from publicly available information if either of the two Great Falls elementary school zones will receive a traffic camera.

Plans Received: Georgetown Pike/Library Pedestrian Refuge Improvements 

Fairfax County Department of Transportation staff released a “Conceptual Plan” for a proposed Library Crosswalk and Pedestrian Refuge to GFCA President John Halacy that indicates proposed changes to the roadway and driveway entrances that will be affected by the project.  Although the plan is “conceptual” it indicates that there will be some roadway widening and a significant change to the driveway entrance to Bucks Lane and the Safeway shopping center’s rear driveway entrance. 

Several GFCA Transportation members (TRN) who viewed the drawings noted that at least one tree will be removed as well as the widening of the paved surface over an area on the eastbound lane of Georgetown Pike where rip-rap is installed to address stormwater runoff from the roadway.  Also, those TRN members observed that the existing “taper” to the entrance to Bucks Lane will be removed and the driveway entry radius appears to be reduced. 

According to the July 29 Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) Project Status Report, the next step for the project will be reviewed by VDOT before becoming final.  Because, members of the TRN have recognized that the time to submit questions and concerns is before a project is put into final and approved status, a request was made to FCDOT to bring the plans to an in-person meeting so members of the community could view the conceptual plans and ask staff questions.

County staff declined GFCA’s request to meet at this time and proposed that GFCA submit questions now while assuring President Halacy that there would be opportunity for community engagement before the project is approved and finalized.  On July 30, an email was sent to Supervisor Bierman reiterating GFCA’s request for a community meeting before the project receives approvals and advances to final form.    

For a link to the plans, email transportation@gfca.org.

GFCA Gears Up For the 2024 Holiday Ornament Sale:

New Ornament selected

The 2024 ornament has been selected and it is in honor of the 135th Anniversary of the Old Forestville Schoolhouse.  Watch this space for further information on ornament sales.