Reston Master Plan

Thoughts on transportation

Focus is importantWithout the proper transportation groundwork other plans will fall through.

OopsFocus has been lost

But with help we can refocusLet’s go over some specific situations that can cause problems in transportation plans

Congested unsafe crossingsThe Dulles ramps make these crossings unsafe for pedestrians and bicyclists. The roads are jammed with vehicles separating north and south Reston.

Connection to Soapstone Drive and Isaac Newton W.This connection over the Dulles will handle traffic not planning to access the Dulles Toll Road. It provides safe access for pedestrians and bicyclists.

View of crossing on north side of Dulles.The Dulles Highways are above the ground on the north side. Should this be an underpass instead of a bridge? MWAA is unaware of plans for this crossing.

Crossing between Town Center Parkway and Edmund Halley Drive.This will be the only 24 hour connection between Reston Parkway station north and south.

Town Center Crossing as it is now on the northern side.The Dulles Toll Road is above the street here. This may also require an underpass rather than a bridge. MWAA is unaware of plans for this crossing.

Dulles crossing between Plaza America and Reston Heights.This would be a pedestrian bicycle crossing only. It links condominiums and hotels on the south side with a shopping center on the north side. It provides a key bicycle link between north and south. MWAA says it is necessary to install pilings now even if other work is done later.

Crossing to Plaza America from Reston HeightsThe height of the southern side suggests a bridge here. It will be necessary to install pilings on the Dulles Highway. MWAA says the pilings must be installed now. The actual bridge can be placed later.

Dulles crossing big pictureThe yellow circles denote hazardous locations for bicyclists and pedestrians. The planned crossings do not have ramps to the Dulles Toll Road.

Reston structure in 1973.Notice the major road changes since that time. The road plans came first, then the buildings.

Parallel universes.Rush hour buses go to Metro stations, RIBS goes to bus terminal. Metro wants about $2.00 to travel to the next station. Transit riders must walk from bus terminal to Metro station.

Town Center terminalsThe red circle is the center of the town, the yellow circle is the bus terminal and the orange circle is the Metro terminal. Why is this a plan?

Where do you want to drop your keys?Do you put the bus terminal where the county owns the land or where it maximizes convenience for travelers?

Bethesda bus terminal.This bus terminal is adjacent to the Metro station. That maximizes convenience for travelers. All bus systems meet here. Place the town bus terminal in the basement of the Boston Properties building to duplicate this arrangement in Reston.

Sunset Hills Road realignment.The county was given land to realign Sunset Hills Road. However, the county allowed a new developer to design a street system that does not tie in with the realignment.

Stop the Reston Parkway mixing bowl.Traffic off the westbound ramp can turn right onto Reston Parkway at all times. They then try to get in the left lane to go west on Sunset Hills Road. Northbound traffic on Reston Parkway has to break into the right lane to go east on Sunset Hills Road.l

Route 28 at Braddock RoadNotice how the left turners are separated from the straight through traffic.

Route 28 at I66 ramps.Vehicles from westbound I66 can merge with northbound Route 28 without stopping using the upper ramp. Vehicles planning to turn left on Braddock Road must use the lower ramp and wait at the traffic light to enter the left turn lanes from Braddock Road.

Lake Fairfax Park Trail Plan (partial)Utilize the planned trail system in Lake Fairfax Park to connect the W&OD Trail to North Shore Drive and points north.

Proposed connection W&OD Trail to North Shore DriveThis will require an easement from the W&OD Trail to Lake Fairfax Park and paving of an existing dirt trail on Reston Association property.

A good transportation system will keep us connected.