NVTA Adopts Funding to Improve Mobility in Alexandria and Throughout Region
$75 million will help build the Duke Street Transitway between Diagonal Road and Landmark Mall
ALEXANDRIA, VA – On the evening of June 9, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) adopted a funding program totaling $539 million. The program is designed to improve multimodal mobility and reduce traffic congestion in the Northern Virginia region. It will also help stimulate the local economy. The City of Alexandria has been allotted $75 million that will go toward the construction of the Duke Street Transitway.
Thirteen Northern Virginia localities and agencies had requested $1.44 billion.
Prior to approval, there were opportunities for public comment periods, so that the NVTA could hear from Northern Virginia residents.
In all, 21 of 41 programs were approved by a unanimous vote for either full or partial funding. Full funding means that projects, like the Duke Street Transitway, will move toward construction. Partial funding is given to programs that will advance to early development, but that does not necessarily mean those projects will reach completion.
The NVTA stated that the adopted program will last six years, based on their fiscal calendar, starting with this year and extending into 2025. Program updates are considered bi-anually.
In a press briefing this morning, NVTA Executive Director Monica Backmon, spoke with excitement about this fifth funding program, saying it is the most competitive to date.
“We got here through robust regional collaboration and the ability to look beyond jurisdictional lines,” she said.
According to documentation, the Duke Street Transitway – in the initial phase – is for stations/shelters, buses, limited right-of-way, and utility relocation. The Transitway will be located between Diagonal Road and Landmark Mall. It includes dedicated lanes for transit between Landmark Mall and Jordan Street. The project also adds new stations, pedestrian access, and safety improvements at transit stations and other areas.
Transitway design began this year. There is no completion date available.
“The 21 adopted projects…are important transportation investments for the entire region,” stated NVTA Vice-Chair and Manassas Mayor Hal Parrish at last night’s meeting. “[They are] all aimed at getting people to their destinations faster and improving the quality of life for Northern Virginians.”
