Study examining bicycle lanes for Williamsburg, Nine Mile roads

A new study is examining ways to make Williamsburg Road and Nine Mile Road safer for residents, including through the addition of bike lanes.

The study is being conducted by consulting firm VHB for the Virginia Department of Transporation and is focused on a 1.1-mile stretch of Williamsburg Road between East Side Lane and Nine Mile Road, as well as a 2.9-mile stretch of Nine Mile Road between East Gate Boulevard and Airport Drive.

The intent of the study is to determine how best to add bike accommodations to the existing curb-to-curb/pavement limits of the roadway. As part of the study, VHB also is looking at ways to improve pedestrian safety, reduce utility pole conflicts, and improve traffic signals.

The study's final report is expected to be released soon, according to VDOT, and is expected to suggest that lanes be narrowed to allow for the addition of continuous bicycle lanes with a varying buffer condition. It also is likely to recommend that narrow sidewalks along the two roads be widened in many locations and that utility pole conflicts should be reduced to improve pedestrian access routes.

Other anticipated recommendations:

• filling in sidewalk gaps to create an uninterrupted and continuous sidewalk network;
• significant parking lot reconstruction;
• improvements to the level of safety for pedestrians/cyclists at the crossings of large, open commercial entrances;
• redesigning outdated curb ramps and pedestrian crossings;
• drainage improvements along the corridors;
• the addition of pedestrian signals at major intersections (such as the Nine Mile Road/North Airport Drive intersection).

For details about the project, click here.