Project Background 

Due to concerns about current traffic speeds and safety conditions on University Drive between Kenmore Drive and Fairfax Blvd, as well as the potential impact of added vehicles due to the new Northfax East/University Drive Extension, the University Drive neighborhood requested that the City evaluate traffic calming and pedestrian safety improvements for the street. 

Key features of the project include adding a missing section of sidewalk along the west side of University Drive, adding intersection bulb-outs to create better visibility and shorten the distance for pedestrians crossing the road, and adding curb islands that narrow traffic lanes and force vehicles to slow down.

In addition to pedestrian safety improvements, rain gardens will be installed in the curb islands to improve water quality downstream by capturing and filtering stormwater runoff during rain events. New street lights and landscaping will be installed to enhance the corridor’s safety and visual appeal.

Once complete, pedestrians will have a safe sidewalk between the regional library in Old Town Fairfax and the new Point 50 shopping center in the Northfax East activity center. The $1 million project was designed with community input and funded with a 50/50 match from the state. 

Project Schedule: 

• Community Meeting: May 21, 2018
• City Council Work Session: September 25, 2018
• In Design: Fall 2019 through Spring 2020
• Construction: September 2020
• Anticipated Completion: May 2021 

Funding

• Revenue Sharing Funds
• NVTA 30% Funds

Presentations and Other Documents 

• Work Session Presentation to City Council (Sept 25, 2018)
• Public Input Presentation (May 21, 2018)
• Work Session Presentation to City Council (May 8, 2018)
• Traffic Calming Poster Boards
• Ballot Handout
• University Drive Traffic Calming Constriction Plan Sheets (June 17, 2020)
• University Drive Traffic Calming Plans - Full Set (June 17, 2020)