King Street in Alexandria, VA has transformed into a delightful pedestrian haven, enhancing the appeal of Old Town Alexandria for residents and visitors alike. What began as a temporary measure during the 2020 pandemic has evolved into a permanent and much-loved feature of the city.
Initially, to support local businesses and provide ample space for pedestrians during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 100 block of King Street was temporarily closed off to vehicle traffic. This initiative proved to be incredibly popular, leading the City Council to approve the permanent closure of this block in October 2021. Building on this success, the Unit block of King Street followed suit, becoming permanently pedestrianized in 2022.
Since then, the City has implemented several improvements to solidify the pedestrian-friendly zone and enhance its safety and attractiveness. These upgrades include the installation of crash-rated bollards at the Lee Street end and standard City bollards at the Union Street end of both the Unit and 100 blocks, as well as at the Strand at Wales Alley. To facilitate outdoor dining while maintaining emergency vehicle access, wood platforms were added adjacent to the sidewalks. Consistent tree lighting now illuminates the Unit and 100 blocks, creating a welcoming ambiance. New crosswalks at the Union and Lee Street intersections encourage pedestrians to utilize the central space and повышают driver awareness. Finally, streetlight upgrades have replaced fixtures and foundations, improving overall street illumination.
Starting in 2023, the Lower King Street Pedestrianization Project became an integral part of the larger Waterfront project. Consultants are currently developing a permanent pedestrian design concept, working in collaboration with the community. This design will be integrated into the overall Waterfront project construction plans to minimize disruption and ensure coordinated implementation. Project updates, including concept designs, will be readily available on the project website, keeping the community informed about the exciting developments on King Street Alexandria Va.
For those interested in the project’s history, archived information can be found on the King Street Place Pilot webpage, providing a comprehensive look at the journey to pedestrianizing King Street Alexandria VA.
