Quick-Build Safety Projects

View the Quick-Build Safety Project Map

Arlington County’s Vision Zero transportation safety program aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and serious injuries. "Quick-build" small-scale safety improvement projects are a part of the Vision Zero program effort. Quick-build safety projects may be constructed using either: "tactical" materials (flex posts, bollards, pavement markings) or permanent materials (concrete, asphalt, beacons, etc.). Quick-build safety projects are funded by a mix of state and local sources through the Arlington County Capital Improvement Plan (typically via the Vision Zero Street Safety Improvements fund). 

Identifying Projects

Arlington identifies quick-build safety projects through: 

  • Crash Analysis: Staff review safety data through annual crash analysis, critical crash reviews, crash hot spot reviews, systemic safety reviews, and other ad-hoc analysis efforts.
  • High-Injury Network Safety Audits: Staff perform walking/biking safety audits of corridors that have been identified for having a higher concentration of injury crashes.
  • Community-Reported Crash Analysis: Projects may be prompted following investigations of safety reports from transportation staff, Arlington Public Schools, Arlington Police, civic/advocacy groups, or community members.

Prioritizing Projects 

Quick-build projects built with tactical materials (flex posts, bollards, pavement markings) do not require prioritization because of their low cost. Quick-build construction projects, which involve higher cost materials and installations, undergo the following prioritization process.

Once a quick-build construction project candidate is identified, staff assess and rank it's feasibility alongside other candidate projects based on several prioritization criteria (including crash history or risk, proximity to a school, location within an equity emphasis area, and the complexity of the construction). Next, staff order land survey to confirm whether the project is feasible within the quick-build timeframe and budget (typically under $250,000 and within 1-3 years from conception). Last, prioritized/selected projects are communicated to the community via the website and civic messaging channels and then enter the construction pipeline. (Note, projects involving Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) may be identified/prioritized using the RRFB-specific prioritization process.) 

qb prioritization updated.JPG

View image as a PDF.(PDF, 247KB)

Timelines & Communication

Quick-build projects built using tactical materials (flex posts, bollards, pavement markings) are typically built within several months. These tactical projects are posted on this page and in the project map once plans are finalized. We do not send installation notices due to the quick turnaround on these projects, with the exception of projects that will permanently change traffic patterns. Following installation, we post before/after photos on this webpage.

Quick-build construction projects are typically built within two years and follow the process shown in the graphic below. As soon as the County confirms the project builder and timeline, we post the project on this page and in the project map. We will post project updates as available. Adjacent homeowners will receive mailed letters about two weeks in advance of construction. We will also send messages to the local civic associations, community groups, nearby businesses or gathering places, and via NextDoor. Following construction, we post before/after photos on this webpage.

  Quick-Build Workflow - Nov 2024.jpg

View image as a PDF.(PDF, 104KB)

Project Tracking

In the tabs below, you can find information on upcoming or recently completed quick-build projects across the county. Upcoming projects below are those currently in design or preparing for construction in the coming months. The completed quick-build projects are organized by the order in which they were completed. We also have a link that maps our Quick-Build projects below.

View the Quick-Build Safety Project Map

                                                                                                 
Upcoming Quick-Build Safety Projects

Wilson Blvd & N Oak St (Tactical Improvements) 

  • Project Description: Improvements at the intersection include tactical, marked curb extensions with bollards at the NE, NW, and SW corners to shorten crossing distances for pedestrians and slow vehicle turning speeds. View the plan: Wilson-Blvd-and-N-Oak-St.jpg(JPG, 117KB)  
  • Safety Need: Identified through crash hot spot analysis.
  • Timeline: 2024

Wilson Blvd & N Danville St (Tactical Improvements)

  • Project Description: This project will install tactical curb extensions to the eastern corners of the intersection, add a high-visibility crosswalk over Wilson Blvd with advanced signage, relocate the bus stop to the far side of the intersection, and adjust parking signs to improve sight lines at the intersection.
  • Safety Need: Identified through the Wilson High-Injury Network Safety audit and through community-reported concerns.
  • Timeline: 2024

N Williamsburg Blvd & N Harrison St (Tactical Improvements)

  • Project Description: The project will add hardened centerlines. Hardened centerlines are small, raised bumps placed along the yellow centerline at an intersection. They are designed to make intersections safer by encouraging drivers to make left turns at slower speeds, which improves yielding and reduces crash risk.
  • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic speed safety analysis and this location is near a school.
  • Timeline: 2024

Military Rd & Lorcom Ln (Tactical Improvements)

  • Project Description: The project will add hardened centerlines. Hardened centerlines are small, raised bumps placed along the yellow centerline at an intersection. They are designed to make intersections safer by encouraging drivers to make left turns at slower speeds, which improves yielding and reduces crash risk.
  • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic speed safety analysis.
  • Timeline: 2024

S Eads St & 23rd St S (Tactical Improvements)

  • Project Description: The project will add hardened centerlines. Hardened centerlines are small, raised bumps placed along the yellow centerline at an intersection. They are designed to make intersections safer by encouraging drivers to make left turns at slower speeds, which improves yielding and reduces crash risk.
  • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic speed safety analysis.
  • Timeline: 2024

Wilson Blvd & N Highland St (Tactical Improvements)

  • Project Description: The project will add hardened centerlines. Hardened centerlines are small, raised bumps placed along the yellow centerline at an intersection. They are designed to make intersections safer by encouraging drivers to make left turns at slower speeds, which improves yielding and reduces crash risk.
  • Safety Need: Identified through the 2024 Wilson Boulevard High Injury Network Audit.
  • Timeline: 2024

Wilson Blvd & N Barton St (Tactical Improvements)

  • Project Description: The project will add hardened centerlines. Hardened centerlines are small, raised bumps placed along the yellow centerline at an intersection. They are designed to make intersections safer by encouraging drivers to make left turns at slower speeds, which improves yielding and reduces crash risk.
  • Safety Need: Identified through the 2024 Wilson Boulevard High Injury Network Audit.
  • Timeline: 2024

Wilson Blvd & N Nelson St (Tactical Measures)

Washington Blvd & N Frederick St 

  • Project Description:  The project will deliver curb extensions on all four corners of the intersection of Washington Blvd & N Frederick St. The goal of this project is to improve intersection geometry, sight distance and improve ADA curb ramps. View the plan: Washington-Blvd-N-Frederick-St.png(PNG, 1MB)
  • Safety Need: Identified through crash hot spot analysis.
  • Timeline: 2024

Clarendon Blvd & N Queen St/N Pierce St

  • Project Description:  A floating bus stop serving WMATA Route 4B & 38B and ART Route 45 at Clarendon Blvd & N Queen/Pierce St. The floating bus stop design provides (1) a dedicated waiting and boarding area for passengers and (2) continuous separation for the protected bike lane on Clarendon Blvd. People using the bus stop will cross the bike lane and board the bus from the elevated bus platform. This new configuration allows buses to remain in the travel lane while picking up/dropping off passengers, which enhances bus travel time and reduces merging. Additional benefits include narrowing the roadway which helps to slow down through and turning vehicles. The project also involves raising the bike lane to a similar elevation as the floating bus stop platform. View the plan: Clarendon-Blvd-N-Pierce-St-Bus-Island.png(PNG, 1MB)
  • Safety Need: ADA accessibility community report & located on the High-Injury Network.
  • Timeline: 2024

      S George Mason Dr & S Edison St

      • Project Description: The project will deliver curb extensions on the northwest and southwest corners to provide ADA compliant curb ramps. View the plan: George-Mason-Dr-S-Edison-St.png(PNG, 527KB)
      • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
      • Timeline: 2024

      S George Mason Dr & 12th St S

      • Project Description: The project will deliver a curb extension on the northern corner to provide ADA compliant curb ramps. View the plan: George-Mason-Dr-12th-St-S.png(PNG, 380KB)
      • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
      • Timeline: 2024

      N George Mason Dr & 9th St N

      • Project Description: The project will provide Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB), roadway markings and signage improvements at the existing school crossing to Escuela Key Elementary. View the plan.(PDF, 525KB)
      • Safety Need: Identified through systemic analysis.
      • Timeline: 2024/2025

      N Carlin Springs Rd & N Greenbrier St

      • Project Description: Provides curb extensions, bus stop, and ADA curb ramp improvements. View the plan.(PDF, 928KB)
      • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
      • Timeline: 2024 

      23rd St S mid-block crossing b/w S Fern St and S Eads St

      • Project Description: The project provides a pedestrian crossing by adding curb extensions and installing roadway markings and signage. The curb extension reduces the distance for people walking, encourages safer vehicle speeds, and increases user visibility for people walking, biking and driving. View the plan: 23rd-St-S-Midblock.png(PNG, 382KB)
      • Safety Need: Identified by County staff.
      • Timeline: 2024

       Clarendon Blvd & N Danville St

      • Project Description: The project will replace the marked buffer area at the existing crosswalk with a concrete pedestrian island on either side with Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB). View the plan: Clarendon-Blvd-N-Danville-St-Plan-RRFB.png(PNG, 709KB)
      • Safety Need: Identified as a project in the High-Injury Network and through community reports.
      • Timeline: 2024

        S Walter Reed Dr & S Pollard St 

        • Project Description: Curb extensions, crossing improvements, and bus stop improvements currently in design with Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB). View the plan.(PDF, 441KB)
        • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 S Walter Reed Dr HIN audit. 
        • Timeline: 2024
        • Additional Notes: Improvements are currently in the design phase. Plans and timeline are in progress. 

        S Walter Reed Dr & S Kenmore St 

        • Project Description: Curb extensions and crossing improvements in design. View the plan: Walter-Reed-Dr-S-Kenmore-St.png(PNG, 821KB)
        • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 S Walter Reed Dr HIN audit. 
        • Timeline: 2024
        • Additional Notes: Improvements are currently in the design phase. Plans and timeline are in progress. 

        S Walter Reed Dr & S Lorton St 

        • Project Description: Crossing improvements in design. View the plan.(PDF, 399KB)
        • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 S Walter Reed Dr HIN audit. 
        • Timeline: 2024
        • Additional Notes: Improvements are currently in the design phase. Plans and timeline are in progress. 

        Spout Run Pkwy Midblock RRFB

        • Project Description: The project will provide Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at a multi-lane crossing.
        • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic analysis of multilane crossings.
        • Timeline: 2024

        Wilson Blvd & N Nash St

        • Project Description: The project will build a pedestrian refuge island on the western leg of the intersection.
        • Safety Need:  Identified through the 2024 Wilson Boulevard High Injury Network Audit
        • Timeline: 2024

        Langston Blvd & John Marshall Dr

        • Project Description:  This project builds out a marked curb extensions at the NE corner, provides an additional curb extension at the NW corner, and add median cut through improvements. All improvements will meet ADA standards. View the plan.(PDF, 1001KB)
        • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
        • Timeline: 2024/2025

        Fairfax Dr & N Pollard St

        • Project Description: This project will build out a curb extension on the southeast corner and build out the median to provide a crossing for an RRFB.
        • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic analysis of multilane crossings.
        • Timeline: 2024/2025

        Langston Blvd & N Kensington St

        • Project Description: This project will extend and widen the existing median to provide a crossing for an RRFB. View the plan.(PDF, 2MB)
        • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic analysis of multilane crossings.
        • Timeline: 2024/2025

        6th St S & S Wakefield St

        • Project Description: The project will deliver a curb extension on the southeast corner to provide ADA compliant curb ramps. 
        • Safety Need: Identified through a community report. 
        • Timeline: 2024/2025

        Washington Blvd & 4th St N (Tactical Buildout)

        • Project Description: The project will build out the existing tactical pavement markings with concrete sidewalks and curb ramps.
        • Safety Need:  Identified through the 2023 Washington Boulevard High Injury Network Audit
        •  Timeline: 2024

        Wilson Blvd & N Oak St

        • Project Description: The project will provide a concrete island to enhance the existing protected bike lane.
        • Safety Need: Identified through the 2024 Wilson Boulevard High Injury Network Audit
        •  Timeline: 2025

        Key Blvd b/w N Quinn St & N Ode St

        • Project Description: The project will build out a concrete midblock curb extension at the existing crosswalk.
        • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
        • Timeline: 2025

        S Walter Reed Dr & 19th St S

        • Project Description: Curb extensions and crossing improvements in design.  
        • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 S Walter Reed Dr HIN audit. 
        • Timeline: 2025
        • Additional Notes: Improvements are currently in the design phase. Plans and timeline are in progress. 

        S Walter Reed Dr & S Monroe St

        • Project Description: Curb extensions and crossing improvements in design.  
        • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 S Walter Reed Dr HIN audit. 
        • Timeline: 2025
        • Additional Notes: Improvements are currently in the design phase. Plans and timeline are in progress. 

        George Mason Drive and 22nd St N

        • Project Description: This project will provide three Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at the existing crosswalk.
        • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic analysis of multilane crossings.
        • Timeline: 2025

        Little Falls Rd & N Ohio St

        • Project Description: This project builds out the marked curb extensions and existing marked medians. These changes will reduce crossing distances for people walking, encourage safer vehicle speeds, and increase user visibility for people walking, biking, and driving.
        • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
        • Timeline: 2026

        10th St N & N Hudson St 

        • Project Description: Flashing beacons to improve pedestrian visibility at this mid-block crossing that is located along high density land uses and on the High-Injury Network. Plans coming soon. 
        • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic review of uncontrolled arterial crossings and located on the High-Injury Network. 
        • Timeline: TBD

        N Henderson Rd & 3rd St S/N Upton St

          N Quincy St b/w Glebe Rd and 9th St N

          • Project Description: This project will provide a new concrete island to enhance the existing protected bike lane.
          • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic analysis.
          • Timeline: TBD 
            Projects Completed in 2024

            1402 S George Mason Dr RRFB

            • Project cut sheet coming soon!
            • Project Description: The project provided Rectangular Rapid-Flashing Beacons (RRFB) at an existing multi-lane crosswalk.
            • Safety Need: Identified through a systemic analysis of multilane crossings.
            • Complete: November 2024

            N Glebe Rd & Washington Blvd

            • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 349KB)
            • Project Description: Improvements at this intersection include upgrading the ramp at the NE corner to meet ADA standards and shortening the median nose on Washington Blvd (west side). View the plan(PDF, 2MB).
            • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
            • Completed: June 2024

            Yorktown Blvd & George Mason Dr (East Side - Build Out of Existing Tactical Improvements)

            • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 469KB)
            • Project Description: Intersection improvement to build out tactical markings deployed in 2017. Improvements include ADA compliant ramps and curb extensions to shorten the crossing distances. View the plan.(PDF, 1MB)
            • Safety Need: In response to a safety issue identified through a Transportation Safety Investigation performed in 2016.  
            • Completed: October 2024
            • Additional Notes: Improvements at other corners of the intersection were part of other Quick Build projects.

            Clarendon Blvd & N Troy St

            15th Street S & S Fern Street

            • (PDF, 398KB)View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 398KB)
            • Project Description: This project installed curb extensions to the southwestern and southeastern corners of the intersection and added high-visibility crosswalks on all crossings as part of a Traffic Signal Upgrade project. Click here(PDF, 509KB) for the approved plan.
            • Safety Need: Identified as part of a review of sidewalks in Crystal City and Pentagon City, as well as regular State of Good Repair work on our traffic signal network. 
            • Completed: September 2024

            N Quincy Street & 14th St N AND N Quincy St & 13th St N

            • (PDF, 685KB)View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 685KB)
            • Project Description: This project will install multimodal improvements that consolidate bus stops on southbound N Quincy St, enhance pedestrians safety crossing, and allows for continuity of the existing bike facility. This project maintains existing residential permit parking spaces.
            • Click here(PDF, 3MB) for the draft plan at 14th St N. Click here(PDF, 301KB) for the draft plan at 13th St N.
            • Safety Need: Identified as part of the N Quincy Street. multimodal repaving effort conducted in 2019.  Work on the section of the roadway between 13th St N and 14th St N was postponed because of the work at the Education Center. 
            • Completed: August 2024

            Wilson Blvd & N Troy St

            Washington Blvd & 4th St N (median)

            14th St N & N Veitch St

            • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 479KB)
            • Project Description: Improvements at this intersection include curb extensions at the NW, SW, and SE corners, and upgrading the ramps to meet ADA standards at all four corners. View the plan(PDF, 4MB).
            • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
            • Completed: May 2024

            Fairfax Dr & N Lynn

            N 14th St & N Uhle St

            • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 390KB)
            • Project Description: Improvements at this intersection include a curb extension at the NE corner, upgrading the ramps at the NW and NE corners to meet ADA standards, and relocating the storm drain inlet at the NE corner. View the plan(PDF, 2MB).
            • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
            • Completed: May 2024

            Clarendon Blvd & N Queen St

            Wilson Blvd b/w N Pierce St and N Oak St

            6th St S & S Adams St (median island)

            S Four Mile Run Dr btw S Walter Reed Dr & S George Mason Dr (SFIS)

            • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 278KB)
            • Project Description: Speed feedback indicator sign to provide real time speed information to drivers. The signs blink when the driver is exceeding the posted speed limit to indicate the need to slow down.
            • Safety Need: Identified through High-Injury Network safety audit. 
            • Completed: March 2024

            Wilson Blvd & N Garfield St (Tactical Improvements)

            Fairfax Dr & N Nelson St (Tactical Improvements)

            10th Street N & N Barton St

            N Glebe Rd & 11th St N

            • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 371KB)
            • Project Description: Improvements at this intersection included upgrading the ramps at the NE and SE corners to meet ADA standards.
            • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
            • Completed: February 2024

            N Barton St & 14th St N (Tactical Improvements)

              N Randolph St & 9th St N (Tactical Improvements)

              • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 394KB)
              • Project Description: The project added tactical curb extensions (using markings and flex posts) to the northwest and southwest corners of the intersection, which shortened crossing distances for pedestrians and slowed vehicle turning speeds. It also marked the bike lane and defined the bus stop area along N Randolph St to enhance multimodal space and safety. View the plan(PDF, 541KB).
              • Safety Need: Identified based on multimodal safety needs along a key connection between two High-Injury Network corridors
              • Completed: January 2024

              N Clarendon Blvd & N Cleveland St

              • View the project cut sheet(PDF, 340KB).
              • Project Description: Improvements at this intersection included curb extensions at the NW and SW corners, and upgrading the ramps at the NW, SW, and SE corners to meet ADA standards. View the plan(PDF, 3MB).
              • Safety Need: Identified through a community report.
              • Completed: January 2024

              Williamsburg Blvd & 36th St N (Tactical Improvements)

              • View the project cut sheet.(PDF, 448KB)
              • Project Description: The project added tactical curb extensions (using markings and flex posts) to the northwest and southeast corners of the intersection, which shortened crossing distances for pedestrians and slowed vehicle turning speeds. It also added SLOW SCHOOL XING pavement markings in advance of the school zone crossing over arterial Williamsburg Blvd per the County’s school zone guidelinesView the plan(PDF, 520KB).
              • Safety Need: Identified through the school zone retrofits process
              • Completed: January 2024
              Projects Transitioning to Capital or Pilot Projects

              Little Falls Rd & John Marshall Dr - TRANSITIONING TO A CAPITAL PROJECT - Stay tuned for details!

              • Project Description: This project builds out the marked curb extensions and extend the existing medians through the crosswalks. These changes will reduce crossing distances for people walking, encourage safer vehicle speeds, and increase user visibility for people walking, biking, and driving. 
              • Safety Need: Identified through a community report and annual crash analysis.
              • Status / Timeline: TBD

              S Glebe Rd & Old Glebe Rd - TRANSITIONING TO PILOT PROJECT - Stay tuned for details!

              • Project Description: Design concept is under review by the Virginia Department of Transportation because this intersection is within their right-of-way. Proposed improvements may include tactical curb extensions at the corners of S Old Glebe Rd to reduce crossing distances and slow down turning vehicles, as well as additional intersection improvements to reduce conflicts and enhance crossings over S Glebe Rd. 
              • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 Glebe Road HIN audit.  
              • Status / Timeline: TBD
              • Additional Notes: Moving forward with improvements will require coordination and approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

              N Rhodes St & Wilson Blvd Floating Bus Stop - TRANSITIONING TO A CAPITAL PROJECT - stay tuned for more information

              • Project Description: A floating bus stop serving WMATA Route 4B & 38B and ART Route 45 at N Rhodes St & Wilson Blvd. The floating bus stop design provides (1) a dedicated waiting and boarding area for passengers and (2) continuous separation for the protected bike lane on Wilson Blvd. People using the bus stop will cross the bike lane and board the bus from the elevated bus platform. This new configuration allows buses to remain in the travel lane while picking up/dropping off passengers, which enhances bus travel time and reduces merging. The project also involves raising the bike lane to a similar elevation as the floating bus stop platform.
              • Safety Need:  There is a protected bike lane along this portion of westbound Wilson Blvd. When it was first built in 2018, the bus stop interrupted the protected bike lane, so bicyclists and buses needed to carefully merge to allow for safe loading and unloading. The purpose of the floating bus stop is to improve safety for people using the bike lanes and streamline transit service operations. 
              • Status / Timeline: Transitioning to a capital project - more information coming soon
              • Additional Notes: Learn more about floating bus stops how to use them here.

              N Glebe Rd & Cathedral Ln - TRANSITIONING TO A CAPITAL PROJECT - stay tuned for more information

              • Project Description: Crossing and ramp improvements in design. 
              • Safety Need: Identified through the 2021 Glebe Road HIN audit.  
              • Status / TimelineTransitioning to a capital project - more information coming soon
              • Additional Notes: Moving forward with improvements will require coordination and approval from the Virginia Department of Transportation. 

               

               

               

              DES Transportation staff have been implementing small projects across the county for many years before the County Board adopted the Vision Zero Action Plan and these projects were consolidated into the Vision Zero program. If you are looking for other similar small-scale projects that predate this list, please check with Arlington Neighborhoods program (formerly Neighborhood Conservation) and the Neighborhood Complete Streets program web pages.