King Street Pedestrian-Only Zone Proposed As Pilot Program

ALEXANDRIA, VA — After City Council directed staff in fall 2019 to create framework for a pedestrian-only zone on a block of King Street, the projected timeline for approval and implementation has been revealed. The pilot program, named King Street Place, would close the 100 block of King Street to vehicular traffic during weekends from April until October.

The city held a public open house Thursday, Jan. 23 to collect feedback on the proposed pilot program. The Transportation Commission and Waterfront Commission endorsed the plan, and the Traffic and Parking Board and City Council are scheduled to receive staff updates on Jan. 27 and 28, respectively. City Council and the Traffic and Parking Board's decision on the pilot program will likely happen in March.

If approved, staff will finalize design and begin the procurement process in February and March with a targeted launch date in mid-April.

The pedestrian-only zone would provide more outdoor dining space for restaurants on the block, as well as additional public space. The pilot program also calls for replacing two unrestricted parking spaces on the unit block of King Street with public seating space.

Although the street would be closed to vehicular traffic on weekends only, parking would be removed at all times in the 100 block. The outdoor dining and public spaces would be allowed on weekdays as well, but safety barriers would be placed between them and the vehicles. The city is also considering testing a full-seven day closure for a portion of the pilot program.

The pedestrian-only zone would require re-routing of the King Street Trolley. The eastbound route to the waterfront would turn north on Lee Street, east on Cameron Street, and south on Union Street, maintaining waterfront access for people with mobility difficulties. The city says some parking spaces would need to be removed to account for the trolley's turning movements. The city could also test a pick-up, drop-off zone for valet, loading, rideshare and third-party food deliveries.

In summer 2019, Mayor Justin Wilson and Councilman John Chapman had resurfaced the idea of a pedestrian-only zone on King Street. A previous pilot program ran during four weekends from Friday evening through Sunday in 2006, but that program was not renewed. According to staff, community members had positive feedback overall, but there were mixed opinions among business owners.

For more information, visit the King Street Place webpage.