Alexandria Begins Left Turn Restrictions on Washington Street

The City of Alexandria beginning Wednesday instituted no left turn rules from Washington Street at certain intersections in Old Town.

These restrictions are the result of a 2011 safety study (PDF) of the Washington Street corridor, which was approved by the Traffic and Parking Board on Nov. 28, 2011.

The study found there was an increased accident rate for vehicles making left turns during HOV hours, in the morning from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., and in the evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

No left turn from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., Monday through Friday, for the following intersections:

  *   Southbound Washington Street at Pendleton Street
  *   Southbound Washington Street at Oronoco Street
  *   Southbound Washington Street at Princess Street
  *   Southbound Washington Street at Cameron Street
  *   Southbound Washington Street at Duke Street
  *   Southbound Washington Street at Wolfe Street

No left turn from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for the following intersections:

  *   Northbound Washington Street at Pendleton Street
  *   Northbound Washington Street at Oronoco Street
  *   Northbound Washington Street at Cameron Street
  *   Northbound Washington Street at Duke Street
  *   Northbound Washington Street at Wolfe Street

Protected left turns, where vehicles can turn left on a green traffic signal arrow, have been added for southbound left turning vehicles at Washington Street at Wythe Street, as well as Washington Street at Princess Street from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m.

Similarly, in the afternoon, protected left turns have been added to northbound Washington Street at Wythe Street, as well as Washington Street at Queen Street, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.