Speed Limit Reductions Start on Major Alexandria Streets

ALEXANDRIA, VA -- Get ready to slow down. New speed limits took effect Friday on two major thoroughfares in Alexandria and police will be out in force to make extra sure the changes are enforced, according to the City.

The speed limit changes took place on these two roadways:

• Seminary Road, between I-395 and Quaker Lane
• Quaker Lane, between Duke Street and Braddock Road

The changes were recommended by the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board in February, and City Manager Mark Jinks approved the request to reduce the speed limits from 35 mph to 25 mph on these segments.

The changes were initiated after neighbors raised concerns about pedestrian and vehicular safety, the City noted. More than 250 residents signed a petition in support of the speed limit changes.

The City conducted a study and concluded vehicles on both Seminary Road and N. Quaker Lane routinely travel in excess of 45 mph and each street has experienced more than 60 crashes over a five-year period.

Staff will perform a follow-up study this fall to evaluate compliance and the impact the reductions have made.

PHOTO of speed sign/Patch archive