North Kensington Street between Yorktown Boulevard and Williamsburg Boulevard

June 16, 2003

Dear Residents:

Thank you for contacting the Department of Public Works, Planning Division regarding your request for traffic calming on North Kensington Street between Yorktown Boulevard and Williamsburg Boulevard in the Rock Springs and Williamsburg neighborhoods.

The Arlington County Board considers neighborhood traffic calming a major factor in sustaining the quality of Arlington's residential neighborhoods. Therefore, the Department of Public Works Neighborhood Traffic Calming (NTC) team, consisting of transportation planners and engineers, has investigated your request. All requests for traffic calming measures that the NTC staff receives are evaluated, ranked and prioritized based on the severity of problems throughout the County. The County has also appointed a citizen Neighborhood Traffic Calming Committee (NTCC) that plays a role in prioritizing and funding NTC projects, as discussed in the enclosed booklet.

Based on the information, staff investigated records, conducted field site visits and collected speed data on North Kensington Street. We found the average speeds were measured at 28 mph with a traffic volume of 695 vehicles per day. Further analysis indicated that the 85th percentile speed was measured at 34 mph, meaning that most (85 percent) motorists traveled at 34 mph or below, and 15 percent traveled at a higher speed. An 85th percentile speed of 34 mph exceeds the 30 mph adopted threshold that defines a speeding problem as outlined in the Neighborhood Traffic Calming Program. Locations meeting traffic calming thresholds are further evaluated and ranked based upon selected factors. Points are given for volume, speed, accidents, bus/bike route, pedestrian generators (i.e. schools, parks, library etc.), and the existence of sidewalks. The points are totaled for a ranking score. All requests are then prioritized based on the total points accumulated. The ranking score for North Kensington Street is 52. A ranking score of 52 is in the mid-range compared to other locations where we have collected data. We will report these results to the NTCC for prioritization. Once North Kensington Street is selected by the NTCC and staff as a project street to receive traffic calming assistance, you will be notified. A copy of this letter will be sent to the civic associations for their information.

In the meantime, if you would like for us to deploy the Speed Display Trailer, which displays drivers speeds, please call me to schedule an appointment.

It has been a pleasure to review this matter for you. Should you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 703-228-3202.

Sincerely,

Elizabeth L. Diggs
Transportation Planner II

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