Traffic Issues on Powhatan Street

Neighborhood Traffic Calming Team Response to Citizen Request for Traffic Calming

February 21, 2001

Dear Citizen:

Thank you for contacting us regarding your concerns of speeding on North Powhatan Street between Williamsburg Boulevard and the county line in the Williamsburg Civic Association neighborhood.

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 Powhatan Street. We found the average speeds were measured at 32 mph with a traffic volume of 3338 vehicles per day. Further analysis indicated that the 85th percentile speed was measured at 37mph, meaning that most (85 percent) motorists traveled at 37 mph or below, and 15 percent traveled at a higher speed. An 85th percentile speed of 37mph 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 graded for various 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 Powhatan Street is 83. A ranking score of 83 is in the mid to high range compared to other locations where we have collected data. We will report these results to the NTCC for prioritization. Once North Powhatan 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 Williamsburg Civic Association for their information.

In the meantime, if you would like for us to deploy the Speed Display Trailer, which displays the speeds and makes drivers aware of their 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 Diggs
Transportation Planner II

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