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Expanded Pedestrian Zone Considered On Lower King Street
ALEXANDRIA, VA — After the City of Alexandria permanently closed the 100 block of King Street to vehicles, another block could be closed, at least temporarily.
The city is proposing the closure of the unit block of King Street (between Union Street and the Strand) as well as the Strand between Wales Alley and King Street to vehicles from May 28 to Nov 20. The Alexandria Planning Commission will consider the proposal on April 7, followed by City Council during April.
The unit block of King Street is a one-way street with two parking spaces and several restaurants. The unit block had previously been part of the King Street Trolley route before it was changed to end at Market Square due to the 100 block closure. The Strand between Wales Alley and King Street is a two-way street with parking on one side of the block and the Waterfront Park on the other side. The block contains two restaurants and another vacant commercial space.
The block closure is proposed as a pilot program. In February, the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board recommended a closure from April 1 to Nov. 20. The Waterfront Commission supported the proposal with requests to facilitate easier pedestrian crossings across Union Street between the unit block and the 100 block of King Street, reconsider the placement and amount of bicycle parking, and ensure delivery vehicle access.
The 100 block of King Street closure started as a pilot program. The block was temporarily closed to vehicles in May 2020 for pedestrian and business use for retail and dining space. City Council voted to make the closure permanent in October 2021.
According to a city staff report, some businesses asked the city to assess closing the unit block due to the success of the 100 block closure. The staff report noted the 100 block closure resulted in “an observable decline in through traffic on the unit block.” Pedestrian volume, however, has increased in the unit block and the Strand.