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Fairfax County could lower speed limits from 25 to 20 mph on as many as nine roads under a pilot program unanimously approved by the Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
The 10-0 vote allows the county to use authority granted by the Virginia General Assembly in 2024. That legislation permits localities to reduce speed limits on certain roads maintained by the Virginia Department of Transportation.
One road in each of Fairfax County’s nine magisterial districts could join the program with support from the district supervisor. Eligible roads must be in residential or business districts and already have a 25-mph speed limit.
County staff expects to begin with three roads before expanding the initiative. The Fairfax County Department of Transportation presented possible study areas and sought public feedback in December.
Officials must notify VDOT about each speed change. Fairfax County would pay for the new signs, with the total cost estimated at about $24,000 if all nine roads participate.
No one spoke for or against the required county code changes during the public hearing. Supervisors also offered few comments, though Dranesville District Supervisor Jimmy Bierman said lower limits would be welcome in many places.
“Twenty is plenty,” Bierman said.
The first pilot zones are expected to be installed this summer. The county plans to evaluate them through early next year.
Several supervisors asked staff to examine how 20-mph limits could affect e-bikes, some of which can exceed that speed.
“That’s something to flag for the police … for future exploration,” Board Chairman Jeff McKay said.
Parking Restrictions Grow Near Edison High School
The board also expanded a residential permit parking district near Edison High School in Rose Hill following complaints from residents about student parking.
Residential Permit Parking District 50 currently covers parts of Edison Drive and Woodway Drive south of Franconia Road. The expansion adds sections of Pratt Street and Brookland Road north of Franconia Road.
Residents in the newly covered area petitioned the county to restrict parking by nonresidents in front of nearly 30 homes. Several told supervisors that student behavior has grown more aggressive in recent years and that crowded streets pose a safety risk.
Vehicles that violate residential permit restrictions can receive a $75 fine for each offense and may be towed at the owner’s expense.
On-campus student parking at Edison is limited to seniors, who must obtain a space through a lottery. Other students must park on nearby streets or use another form of transportation.
An Edison Academy sophomore and his father opposed further restrictions, warning that students from outside Edison High School’s regular attendance area might be unable to reach specialized classes.
Edison, at 5801 Franconia Road, is one of six Fairfax County high schools offering career-focused electives in areas including culinary arts, criminal justice, cosmetology and construction.
Supervisors acknowledged the student’s concerns and said they hoped Fairfax County Public Schools and the police department could collaborate on possible improvements.