Springfield Connectivity
At the direction of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the Department of Planning and Zoning and the Department of Transportation initiated the Springfield Connectivity Study to address several challenges and opportunities facing Springfield, Virginia. The Study examines both the recommendations offered by a May 2006 Urban Land Institute Advisory Services Panel report and the challenges associated with the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure actions for Fort Belvoir, which will affect the Springfield area. The primary goal of the Connectivity Study is to propose recommendations for the Springfield area that will improve the area's multimodal accessibility and mobility and revitalize its urban form into a walkable, vibrant, and active community. The Study area includes the land area surrounding the interchange of Interstate-95 and Franconia Road, generally south of Interstate-495 along Interstate-95.
In order to achieve this vision for Springfield, staff worked with a consultant team to test a series of land use and transportation alternative. The impacts of each alternative were measured by assessing elements, such as potential needed roadway improvements, levels of public transit ridership, and the ability to improve vehicular, pedestrian, and bicycle functions. Currently, staff is working on finalizing the report, which will include the results and the urban design guidance. Staff presented the draft recommendations to the Lee District Land Use Committee on February 11, 2008. The draft urban design section of the report (April 2008) is published below. The transportation section and supporting documentation will be published shortly.
Springfield Connectivity Presentation to the Lee District Land Use Committee, February 11, 2008.
ULI Final Presentation: Springfield, Virginia, May 26, 2006.