Fairfax County is taking steps to encourage roadway safety by reducing speed limits from 25 to 20 miles per hour on 10 selected roads in the Dranesville, Mason and Providence districts beginning Fall 2026. The effort is part of a pilot study by the Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) to measure the impacts of reduced speed limits on various roads throughout the County, ultimately to create a safer environment for walking, biking, riding and driving. Selected roads include:

Dranesville District:

• Douglass Drive from Georgetown Pike to Baron Road
• Baron Road from Randolph Road to Ingleside Avenue (small segment)
• Ingleside Ave from Baron Road to Dolley Madison Boulevard (Route 123)

Mason District:

• Patrick Henry Drive from Leesburg Pike to Beachway Drive
• Peace Valley Lane on the west side of Justice High School
• Beachway Drive from Patrick Henry Drive to Nevius Street
• Nevius Street from Leesburg Pike to Beachway Drive
• Blair Road (segment), from Beachway Drive to Glen Carlyn Drive

Providence District:

• Flagpole Lane from White Granite Drive to Borge Street
• Bushman Drive from Borge Street to Blake Lane

Pilot roads were identified by FCDOT in coordination with the Board of Supervisors (BOS) district offices by considering several factors, including pedestrian activity, presence of sidewalks, marked crosswalks and transit stops, the presence of schools and other community uses, along with the Fairfax County Vulnerability Index. FCDOT also sought resident feedback when selecting roads for the study. 

Background: In May 2024, the Virginia General Assembly granted authority to local jurisdictions to reduce speed limits on roads within business or residential districts that have a current speed limit of 25 miles per hour. This authority allows local jurisdictions the ability to implement slower speeds in targeted areas to create a safer environment for walking, biking, riding and driving. FCDOT is undertaking the 20 mph Pilot Study at the direction of the Board Transportation Committee on Oct. 29, 2024.

After the first three pilot zones are installed, FCDOT staff will work with the remaining Board offices to implement pilot study zones in additional districts.

For more information and district maps, visit the 20 mph Reduced Speed Limit Pilot Study webpage.

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