The Fairfax County Department of Transportation (FCDOT) is conducting an Active Transportation Study of the Route 29 Corridor, extending from I-495 in Fairfax County to Tripps Run at the City of Falls Church/County border, just east of South Maple Avenue. The two mile corridor is positioned between two major parallel roadways, I-66 to the north and US 50 to the south, which are more geared toward automobiles. 

Route 29 is a divided highway with at-grade intersections and turn lanes. The roadway itself is often seen as a divide between the north and south sides of the highway because of the difficulty crossing. Crossing at intersections traveling along Route 29 can set up dangerous interactions between cars and pedestrians or bicyclists, and at times, the paths along Route 29 are unpleasant to traverse via walking and biking. 

While the current comprehensive plan calls for Route 29 to be expanded from four to six lanes (map), the study aims to conduct a comprehensive review and assessment of the corridor with a focus on providing and enhancing active transportation and transit facilities. The study aims to create an environment that is comfortable to walk and bike to help bridge both sides of Route 29 and improve access to transit, while giving the automobile driver awareness that the corridor is expected to accommodate all users.

In addition, the proximity of Route 29 to the National Capital Trail Network (NCTN) provides an opportunity to help fill active transportation networks in the area, giving users more options to bike, scooter or walk without needing a car. The NCTN currently runs along I-66 with a planned expansion to Route 50, leaving the Route 29 corridor to help provide more connections between the two.  

Enhanced transportation facilities for all users should help improve interactions between local businesses, schools, parks, libraries and more for residents.

The study began in July 2025 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2026.