Alexandria’s Arena Vision: Tackling Traffic in Potomac Yard
Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson is moving forward with plans to bring the Washington Wizards and Capitals to Potomac Yard, a proposal he touts as a “transformational economic development.” However, this ambitious project has stirred significant concern among Alexandria residents, particularly regarding its potential impact on local traffic congestion. The Del Ray Citizens Association has even submitted seven pages of questions to the city, with transportation issues at the forefront.
A Transit-First Approach for Potomac Yard
Mayor Wilson acknowledges the community’s traffic concerns, especially given the already congested Route 1 during rush hour. He emphasizes that the city has long been “laying the groundwork for density and development on this site” by investing heavily in transit infrastructure. His vision for the new arena is fundamentally transit-oriented, aiming to make public transportation the primary mode of arrival for event attendees.
Wilson highlights the existing robust transit network in Potomac Yard:
- A $370 million Metro station, funded to capture development value.
- The region’s first bus rapid transit system.
- Highly frequent DASH bus service.
These systems are intended to support the planned transit-heavy usage of the site. The mayor confirmed that the Potomac Yard Metro stop will “without question” need to expand to accommodate the thousands of additional people expected for games and concerts.
Strategic Parking Reduction to Drive Transit Use
A key component of Wilson’s traffic management strategy involves a significant reduction in available parking. While the former movie theater site in Potomac Yard offered 3,700 parking spaces, the proposed arena plan includes only 2,500. This deliberate reduction is designed to discourage driving and parking in the area, thereby pushing attendees towards public transit.
Mayor Wilson draws a clear distinction between the proposed Potomac Yard arena and car-dependent venues like FedEx Field. He states, “This is not intended to be an arena like FedEx Field or any kind of stadium like that where tens of thousands of people are driving there and parking their car.” Instead, it aims to emulate the model of Capital One Arena downtown, where most visitors arrive by transit.
To illustrate the shift in approach:
| Site Use (Potomac Yard) | Approximate Parking Spaces | Primary Transportation Strategy |
|---|---|---|
| Former Movie Theater | 3,700 | Vehicle-centric |
| Proposed Arena | 2,500 | Transit-centric (planned) |
Wilson explains that as current parking sites redevelop, these 2,500 spaces will eventually decrease further, limiting driving options and reinforcing transit as the preferred choice. The city plans to collaborate with Monumental Sports & Entertainment and the state to develop a comprehensive transportation plan that prioritizes transit.
Addressing the Road Network and Community Quality of Life
Despite the strong emphasis on transit, Wilson acknowledges that the road network will still need to function efficiently. The city plans to work with the state and residents to analyze and improve the entire road network, including Potomac Avenue, Glebe, and Route One. The goal is to ensure accessibility for the arena while preventing gridlock and protecting the quality of life in surrounding neighborhoods. This engagement process with the community is a critical next step in the development of the transportation plan.
Economic Catalyst for Alexandria’s Future
Beyond the immediate traffic considerations, Mayor Wilson views the arena project as a cornerstone of Alexandria’s economic future. He describes it as “a transformational economic development for us,” which aligns with the community’s long-term vision for an active and vibrant Potomac Yard. The arena is intended to be the “linchpin of the city’s economic future for a long time to come,” bringing new jobs, businesses, and increased activity to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How will the arena impact traffic on Route 1?
Mayor Wilson acknowledges existing congestion and plans to mitigate it by prioritizing transit, reducing parking, and engaging with the state and residents to optimize the entire road network around Potomac Avenue, Glebe, and Route One. - What are the primary transportation options for arena visitors?
The strategy focuses heavily on public transit, including the Potomac Yard Metro station, the region’s first bus rapid transit system, and local DASH bus services. - Will the Potomac Yard Metro station need to be expanded?
Yes, Mayor Wilson stated “Without question,” indicating that the Metro stop will require expansion to handle the anticipated increase in passenger volume. - How many parking spaces will be available at the new arena?
The plan includes approximately 2,500 parking spaces, a reduction from the 3,700 spaces available when a movie theater occupied the site. This is a deliberate move to encourage transit use. - What economic benefits does Mayor Wilson foresee for Alexandria?
The mayor considers the arena a “transformational economic development” and a “catalyst” for the community’s vision, serving as a linchpin for the city’s long-term economic prosperity.
As Alexandria moves forward with the proposed arena, the ongoing community engagement and the execution of a comprehensive transit-first plan will be crucial in balancing economic growth with the city’s quality of life.
Alexandria Arena Transit Plan Tackles Traffic
