Fairfax County Approves Funds for Columbia Pike Streetcar Design Work

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors took another step toward bringing a new mode of transit to Northern Virginia by approving funds for design work on a proposed Columbia Pike streetcar.

“The Columbia Pike Streetcar project provides a high-quality travel solution in a busy transit corridor. The streetcar supports the community’s vision for revitalizing Bailey’s Crossroads and Seven Corners and this connection could serve as the start of a regional streetcar system. I am glad to be able to partner with Arlington County and the Commonwealth of Virginia to continue work on developing this important project,” Chairman Bulova said, in a news release. Here’s more from Fairfax County:

The Columbia Pike Streetcar is a joint project between Arlington County and Fairfax County. When completed, the streetcar will operate for nearly five miles from Pentagon City to the Skyline area of Bailey’s Crossroads in Fairfax County. The majority of the streetcar line will be in Arlington, with three stations in Fairfax County.

In a high-density area that was originally intended to be served by Metro, the streetcar will provide greater ridership capacity and greater return on investment than the existing bus service. The streetcar will also help support the vision and goals for the Bailey’s Crossroads area, which is a designated revitalization area.

“I am supportive of this project and look forward to our being able to offer residents and businesses this alternative form of transportation,” Chairman Bulova said.

The Board of Supervisors approved funding for the initial design work on the Columbia Pike Streetcar project. Fairfax County will provide $4.2 million toward program management and engineering design contract costs over the next 12 and 18 months, respectively. These payments will be made with available state dollars. These funds will provide for planning, environmental, and preliminary engineering services. Our partner, Arlington County, will pay 80.4 percent and Fairfax County will pay 19.6 percent of this round of costs.