 Arlington Public Schools welcomed students back into their classrooms on Monday, August 31, 2026, which means there will be an increase in children walking, bicycling, and riding the bus to schools throughout Arlington. Transportation safety is a group effort; it takes all of us working together and following the rules of the road to keep our community safe. To learn more, visit our Safe Routes to School page.
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This month at the September 19 County Board Meeting the Vision Zero team presented the Action Plan for review. After engaging discussion, the Board unanimously voted to adopt the 2026-2030 Vision Zero Action Plan.
For an overview of the new Action Plan, check out this one-pager.
We extend a huge thank you to the community members who provided time and input to create this Action Plan that will guide our safety program over the next five years on our path to zero by 2030.
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Please join us for a virtual meeting the evening of Wednesday, Oct 21, at 7pm for the annual Vision Zero Community Meeting.
This year’s focus will be on the new 2026-2030 Vision Zero Action Plan Update, including what to expect going forward and how action items will be prioritized and implemented over the next five years. We’ll also discuss the new Vision Zero Ambassadors Program and gather input on how the program can effectively take shape in Arlington.
There will be plenty of time for open discussion and questions. Save the date and pass this on to a friend! View the event page and add to your calendar.
 The Vision Zero team attended the Green Valley Day event! Thank you to everyone that stopped by our table to learn more about our transportation safety initiatives. We handed out snack facts and e-moto vs. e-bike resources.
E-Bikes, e- scooters, mopeds and e-motorcycles may look similar but they have different speeds, power levels and legal requirements. Before purchasing a device, it’s important to research the device, know the laws and understand the risks associated with its operation.
E-bikes, E-motos, and E-scooters are not appropriate for children or younger teens. Look out for more e-device safety related campaign materials and education events coming this fall.
 This month, Arlington County began installation of tactical safety improvements at the intersection of North Glebe Road and Henderson Road/North Quincy Street. The project added a temporary accessible bus boarding platform that allows in-lane loading for WMATA and Arlington Transit buses and reduces confusion with the right turn lane. The project also includes shortening of the western pedestrian crossing distance over North Glebe Road, a tactical curb extension to narrow the southwest corner, and updated markings and signage in the area.
This project is in collaboration with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) as part of implementation of the Glebe Road STARS (Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions) study in Arlington. This project provides an interim safety solution using temporary materials while a larger-scale North Glebe Road at Quincy Street / Henderson Road Intersection Improvements project progresses.
In July, County staff conducted a safety audit of the Carlin Springs Rd High-Injury Network (HIN) corridor. The team walked the corridor from 2nd St N to 7th Rd S and conducted a detailed crash analysis to identify opportunities for quick-action safety measures.
The safety audit identified several short-term projects including:
Long-term and larger-scale improvements will be evaluated as part of the Carlin Springs Road Multimodal Transportation Studies. The studies will be kicking off this fall, starting with an Open House at Kenmore Middle School from 7pm-8:30pm on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. You can also share your experiences using the online feedback form through October 20.
Interested in part-time employment that will improve safety in the community?
Arlington County Police Department (ACPD) is seeking to hire multiple School Crossing Guards for Arlington Public Schools (APS) located around the County to provide vehicular and pedestrian traffic control and to promote maximum safety efforts in the movement of children to and from schools.
There is a high demand for crossing guards, but not many on staff. Help us increase our capacity to serve school crossings in Arlington! Apply before October 1, 2026.
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 A clear walkway is a safe walkway. When snow season hits, some of our most vulnerable neighbors aren’t able to clear snow from their property, possibly preventing them and other pedestrians from being able to travel safely.
You can make a meaningful difference this winter through the pilot Snow Buddies Program. Volunteers will be paired with neighbors who are older adults or homebound to help with snow removal efforts.
You can sign up to volunteer here through Oct 9, 2026.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) worked with the Vision Zero Network, Institute of Transportation Engineers and others to develop a set of Safe System Success Stories highlighting tangible progress on Vision Zero. The compilation features a case study on Arlington County’s continued work to manage speed and implement intersection treatments for pedestrian safety. Arlington’s Vision Zero Program Manager presented at a webinar this month with over 270 attendees from across the US. View the webinar recording here.
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Meet Arlington’s Vision Zero mascot: the Cautionary Snail. While traffic safety is a serious issue that impacts people deeply each day, this friendly mascot helps share the message of slowing down in a fun and approachable way.
To get your own Vision Zero lawn sign, please contact jselander@arlingtonva.us for more information on how you can pick up a sign from the County's offices located in Courthouse! Supplies are limited as we are still gauging the community's interest in this initiative.
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 Below are updates regarding recently installed or upcoming safety projects:
Pilot Safety Projects:
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Speed Management Pilot Safety Project
- S Carlin Springs Rd, N Geroge Mason Dr to 3rd St S - Upcoming
- N Meade St, Fairfax Dr to 14thSt N - Upcoming
- Washington Blvd, Arlington Blvd Ramp to N Pershing Dr- Upcoming
- S Hayes St, Army Navy Dr to 15thSt S- Upcoming
- S Walter Reed Dr, S Pollard St to S Wakefield St - Upcoming
- S George Mason Dr, 4thSt S to Columbia Pike- Upcoming
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Westbound Langston Blvd & Fort Myer Dr - Installed
High-Injury Network Safety Audits:
- Langston Blvd from N Oakland St to N Barton St – Audited in September 2026
- N/S Carlin Springs Rd from 2nd St N to 7th Rd S/County line – Audited in July 2026
- 23rdSt S from S Inge St to Crystal Dr – Audited in April 2026
Quick-Build Safety Projects:
Safety-Driven Capital Project Updates:
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Fort Myer Sidewalk Improvements Project: Crews have started preparation for the Fort Myer Sidewalk Improvements project on Fort Myer Drive at Gateway Park, and at two adjacent intersections. This work will make pedestrian and bike travel through the area safer. Construction began in spring of 2026 and will be completed in spring of 2027, as weather allows.
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South Walter Reed Drive Complete Streets Improvements: The new traffic signal at Walter Reed Drive and 9th Street South is fully activated. Be alert and patient as people adjust to the new traffic pattern.
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Lorcom Lane & Vacation Lane Intersection Improvements: The all-way stop has been installed at the intersection of Lorcom Lane and Vacation Lane. Please be patient as drivers adjust to the new traffic pattern.
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South Four Mile Run Drive Complete Streets Project: This project will increase safety in between the South George Mason and South Walter Reed Drive section. The project is scheduled to run from mid-September through mid-October and will include roadway reconstruction, repaving, and restriping throughout the corridor.
Safety-Driven Signal Phasing Modifications:
- Columbia Pike and S Frederick St: Addition of a westbound protected-permissive left-turn phase – Installed
- Columbia Pike and S Dinwiddie St: Addition of an eastbound protected-permissive left-turn phase – Installed
- 12th St S & S Eads St: Addition of protected eastbound and westbound left turn as part of the transitway project. – Installed
- 12th St S & S Fern St: Addition of protected westbound, northbound, and southbound left turn as part of the transitway project. – Installed
Visit the Vision Zero Safety Projects page to learn more about safety-driven quick build projects, capital projects, pilot projects, High-Injury Network safety audits, and more.
Also, check out our Crash Data Dashboard that shows crash data over the last 10 years, how and where we implement safety tools from the multimodal safety toolbox, our various safety initiatives, speed reduction corridors, and where we are doing outreach/engagement.
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