Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

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Cynthia Palmer

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Jun 25, 2025, 10:06:57 PM6/25/25
to Arlington BAC, Pamela Van Hine

Thanks Pam for forwarding this update on the "Peanutabout" proposed for South George Mason Drive and Four Mile Run Drive.

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: Arlington County Transportation <ArlingtonTr...@public.govdelivery.com>
Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
Subject: South Arlington Transportation Update
To: <pvan...@gmail.com>


S. George Mason Dr. & S. Four Mile Run Dr. Intersection Safety Improvement Study

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South Arlington Transportation Update

June 25, 2025


Visit the My Arlington map to learn about other projects in your area


What's a Peanutabout? (South George Mason Drive & South Four Mile Run Drive Intersection Safety Improvements)

Peanutabout - SGMD and 4MRD

Arlington County is conducting a study of the intersection of South George Mason Drive and South Four Mile Run Drive, to explore the feasibility of two possible redesigns to improve safety for all users of the intersection.

 

The concepts this study examines are:

  • Signalizing and improving the intersection in its current configuration
  • Redesign the intersection as a peanut shaped roundabout, or a peanutabout.

Watch an explainer video by the project manager to learn more about the project background, the two concepts, and next steps in the study, all on the project page.



 
 
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Steve Offutt

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Jun 26, 2025, 12:27:25 PM6/26/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com
Well, for people using the trail around the peanutabout, instead of a single, signalized crossing, they will have to make 8 separate at-grade crossings. 
Note that the idea of a bridge has been proposed. It would solve that problem, but seems like the sort of thing that would eventually be "value engineered" out for cost reasons.

Cheers,
Steve
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Gillian Burgess

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Jun 26, 2025, 12:36:18 PM6/26/25
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Agreed. It seems like a lot of engineering just to avoid closing the service road


Cynthia Palmer

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Jun 26, 2025, 1:21:15 PM6/26/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com, Pamela Van Hine, Elwyn Gonzalez
I expect most of us (and drivers too) would simply find an alternate route to avoid the Peanutabout, perhaps through the neighborhood.

Seems like the County DES would have benefited from a conversation with the BAC/PAC before proceeding with their Concept Design Development and Feasibility Report Development activities. 

But DES no longer consults with the County's road-safety advisory committees, so here we are...

Cynthia Palmer

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Jun 26, 2025, 2:24:01 PM6/26/25
to Pamela Van Hine, arling...@googlegroups.com, Elwyn Gonzalez
Right, we had a discussion about the "peanut-about" concept on April 10, 2023, during which we raised a number of questions and concerns. 

Here is the segment from our BAC meeting notes:

7:20 – 8:00pm S. George Mason Drive Multimodal Transportation Study 

Leah Gerber, Transportation Planner, DES / TPCPM 

Summary: As part of the S. George Mason Drive Multimodal Transportation Study, Leah discussed the Engagement Summary from Phase 2 of the study and intersection concepts in Phase 3 of the study.  

The study will include from Rt 50 down to S Dinwiddie and the Fairfax line.  Half of survey respondents said they want safer intersections. Many expressed interest in a dedicated bikeway. 6 percent of cars are traveling over 40 mph. 60-70 percent of parking is being used on weekdays and 55 percent on weekends.

Leah outlined proposed measures for the different sections of S. George Mason, including a trail on the northbound side of the road, more narrow travel lanes, prefab barriers, and sidewalks. There are some high crash zones on S. Geo Mason including in particular at S Four Mile Run Drive. Leah discussed possible changes to the traffic and signaling configurations and also the possibility of a “peanut-about.”

 

The committee discussed intersection safety and concerns with left turning drivers, especially on the downhills; the importance of the lesser intersections; getting rid of extra lanes; the need for safe crossings if sidewalks and bike lanes are concentrated on one side of the road; the challenge of closing off 4MR-Minor; how a peanut-about would function…and whether it would work for peds and bicycle riders with the more circuitous routes and multiple intersections to get around; and on what timeline the upgrades might take place … likely over the next 10 years, not immediate.

 

On Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 02:04:57 PM EDT, Pamela Van Hine <pvan...@gmail.com> wrote:


The peanut-about has been in the GBD plans for quite awhile.  I know they had public engagement on it - and I thought iw was discussed at PAC and/or BAC months and months ago.
Sigh.
Good thoughts
pam

Dana

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Jun 27, 2025, 6:40:54 AM6/27/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com, Pamela Van Hine, Elwyn Gonzalez
-It would seem Arlington might want to reflect on a systemic solution to the short block service roads (thinking of Eads-Rt 1, Rt 1-Clark/Bell, FMR-FMR Minor, and others.  At some point, closing them or restricting movements might turn out to be the smarter solution

The risk we seem to run here is that we may create a "slip lane from hell"

Might be worthy of a short study of the effectiveness of the W&OD bridge over Langston.

Randy Swart

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Jun 27, 2025, 6:40:54 AM6/27/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com
It's also the most car-centric design the county has proposed in recent years. Run the peds and bikes around in circles so the cars can slip smoothly through. Eliminate traffic signals so we can wait at multiple crossings to jump when there is a gap in traffic that can't be seen because of parked cars or pray that a Yield to Peds sign will somehow work for the texting driver. I thought we had peed all over this one a long time ago.

Randy

At 6/26/2025, you wrote:

>Agreed. It seems like a lot of engineering just to avoid closing the service road
>
>On Thu, Jun 26, 2025, 6:27 PM Steve Offutt <<mailto:st...@offuttemail.com>st...@offuttemail.com> wrote:
>Well, for people using the trail around the peanutabout, instead of a single, signalized crossing, they will have to make 8 separate at-grade crossings.Â
>Note that the idea of a bridge has been proposed. It would solve that problem, but seems like the sort of thing that would eventually be "value engineered" out for cost reasons.
>
>Cheers,
>Steve
>
>On 6/25/2025 10:06 PM, 'Cynthia Palmer' via Arlington BAC wrote:
>>
>>Thanks Pam for forwarding this update on the "Peanutabout" proposed for South George Mason Drive and Four Mile Run Drive.
>>
>>---------- Forwarded message ---------
>>From: Arlington County Transportation <<mailto:ArlingtonTr...@public.govdelivery.com>ArlingtonTr...@public.govdelivery.com>
>>Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
>>Subject: South Arlington Transportation Update
>>To: <<mailto:pvan...@gmail.com>pvan...@gmail.com>
>>
>>
>>S. George Mason Dr. & S. Four Mile Run Dr. Intersection Safety Improvement Study
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>>South Arlington Transportation Update
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>>
>>What's a Peanutabout? (South George Mason Drive & South Four Mile Run Drive Intersection Safety Improvements)
>>
>>
>>
>>Arlington County is conducting a study of the <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.arlingtonva.us%2FGovernment%2FProjects%2FProject-Types%2FTransportation-Projects%2FS.-George-Mason-Dr.-at-Four-Mile-Run-Dr.-Intersection-Feasibility-Study/1/01010197a85fe416-c267bc29-c03c-455c-bc9e-ec3a3d0aa52c-000000/0PH2qjzuw0vk1zjM7kze6pt19WEPjcNfnpCFLBkG3-g=411>intersection of South George Mason Drive and South Four Mile Run Drive, to explore the feasibility of two possible redesigns to improve safety for all users of the intersection.
>>
>>Â
>>
>>The concepts this study examines are:
>>Signalizing and improving the intersection in its current configuration
>>Redesign the intersection as a peanut shaped roundabout, or a peanutabout.
>>Watch an explainer video by the project manager to learn more about the project background, the two concepts, and next steps in the study, all on the <https://links-2.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.arlingtonva.us%2FGovernment%2FProjects%2FProject-Types%2FTransportation-Projects%2FS.-George-Mason-Dr.-at-Four-Mile-Run-Dr.-Intersection-Feasibility-Study%23PublicProcess/1/01010197a85fe416-c267bc29-c03c-455c-bc9e-ec3a3d0aa52c-000000/VKZhCvHmAQ9-4XJqc4huBdITug5LmAkGVKMCN9qTzUU=411>project page.
>>
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_____________________________

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ra...@helmets.org
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Arlington, VA USA
703-486-0100
helmets.org


Cynthia Palmer

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Jun 27, 2025, 5:16:19 PM6/27/25
to Arlington BAC, Pamela Van Hine
Hi all,
I checked with Elwyn and he has confirmed that DES is not willing to meet with the BAC and PAC to discuss the 4 Mile Run - S Geo. Mason Drive intersection plans. All Arlingtonians will have an opportunity to weigh in during the public engagement taking place in late September or October.

The County video and the website say that Arlington will be studying the two proposed intersection concepts, but I don't fully understand what they are considering. They talk about a choice between a conventional signalized intersection and a peanut-about. They offhandedly mention the possibility of grade separation as an extra that could go with either option. (Really?) It seems like a bridge would be a whole separate "intersection concept," not an add-on.

I'm puzzled by the scope of this current inquiry and about how some plans already seem to be preferred while others appear to be off the table entirely... things like closure of the service road, the use of vertical treatments/ raised crosswalks or a raised intersection, dedicated crossing times for pedestrians and bicyclists to get all the way across, and so on. 

Appreciate all the input!
Warmly,
c.


----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Randy Swart <ra...@helmets.org>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 at 06:40:55 AM EDT
Subject: Re: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

It's also the most car-centric design the county has proposed in recent years. Run the peds and bikes around in circles so the cars can slip smoothly through. Eliminate traffic signals so we can wait at multiple crossings to jump when there is a gap in traffic that can't be seen because of parked cars or pray that a Yield to Peds sign will somehow work for the texting driver. I thought we had peed all over this one a long time ago.

Randy

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Dana <dana....@gmail.com>
Cc: Pamela Van Hine <pvan...@gmail.com>; Elwyn Gonzalez <egonz...@arlingtonva.us>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 at 06:40:55 AM EDT
Subject: Re: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

-It would seem Arlington might want to reflect on a systemic solution to the short block service roads (thinking of Eads-Rt 1, Rt 1-Clark/Bell, FMR-FMR Minor, and others.  At some point, closing them or restricting movements might turn out to be the smarter solution

The risk we seem to run here is that we may create a "slip lane from hell"

Might be worthy of a short study of the effectiveness of the W&OD bridge over Langston.

----- Forwarded Message -----
From: Cynthia Palmer <cmp...@yahoo.com>
To: Pamela Van Hine <pvan...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 02:21:57 PM EDT
Subject: Re: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

Right, we had a discussion about the "peanut-about" concept on April 10, 2023, during which we raised a number of questions and concerns. 

Here is the segment from our BAC meeting notes:

7:20 – 8:00pm S. George Mason Drive Multimodal Transportation Study 

Leah Gerber, Transportation Planner, DES / TPCPM 

Summary: As part of the S. George Mason Drive Multimodal Transportation Study, Leah discussed the Engagement Summary from Phase 2 of the study and intersection concepts in Phase 3 of the study.  

The study will include from Rt 50 down to S Dinwiddie and the Fairfax line.  Half of survey respondents said they want safer intersections. Many expressed interest in a dedicated bikeway. 6 percent of cars are traveling over 40 mph. 60-70 percent of parking is being used on weekdays and 55 percent on weekends.

Leah outlined proposed measures for the different sections of S. George Mason, including a trail on the northbound side of the road, more narrow travel lanes, prefab barriers, and sidewalks. There are some high crash zones on S. Geo Mason including in particular at S Four Mile Run Drive. Leah discussed possible changes to the traffic and signaling configurations and also the possibility of a “peanut-about.”

 

The committee discussed intersection safety and concerns with left turning drivers, especially on the downhills; the importance of the lesser intersections; getting rid of extra lanes; the need for safe crossings if sidewalks and bike lanes are concentrated on one side of the road; the challenge of closing off 4MR-Minor; how a peanut-about would function…and whether it would work for peds and bicycle riders with the more circuitous routes and multiple intersections to get around; and on what timeline the upgrades might take place … likely over the next 10 years, not immediate.

 

On Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 02:04:57 PM EDT, Pamela Van Hine <pvan...@gmail.com> wrote:


The peanut-about has been in the GBD plans for quite awhile.  I know they had public engagement on it - and I thought iw was discussed at PAC and/or BAC months and months ago.
Sigh.
Good thoughts
pam



On Thu, Jun 26, 2025 at 1:21 PM 'Cynthia Palmer' via Arlington BAC <arling...@googlegroups.com> wrote:
I expect most of us (and drivers too) would simply find an alternate route to avoid the Peanutabout, perhaps through the neighborhood.

Seems like the County DES would have benefited from a conversation with the BAC/PAC before proceeding with their Concept Design Development and Feasibility Report Development activities. 

But DES no longer consults with the County's road-safety advisory committees, so here we are...



On Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 12:36:21 PM EDT, Gillian Burgess <gillian...@gmail.com> wrote:


>Agreed. It seems like a lot of engineering just to avoid closing the service road
>
>On Thu, Jun 26, 2025, 6:27 PM Steve Offutt <<mailto:st...@offuttemail.com>st...@offuttemail.com> wrote:
>Well, for people using the trail around the peanutabout, instead of a single, signalized crossing, they will have to make 8 separate at-grade crossings.Â
>Note that the idea of a bridge has been proposed. It would solve that problem, but seems like the sort of thing that would eventually be "value engineered" out for cost reasons.
>
>Cheers,
>Steve
>
>On 6/25/2025 10:06 PM, 'Cynthia Palmer' via Arlington BAC wrote:
>>
>>Thanks Pam for forwarding this update on the "Peanutabout" proposed for South George Mason Drive and Four Mile Run Drive.
>>
>>---------- Forwarded message ---------
>>From: Arlington County Transportation <<mailto:ArlingtonTr...@public.govdelivery.com>ArlingtonTr...@public.govdelivery.com>
>>Date: Wed, Jun 25, 2025 at 2:35 PM
>>Subject: South Arlington Transportation Update
>>

Transportation Header

South Arlington Transportation Update

June 25, 2025


Visit the My Arlington map to learn about other projects in your area


What's a Peanutabout? (South George Mason Drive & South Four Mile Run Drive Intersection Safety Improvements)

Peanutabout - SGMD and 4MRD

Arlington County is conducting a study of the intersection of South George Mason Drive and South Four Mile Run Drive, to explore the feasibility of two possible redesigns to improve safety for all users of the intersection.

 

The concepts this study examines are:

  • Signalizing and improving the intersection in its current configuration
  • Redesign the intersection as a peanut shaped roundabout, or a peanutabout.

Watch an explainer video by the project manager to learn more about the project background, the two concepts, and next steps in the study, all on the project page.




_____________________________

Randy Swart
Bicycle Helmet Safety Institute
Arlington, VA  USA


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Geof Gee

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Jun 30, 2025, 9:26:59 PM6/30/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com
I think peds have right of way in a typical roundabout.  That’s not the case here?

At least in some places — California off the top of my head — cyclists also have right of way when crossing.  

That said, memory says while single lane roundabouts are unambiguously safer for everyone, that’s not the case with two lane roundabouts for cyclists and peds. Undoubtedly there are some caveats to that snippet escaping me at the moment. (I have fuzzy memories but can’t quite place my finger on it). Obviously this is assuming modern roundabouts are a good model for a peanutabout. 

Anyway, memory says modern roundabouts are traffic calming, save energy and reduce travel times by reducing waiting time for folks.  It sounds like something worth examining.  Not sure it’s a good application here.  

G

"Sometimes I forget things.  Who I am.  Where I am.  Unimportant things. But I'm not insane. "


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Hanna, K. Mike

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Jun 30, 2025, 9:26:59 PM6/30/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com, Pamela Van Hine

They are proposing the add two additional at-grade road crossings to the W&OD – this is a disaster from a biking and ped perspective.  (As a driver I kind of like the idea).  I am not sure I have seen a proposed road project which has a singular negative impact to cycling since I have been on the BAC.  This deserves at least a letter – and potentially testimony to the BOS with regard to the lack of design policies or project input from the BAC.

 

From: 'Cynthia Palmer' via Arlington BAC <arling...@googlegroups.com>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 5:14 PM
To: Arlington BAC <arling...@googlegroups.com>
Cc: Pamela Van Hine <pvan...@gmail.com>

Subject: Fw: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

 

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Steve Offutt

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Jun 30, 2025, 10:37:47 PM6/30/25
to Geof Gee, arling...@googlegroups.com
Hello Geof,

The design that is being proposed does not suggest the cyclists navigate the peanutabout in the travel lanes, but rather follow the same path as pedestrians across 8 separate crossings. Take a look at the graphics, and you will see what we mean. And even though it would be the case the peds and cyclists legally have the ROW at each of these crossings, the actual experience is likely to be - at the very least - inconvenient, if not actually dangerous.

Cheers,
Steve

Steve Offutt

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Jun 30, 2025, 10:47:45 PM6/30/25
to arling...@googlegroups.com
I received this note from the project manager.
Cheers,
Steve


-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject: RE: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout
Date: Mon, 30 Jun 2025 12:49:41 +0000
From: Brian Shelton <bshe...@arlingtonva.us>
To: Steve Offutt <st...@offuttemail.com>


Hi Steve,

Thanks for the response.

The peanutabout image used in the video is a concept from the South George Mason Drive study completed a few years ago. The intersection feasibility study will update the signalized intersection and peanutabout concept designs with a particular focus for safety and comfort for people walking and biking. An element that will be included in both concepts is a grade separated crossing for riders along the W&OD Trail. The concepts will be shared in the fall. I’d like to hear the perspective of the BAC and will open the conversation then.

 

Thanks,

 

Brian Shelton

Principal Planner, Active Transportation

Transportation Planning and Capital Projects Management

Arlington County Department of Environmental Services

 

2100 Clarendon Blvd., Suite 900, Arlington, VA 22201

Email: bshe...@arlingtonva.us

Mobile: (571) 447-3830

 

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From: Steve Offutt <st...@offuttemail.com>
Sent: Friday, June 27, 2025 5:06 PM
To: Brian Shelton <bshe...@arlingtonva.us>
Subject: Fwd: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

 


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Hello Brian,

The Bicycle Advisory Committee has noted the proposals for the S. George Mason Drive intersection. I share a few thoughts below.

A question re: the peanutabout: for a cyclists traveling along the W&OD, how many stop signs will they have to encounter to get from one side of the intersection to the other?  To me it looks like 8. 
Or will the automobile traffic have the stop signs, allowing the ROW to the trail users?
Or something else?

It's extremely difficult for me to ascertain how this improves anything for users of the trail: it seems more inconvenient, adds time, and is less safe.

Thanks,
Steve Offutt



-------- Forwarded Message --------

Subject:

Re: [Arlington BAC] Fw: South Arlington Transportation Update - the Peanutabout

Date:

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 16:11:55 -0400

From:

Randy Swart <ra...@helmets.org>

Reply-To:

arling...@googlegroups.com

To:

arling...@googlegroups.com

 

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