Chain Bridge Road Shared Use Path

Project typeCity Project
StatusDesign in Progress

This project will construct a missing link of path on the west side of Chain Bridge Road between Assembly Drive and Northfax Street (formerly Orchard Street). The new section of path will connect north to the shared use path being constructed as part of the Chain Bridge Road and Eaton Place intersection improvements, approved by the city council on April 11, 2023. The path will connect west to the on-road bicycle lanes being constructed on Northfax Street and south to the new path being constructed as part of the site redevelopment.

Stitching Neighborhoods Together

A shared use path in this location was recommended in the Northfax Small Area Plan. Page 10 of the plan describes the idea of stitching together neighborhoods: “A key idea of the Northfax vision is to bridge the divides between Northfax and the surrounding neighborhoods and to connect with the Accotink Creek watershed. The vision recommends new pedestrian crossings at Chain Bridge Road and Fairfax Boulevard, as well as better pedestrian and bicycle facilities on major streets.”

Chain Bridge Road Shared Use Path satellite map

Priority Project

This project was included in the city’s FY 2024-25 Two-Year Transportation Program, adopted by the city council on June 13, 2023. The projects in the program were eligible for regional, state, and federal funding consideration over the next 2-10 years. The projects recommended in the program balance local and regional transportation needs, improve connectivity, and facilitate livability.

Funding

The city council approved in September 2023 to adopt a resolution to endorse the city’s FY 2024 Transportation Alternatives Applications for this project, and the funds became available July 1, 2025. The project is now in the design phase.

Watch Sept. 12, 2023 public hearing.