Pedestrian Projects Along Wilson Boulevard
If you've traveled along Wilson Boulevard in Clarendon or across from the Ballston Common Mall, you've probably been frustrated by the construction there. You might think that it is yet another inconvenience of the recent wave of condo construction happening in those areas. But no. These projects are actually part of WALKArlington's commitment to creating world-class pedestrian environments throughout the county.
Grapefruit in Clarendon?
At the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Highland Street, a recently completed project has dramatically changed the Clarendon streetscape. On the northeast corner, a free right-turn lane (a lane that is designed to allow cars to turn right without stopping) onto North Highland Street has been eliminated, along with the pedestrian island and the solitary tree that 
stood in the middle of that intersection. With the removal of that significant amount of roadway, the adjoining public open space adjacent to the Department of Human Services building has been enlarged by approximately 3600 square feet, or made about one-third larger. Extra large ramps and pedestrian "nubs" were incorporated into this design. (Nubs help make street crossings safer by shortening crossing distances and making pedestrians more visible to drivers, particularly around parked cars.) This nub evolved into the distinctive "wagon wheel" or "grapefruit" design which has become the project's signature design element.
This unusual nub is imprinted with a slate texture and features a large central circle with five radiating ribs. The plan is to eventually integrate this new space with the existing plaza to create one, unified design that can accommodate a farmer's market, café or food vendor kiosks and plentiful fixed and movable outdoor seating.
To help realize this future plan, a large, conspicuous traffic-signal box and an electric meter were relocated from what would become the middle of the new space. Also, three new street trees were planted along the new curb lines. Along with the "grapefruit" corner, the northwest and southwest corners have new nubs and extra-wide accessible ramps. Also, the sidewalk on the north side of Wilson Boulevard opposite the Metro station entrance was widened to accommodate a bus shelter. Together, these improvements have made walking safer and more comfortable in this busy pedestrian neighborhood.
More Nubs, Wider Ramps for Ballston
At Wilson Boulevard and North Stuart Street and further down the block at the mid-block crossing in front of the Ballston Common Mall, the curbs and sidewalks have been rebuilt with "nubs" and enhanced accessible ramps. The new accessible ramps are 50 percent wider than standard ramps. Because large numbers of pedestrians often cross together at these locations, wider ramps help ensure that most anybody who needs access to a ramp can get to it. These ramps have been incorporated into new nubs that shorten crossing distances and improve drivers' ability to see pedestrians.
The final stage of this project included the installation of new, high-visibility crosswalks made of a new material that will last much longer than ordinary white pavement markings and will be smoother and more level than pavers. Be on the lookout for it this coming spring.
Other Area Projects Worth Noting
North Taylor Street. New angled parking between Wilson Boulevard and Fairfax Drive not only brings more spaces to Ballston, but provides a buffer for pedestrians between the sidewalk and the street.
Fairfax Drive between North Stuart and North Taylor Streets. Installation of a new Metro elevator entrance here included new nubs, ramps and crosswalks.
