To: City of Alexandria 

From: Concerned Residents of Beverley Drive and Surrounding Neighborhood

We, the undersigned residents of Beverley Drive and the surrounding neighborhood, are deeply concerned about the excessive speeding on Beverley Drive between Washington Circle and Russell Road. This stretch of road poses a significant safety risk to our community, particularly children, pets, and pedestrians, due to a blind curve that obstructs visibility.

Problem:

Speeding Vehicles: Many vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, contractor vehicles, utility provider vehicles, and delivery drivers, regularly exceed the posted speed limit on Beverley Drive.

Blind Curve: The curve between Washington Circle and Russell Road creates a dangerous blind spot, limiting driver reaction time and increasing the risk of collisions.

Reckless Drivers: Many of the drivers coming down Beverley Drive are not residents of the neighborhood and not sensitive to the children, pets, and walkers in our neighborhood. The reckless drivers are contractors, utility trucks, and delivery drivers rushing in and out of the neighborhood. Numerous "Children at Play" signs have not deterred their speeding. Physical measures like speed cushions are necessary.

Vulnerable Road Users: Children playing, pets, and residents walking or cycling are particularly vulnerable to speeding vehicles, especially given the limited visibility.

Park Entrance: Located in the blind curve is the main entrance to Monticello Park, a beloved neighborhood park and favorite of wildlife enthusiasts. The entrance attracts children, animals, and walkers, including walkers focused on surrounding wildlife rather than traffic. Reckless driving creates a particular danger right at the entrance to a pedestrian park. 

Wildlife: With the wooded area, this part of Beverley Drive is filled with wildlife, including abundant foxes and deer. This area is a favorite for deer to birth their fawns. Deer young and old routinely traverse this part of Beverley Drive, creating a dangerous vulnerability for speeding and reckless drivers coming around the blind curve. 

Solution:

We urge the City of Alexandria to implement the following traffic calming measures on Beverley Drive between Washington Circle and Russell Road:

Installation of Speed Cushions or Speed Humps: We request the installation of two sets of speed cushions or speed humps:

One set at the top of the blind curve approaching from Washington Circle.

One set at the bottom of the blind curve approaching from Russell Road.

Speed cushions or speed humps are proven traffic calming devices that effectively reduce vehicle speeds while allowing emergency vehicles to pass safely.

Benefits:

Enhanced Safety: Reduced speeds will significantly decrease the risk of accidents and injuries to pedestrians, cyclists, and residents.
Improved Quality of Life: Traffic calming will create a safer and more peaceful environment for our community, encouraging residents to walk, cycle, and enjoy the neighborhood without fear.

Protection of Vulnerable Road Users: Children, pets, and elderly residents will benefit from a safer street environment.

We urge the City of Alexandria to take immediate action to address this urgent safety concern. By implementing these traffic calming measures, we can create a safer and more livable community for all.