The pedestrian zone on lower King Street in Old Town has been expanded to include the 200 block of King as part of an extended pilot program that took effect Nov. 22.

The new pedestrian zone runs from the waterfront to Fairfax Street at the eastern corner of Market Square and City Hall.

The pilot program will run from Nov. 22 to Jan. 6. 2025, and again from March 14 through Sept. 30.

City Council unanimously approved the program, which was proposed earlier this year by Mayor Justin Wilson and Councilman John Chapman, at its September legislative meeting.

The walk zone project will be conducted in two phases. Phase 1 will run through Jan. 6, 2025, closing the 200 block of King Street to vehicular traffic. After Phase 1, the block will reopen in January and February to address any issues.

The second phase will run from March 14 to Sept. 30, 2025. This extended period will allow for additional community engagement and data collection. Based on the outcomes of the pilot, City Council will consider a permanent walk zone ordinance in the fall of 2025.

The pedestrianization of lower King Street began during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic with the 100 block and unit blocks of King Street and Strand Street permanently transitioning to pedestrian-only in 2022. Referred to as the Lower King Street Pedestrianization Project, the pedestrianization process went through several iterations of pilot closures and community engagement to achieve community support.

Community feedback will be collected during the winter reopening and Phase 2 to refine plans. Public meetings and updates are planned to keep residents informed. If successful, the 200 block could be permanently pedestrianized by late 2025.

To provide feedback, visit www.alexandriava.gov/transportation-planning/lower-king-street-pedestrianization-project