Permanent Closure of King Street's 200 Block Proposed for Alexandria

Expansion of Pedestrian Zones in Alexandria

Alexandria, Virginia is considering a significant expansion of its pedestrian-only zones on King Street. The city’s Traffic and Parking Board recently recommended making the 200 block of King Street a permanent pedestrian zone. This decision comes after the successful implementation of similar zones in the 100 block of King Street, the unit block, and the Strand.

Max Devilliers, an urban planner with the city's Transportation and Environmental Services, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “I think this project has a lot of potential for our city, and I think we're really leading by example for the entire DC region and really the nation as a whole,” he said. He noted that the region has very few pedestrian public rights of way, making Alexandria's efforts particularly impactful.

The 200 block was initially approved as a pilot program in November 2024. The first phase ran from November 22, 2024, to January 3, 2025, coinciding with the holiday season. The second phase is currently ongoing, running from March 14, 2025, through September 30, 2025. If made permanent, the 200 block would see the removal of 17 parking spaces, including one 15-minute visitor center spot and two-hour metered parking for the rest. A 22-foot-wide space will remain for emergency vehicle access, consistent with other pedestrian zones.

Support for the pedestrian-only block has grown significantly. Initially, only 33 percent of occupants in the 200 block supported the idea, but this has increased to 56 percent following recent outreach efforts. However, three businesses and two residents on the block still oppose the change, citing concerns about delivery difficulties without a travel lane, the belief that another vehicle-free block isn't needed, and increased noise levels.

Community feedback forms revealed strong support during the pilot program. In phase one, 55 percent of respondents were in favor, and this increased to 87 percent in phase two. Asa Orrin-Brown, who owns a photography business, shared positive experiences with the existing pedestrian zones. “Honestly, expanding the pedestrian zone is the biggest thing the city has done in the time that I've lived here to help my business,” she said.

Todd O'Leary, President and CEO of Visit Alexandria, also expressed support for the permanent closure. He highlighted the benefits of the 100 block pedestrian zone and believes the 200 block expansion will further energize the area. “We are confident that a permanent pedestrian corridor on the 200 block will help build the critical mass needed to further energize that area of the city,” O'Leary wrote.

City Council is expected to review the proposal in the fall before the current pilot program expires. The initiative was originally presented by Then-Mayor Justin Wilson and Councilmember John Taylor Chapman in September, aiming to extend the pedestrian zone to the 200 block of King Street.

The 200 block of King Street is a two-way street with businesses and on-street parking. The adjacent 100 block became a pedestrian zone in May 2020, and the change was made permanent in October 2021. The unit block and the Strand were added as a pedestrian zone over Memorial Day weekend 2022, with permanent status approved in November 2022.

Streetscape improvements for the permanent pedestrian zones in the 100 and unit blocks of King Street, plus part of Strand Street, are currently in the planning phase. These efforts are part of the larger Waterfront Implementation Project, with design work continuing into 2026 and construction expected to begin as late as 2026.