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I think Tysons Engineers argument is far more nuanced than “does Richmond’s political boundaries contain freeways?” His argument is that Interstate 95, Interstate 195, and the Downtown Expressway essentially form a boundary around the core of Richmond. The development outside of the core is decidedly more suburban in nature. While development in areas not bound by these freeways (Windsor Farms, Westhampton, Fairmont, etc.) may be located within the political boundary of Richmond, that development has a suburban form in comparison to the core. It is based on this, that Tysons Engineer (presumably) comes to the conclusion that there are no freeways through “Richmond”.

Bringing this discussion back to greater Washington, it is extremely difficult to create an urban, walkable community out of a landscape that is bisected by numerous 6+ lane arterial roads. If we go back to our Richmond example, the largest road in terms of lanes through the Richmond core is W. Broad Street. While W. Broad does divide the community, it’s effect is nowhere near as pronounced as the effect of 7, 123, and the Capital Beltway have on Tysons. This is the foremost difficulty in developing Tysons into an urban center with a sense of place where people live, work, and play. The development of Tysons into this urban center is essentially to reap the full benefits of the silver line investment.

by Jim O on Apr 16, 2012 3:11 pm • link • report