Franconia-Springfield Metro Accessible from South of the Tracks? (Alexandria, Windsor: cul-de-sac, apartments)

[Generic Alexandria Guy]

My family is contemplating a move to the Kingstowne area from Old Town, and I was looking at some of the neighborhoods in that area to include Island Creek. When looking at an aerial view of the area, I noticed that there seems to be some trails and a "Metro Road" south of the tracks from the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. Does anyone know if the platform is accessible from that side of the station? or is that area specifically for maintenance/operations? I would love to be able to ride my mountain bike to the station and hop on the train to L’Enfant without having to fight traffic near the metro or pay for parking...

[airjay75]

I don't believe the station is accessible on that side, although I have wondered myself on several occasions whether there is an access trail and, if not, why. You might be able to get fairly close to the tracks, but I don't think there is a crossing to get you over them. There could be something I don't know about though. That said, it really isn't too far to go up Beulah, cross the Franconia-Springfield Parkway at the traffic light and then take the path along the Parkway that connects right into the Metro station. I walked that path from the Edgemoore apartments in Kingstowne several times while I was living there and it wasn't bad at all. You could easily bike it as well. Of course, on most days I simply drove and parked at the Metro station because that was by far the quickest way to get there and then also to get home in the evening - parking is $4.75/day. It really wasn't that bad getting in or out of the Metro station in my experience.

[pcity]

Originally Posted by Generic Alexandria Guy

My family is contemplating a move to the Kingstowne area from Old Town, and I was looking at some of the neighborhoods in that area to include Island Creek. When looking at an aerial view of the area, I noticed that there seems to be some trails and a "Metro Road" south of the tracks from the Franconia-Springfield Metro Station. Does anyone know if the platform is accessible from that side of the station? or is that area specifically for maintenance/operations? I would love to be able to ride my mountain bike to the station and hop on the train to L’Enfant without having to fight traffic near the metro or pay for parking...

Yes, it is accessible. The trails shown on Google Maps are actual trails and not private maintenance roads.

From Island Creek, you'd take the trail from Thomas Grant Drive to Crestleigh Way. Make a left on Crestleigh, follow the road until it ends in a cul-de-sac and there will be a trail labeled "Trail To Springfield Metro". Follow the trail down the hill, make a left on Barry Rd.

Barry Rd. will end in a cul-de-sac that leads to another trail. This trail leads to the Springfield VRE station and there are bike racks outside the station. To get to the Metro station, there is a covered pedestrian bridge over the VRE tracks.

[pcity]

Originally Posted by airjay75

You might be able to get fairly close to the tracks, but I don't think there is a crossing to get you over them.

The people who live to the south of the station use the same crossing the VRE riders use. When exiting the Springfield Metro fare gates, the bridge across the tracks is to the left.

[Generic Alexandria Guy]

Thanks! We're excited to be moving to the area. It seems very family friendly...

[airjay75]

Originally Posted by pcity

The people who live to the south of the station use the same crossing the VRE riders use. When exiting the Springfield Metro fare gates, the bridge across the tracks is to the left.

Interesting. Good to know.

[slduvall]

Originally Posted by Generic Alexandria Guy

Thanks! We're excited to be moving to the area. It seems very family friendly...

It is...From Kingstowne - taking Beulah to Windsor to Barry is pretty quick, though not as pretty as from Island Creek.