Maneuvering around Shirlington Circle

Driving around Shirlington Circle is, at times, like the Indy 500. Sharp turns and yield signs that many drivers view as optional or simply do not see make for a new adventure every time.

Let's start on the Alexandria side and travel around the Circle. The Parkfairfax entry onto the Circle is located at the intersection of Gunston Road and the Quaker Lane entry ramp to I-395 North. During rush hour, this spot is frequently backed up due to those who are trying to get onto 395 North, those who need to go around the Circle to get to Shirlington, 395 South, or other nearby roads like Columbia Pike or George Mason. Fortunately there are two lanes so those hoping to get onto 395 North from Gunston can do so, but it is often difficult to get onto the Circle from the left lane unless cars coming from the Quaker Lane entrance and the Circle are kind enough to let you in.

Next, let's say you decide to go around the Circle. There is an on ramp from the HOV lanes that is rarely a problem, and there is also an exit onto Shirlington Mill Road or Four Mile Run, two streets that lead to other parts of Arlington.

However, if you continue around the Circle and want to get off in Shirlington, you have to hope that those coming onto the Circle from Shirlington Mill Road or Four Mile Run will yield as the sign right in front of them asks them to do. We have had numerous near accidents because drivers repeatedly fail to yield at this sign.

Assuming you survive this corner, let's talk about going back around the Circle to where we started. Straight ahead are two options: take the entry ramp onto 395 South or continue around the Circle to exit back in Alexandria. Be careful of the lane on the left, this is an exit from 395 North onto the Circle and the drivers sometimes speed up to cut across to the exit onto 395 South.

As we continue around back towards Gunston Road, an exit onto Quaker Lane is an option for those in the right hand lane, or you can keep going towards the most dangerous part of the Circle - the Quaker Lane yield/exit to Gunston Road/entry onto I-395 North. Drivers on the Circle have the right of way, however, sometimes those on the Quaker Lane ramp ignore the yield sign or speed through thinking they won't hit anyone. To make matters worse, for those of us who need to get off at Gunston Road, we have to cut across the end of the ramp to get onto Gunston. Once again, we've had several near accidents here. Luckily, we've only had close encounters and we've made it home every time.

We were so concerned about our safety, as well as that of other drivers, we reached out to Alexandria City to tell them this they need to improve enforcement of the yield or perhaps put in a flashing light. We got no response from Alexandria City. If anyone knows how to get their attention, let us know.