VDOT Crews Pretreating Roads for Wintry Weekend

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are preparing for a wide range of precipitation forecast for Loudoun County and Northern Virginia this weekend, including snow, sleet, freezing rain and rain over the next 36 hours.

 

What Loudoun County commuters should know:

• The forecast calls for winter weather to last this evening through Saturday afternoon, with low confidence as to which type will have the most impact in the region. Get more on the forecast from Loudoun County Weather.
• Bridge deck and pavement temperatures will hover around freezing.
• Overnight and Saturday morning have potential for icy conditions. If possible, delay trips to later in the day.

 

Today, crews are pre-treating major roads and trouble spots in Loudoun, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties. On interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495 — including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1 — crews use liquid magnesium chloride. Problem spots on other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine. Crews will also pre-treat trouble spots in subdivisions.

 

By 4 p.m. this afternoon, about 500 trucks will be available throughout Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties to treat roads, and additional trucks may report overnight if needed.

 

Another round of wintry mix is forecast for Sunday night into Monday morning. Crews will plan to pre-treat again Sunday.

 

If out on the roads during inclement weather, be sure to slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination. Also, be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, ramps, curves and overpasses

 
 

Road Rage Altercation Near Countryside Ends in Gunfire

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is investigating a road rage altercation that erupted in gunfire yesterday morning.
 
Just before noon on Thursday, Jan. 22, the victim was pulling onto Route 7 westbound in the area of City Center Boulevard near Country Side when the driver of a green sedan began tailgating him. The vehicle pulled up beside the victim's passenger side and the driver began shouting at him and gestures were exchanged between the two. The two drivers continued westbound on Route 7 when the victim heard loud noises which he described as gunshots. At this time the suspect vehicle exited onto Loudoun County Parkway.
 
A short time later, the victim discovered multiple bullet holes in the rear passenger side of his car and he contacted authorities. The bullets did not penetrate the interior of the vehicle and the victim was not injured.
 
The area was searched and no suspect vehicle was located. The suspect was described as a black male, light skinned, late teens to early 20's with a round face. He had short black hair and weighed approximately 150 pounds. A black female was also observed in the passenger side of the vehicle. The suspect vehicle was described as an older model green sedan, similar to a Honda Civic.
 
Any witnesses to this incident are asked to call Detective W. Promisel of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office at 703-777-0475. If the caller wishes to remain anonymous, they are asked to call Loudoun Crime Solvers at 703-777-1919. If the caller provides information to Loudoun Crime Solvers that leads to an arrest and indictment, the caller could be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000. 


 
 

Loudoun County Supervisors to Hold Special Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 20

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will hold a special meeting beginning at 6 p.m. next Tuesday, Jan. 20, in the Purcellville Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E. in Leesburg. 

 

The purpose of the meeting is to allow the Board of Supervisors to convene a closed session to discuss the award of public contracts for a parking garage on the north side of the planned Route 772 Silver Line Metrorail station. The authority for the closed session is Section 2.2.3711(A), Subsections (3) and (29) of the Code of Virginia which allows for a closed session on a topic where discussion in an open session would adversely affect the bargaining position or negotiating strategy of the Board. 

 

The beginning of the special meeting and convening of the closed session will be broadcast live on Loudoun County Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40 and available through the Loudoun County webcast system at www.loudoun.gov/webcast. No formal action will be taken in the closed session, which will not be televised. The Board's reconvening of the special meeting and resolution certifying the closed session will be televised once the closed session is complete.

 

The Loudoun County Planning Commission's public hearing, which is also scheduled for Jan. 20 at 6 p.m. in the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, will be available for viewing live through the Loudoun County webcast system at www.loudoun.gov/webcast and will be replayed on Government Channel 23, Open Band Channel 40, and Verizon FiOS Channel 40 on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at noon and Thursday, Jan. 22, at 6 p.m. 

 
 

Snow and Ice to Impact Morning and Afternoon Commutes on Wednesday

The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking drivers to prepare for a day-long storm tomorrow (Wednesday) that could make driving hazardous in Northern Virginia.

 

You are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts and also consider teleworking or delaying travel tomorrow. Also, please plan for a longer than normal commute, with snow predicted in the morning and hazardous sleet and freezing rain beginning in the afternoon.

By 4 a.m. Wednesday, VDOT reports that about 700 trucks will be staged throughout Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties to treat roads. Additional trucks may be added to handle sleet and snow during the afternoon commute.

Today, crews are pre-treating major roads and trouble spots in Loudoun, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties. On interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495 -- including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1 -- crews use liquid magnesium chloride. Problem spots on other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine.

 

VDOT reminds drivers to use caution in winter weather, and:

•          Check www.511virginia.org for road conditions.

•          Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination.

•          Be aware of potentially icy areas such as ramps, bridges, hills and curves.

•          Get more details on snow removal in northern Virginia.

 
 

VDOT Asks Drivers to Delay Trips Tomorrow (Monday) Morning

1,450 trucks prepared to handle freezing rain and wintry mix in Northern Virginia

The Virginia Department of Transportation urges drivers to delay trips Monday to allow trucks to treat roads, as freezing rain is expected to begin overnight and last well through the morning rush hour. (More on the forecast)

“We ask drivers to plan ahead and to use extreme caution if they must drive,” said Branco Vlacich, VDOT assistant district administrator for maintenance. “The pre-treatment crews have laid will help, but with pavement temperatures below freezing we will need to treat icy conditions repeatedly during this hours-long storm.”

Overnight tonight, about 1,450 trucks will report to stage and begin treating roads throughout Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties.

This weekend, crews pre-treated major roads and trouble spots in Loudoun, Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties.

On interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495 — including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1 — crews use liquid magnesium chloride. Problem spots on other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine.

VDOT reminds drivers to use caution in winter weather, and:

• Check www.511virginia.org for road conditions
• Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges
• Get more details on snow removal in Northern Virginia 

    For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

SCC Seeks Comments on Dulles Greenway Toll Increase Request

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) is seeking comments on a request by the owners of the Dulles Greenway to adjust the tolls charged for traveling the 14-mile roadway that runs between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg.

Comments must be received by February 6.

Toll Road Investors Partnership II (TRIP II) filed its application on December 30, 2014, and is asking for a 2.8% increase. For a two-axle vehicle, the proposed increase equates to 10 cents, from $4.20 to $4.30. During peak morning and afternoon weekday periods, the proposed increase is 15 cents, from $5.10 to $5.25.

Written comments on the request must be submitted by February 6, 2015. All correspondence should be sent to the Clerk of the State Corporation Commission, Document Control Center, P.O. Box 2118, Richmond, Virginia 23218-2118, and refer to case number PUE-2014-00129.

Interested persons desiring to submit comments electronically may do so at the SCC’s website: www.scc.virginia.gov/case. Click on the PUBLIC COMMENTS/NOTICES link and then the SUBMIT COMMENTS button for case number PUE-2014-00129.

SCC staff has been directed to investigate the application and file a report on February 6. The Commission will then issue an order on the company’s request.

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Be Patient and Use Caution on Afternoon Commute -- and Tomorrow Morning as Well

More than 850 salt trucks and plows are working to improve road conditions throughout Northern Virginia in advance of the afternoon rush, that according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. VDOT adds that crews will continue to work throughout the night to address the expected refreeze.

 

"Commuters should see some improvement on their trip home after a long and difficult commute this morning," said Branco Vlacich, assistant district administrator for maintenance in Northern Virginia. "However, with these very cold temperatures, the salt and chemicals used are much less effective. We ask drivers to use extra caution tonight and tomorrow morning and allow extra time for their commute."

 

Crews are also sanding hills and other trouble spots in subdivisions and plowing where needed.  

 
 

Commissioner of the Revenue Mails Personal Property Tax Notices

Robert S. Wertz Jr., Loudoun's Commissioner of the Revenue, has mailed notification of 2015 personal property filing requirements to all vehicle owners currently on the county's tax rolls. Personal property includes automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, campers, trailers, boats, motorhomes, aircraft, and mobile homes. 
 
This week, residents will begin receiving notices in the mail with an account number and instructions that they will use to review and update their personal property tax records for the 2015 tax year. The Commissioner's office mailed 181,624 notices. Implemented six years ago, the online process allows citizens to review and update information on the more than 350,000 vehicles now located in the county. Residents can access their personal property information at www.loudoun.gov/vehicle-file. 
 
Residents can report corrections, an address change, the sale or disposal of a vehicle, or unusually high mileage since these factors may affect the property's valuation or the number of months a vehicle is taxed in the county. The Commissioner requests that all changes be submitted by the extended deadline of Feb. 2, 2015, to assist in establishing accurate assessments for the 2015 tax year.  Since the annual Feb. 1 deadline falls on the weekend this year, the due date is extended to the next business day.
 
To avoid late filing penalties, newly acquired vehicles or those recently entering Loudoun County must be reported to the Commissioner of the Revenue within 60 days of purchase or move to Loudoun County.
 
For information or filing assistance, visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue by email at ppdcor@loudoun.gov or by phone at 703-777-0260.  You may also stop by the Leesburg office in the Loudoun County Government Center at 1 Harrison Street or the Sterling office at 21641 Ridgetop Circle. Regular office hours are weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.


 
 

Upcoming Traffic Shift on Ft. Evans Road Phase II & Riverside Parkway

Loudoun County officials announce the shifting of traffic within the Fort Evans Phase II and Riverside Parkway project limits. The shifting for the east and west bound lanes will tentatively begin on or around Tuesday, Jan. 6, pending weather conditions, but no later than mid-January 2015. 
 
The affected project area is from Fort Evans Road beginning at Menlow Drive through the River Creek Parkway intersection into Riverside Parkway east to Upper Meadow Drive/Kingsport Drive.  The work will consist of shifting eastbound traffic to the outer lane and westbound traffic to the new westbound lanes.  The shift will occur in the evening hours and require one evening to complete.  Traffic will remain one lane in either direction in order to perform work in the median.  Message boards will be installed and traffic routing will be adjusted to accommodate the traffic shift. 
 
All commuters are advised to pay attention to traffic signs, message boards and flaggers.
 
Questions about the project may be directed to Loudoun County's Construction Manager, Vikram Dogra at Vikram.Dogra@loudoun.gov or 703-737-8532.


 
 

VDOT to Suspend Highway Work Zones During New Year's Holiday

VDOT will suspend most highway work zones for several days over the holidays to limit congestion and provide as many travel lanes as possible.

VDOT will lift lane closures on interstates and other major roads in Virginia during the following dates and times:

• Noon, Wednesday, Dec. 24, to noon, Friday, Dec. 26,
• Noon, Wednesday, Dec. 31, to noon, Friday, Jan. 2, 2015.

Northern Virginia High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) Schedule and Other Information

• Wednesday, Dec. 24 − Normal HOV restrictions are in effect.
• Thursday, Dec. 25− HOV restrictions on Interstate 95, Interstate 395 and Interstate 66 are lifted. I-95/395 reversible lanes will be northbound on Christmas Day.
• Friday, Dec. 26− HOV restrictions on I-95, I-395 and I-66 are lifted. The I-95/395 reversible lanes will be northbound until 10:30 a.m. They will reopen southbound at 1 p.m.

Tolling begins Monday, Dec. 29, on the I-95 Express Lanes (between Edsall Road in Fairfax County and Garrisonville Road in Stafford County). Drivers will need either an E-ZPass Flex (for HOV-3 to ride free) or an E-ZPass to use the lanes at all times. Get more information at www.95expresslanes.com.

• Wednesday, Dec. 31: Normal HOV restrictions are in effect. I-95/395 reversible lanes will remain southbound through the evening and on New Year’s Day.
• Thursday, Jan. 1: HOV restrictions on I-395 and I-66 are lifted. I-95/395 reversible lanes will remain southbound until midnight and switch to northbound by 2 a.m. Friday, Jan. 2.
• Friday, Jan. 2: Normal HOV restrictions are in effect.
• 95 Express Lanes: Roadway improvements for the 29-mile corridor of the new I-95/395 Express Lanes, between Garrisonville Road in Stafford County and Edsall Road in Fairfax County, opened to traffic on Dec. 14.

Drivers are reminded to stay alert and use caution when driving in and around the Express Lanes corridor through the holidays, as new lanes, traffic patterns and access points are open.

Lane closures will be restricted during the holiday hours as listed above, but motorists should expect daytime and nighttime closures on this stretch of I-95/395 outside these designated dates while crews put finishing touches on the new roadway.

Get more information from VDOT.

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