Traffic Update - Berlin Pike

Traffic update from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office... Berlin Pike is now open after a nearly two hour barricade situation near Lovettsville ended this afternoon without serious incident.

Shortly after noon, Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a home in the 13500 block of Berlin Turnpike after the agency received an outside call of a possible suicidal subject at a residence. Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies arrived at the scene and the subject discharged a firearm several times in no particular direction. During the first hour, Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies were able to establish contact with the subject. Soon after 1:30 p.m. the man was taken into custody.

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Traffic Update

From the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office... the 13000 Block of Berlin Pike in Lovettsville is closed both in directions due to police activity.

State Supreme Court Overturns Northern Virginia Transportation Authority Taxing Power

The Washington Post is reporting this afternoon that the Virginia Supreme Court today overturned a landmark measure designed to relieve traffic congestion in Northern Virginia, declaring that the creation of a regional transportation authority to levy taxes was unconstitutional.

The decision by the state's highest court prevents the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority from financing more than $300 million a year in regional highway and transit projects. The authority has already begun collecting new taxes and fees for projects such as a new interchange on the Fairfax County Parkway and the widening of the Prince William Parkway.

The authority was created by the Virginia legislature as part of the state's first transportation funding bill in 21 years. Proponent said the law must be upheld to allow needed road projects to go forward. But opponents, including eight Northern Virginia residents and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, argued that the authority can't impose taxes and issue bonds, in part because it isn't elected by voters.

Today's decision leaves the road funding plan in peril and sends the matter back to the state legislature, which passed the transportation bill last year after more than two years of delicate negotiations.

Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), who helped push the plan through the General Assembly, expressed his disappointment in a statement. He has scheduled a news conference for 2:15 p.m. to discuss the matter, before leaving for a weekend of campaigning for presidential candidate Sen. Barack Obama.

"I am disappointed by the Supreme Court's finding that the limited authority to impose taxes granted by the General Assembly in 2007, by an overwhelming vote by both bodies, was unconstitutional," Kaine said in the statement.

The article added that Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax) blamed Kaine for the ruling because he amended the transportation bill to shift the taxing authority from the localities to the regional transportation authority. Local elected officials asked Kaine to make the change.

According to the Supreme Court of Virginia:

"In an appeal from a bond validation proceeding instituted by a regional transportation authority in circuit court, it is concluded that a multi-faceted chapter of the 2007 Acts of Assembly does not violate the "single object" requirement for legislation specified in Article IV, Section 12 of the Constitution of Virginia, but that certain provisions thereof are unconstitutional due to their delegation of the General Assembly's power of taxation to a political subdivision that is not a county, city, town, or regional government and that is not an elected body. Although the Constitution does not explicitly prohibit it, such delegation is prohibited by necessary implication based on the language of certain Constitutional provisions. The taxes and fees already imposed are held to be null and void, and the circuit court erred in validating the proposed bonds based thereon. The invalid statutes allowing the authority to impose the taxes and fees are severed from the remaining portions of the legislation, the circuit court's judgment is affirmed in part and reversed in part, and final judgment is entered."

Click here (PDF) to read the complete Virginia Supreme Court ruling on the case.

State Supreme Court Ruling Could Impact Commutes and NVTA Taxes

Today's Washington Times is reporting that a Virginia Supreme Court might rule as soon as today on a local tax case that could change the way Northern Virginia confronts its crippling traffic congestion.

The case is testing the limits of the state legislature's right to delegate taxing authority to local agencies.

A ruling in favor of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) would allow the agency to continue levying seven new taxes to finance road, bridge and public transit improvements.

The NVTA says it is trying to minimize commuter annoyances such as those of Kathleen Joyce, an information-technology project analyst who drives daily from her home in Springfield to her job near Fairfax County Parkway and Route 28 in Ashburn.

The 37-mile drive sometimes takes her two hours in the mornings. She puts up with it only because she likes her job near the Dulles corridor.

The article adds that a court decision against the NVTA would mean advocates for transportation relief would need to look elsewhere for funding at a time when one of the region's solutions to traffic problems ? a Metro rail extension to Washington Dulles International Airport ? appears to be losing federal support.

Governor Vows to Fight Re-Soliciting Proposals for Dulles Rail

Today's Washington Post reports that Gov. Timothy M. Kaine will oppose efforts to force the state to rebid the proposed Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport.

The Post says, "In the House version of the 2008-10 budget, Del. Joe T. May (R-Loudoun) inserted a provision that instructs the Virginia Department of Transportation to 're-solicit competitive proposals' for the project.

May's amendment comes after federal officials announced last month that they are unlikely to fund the project as it is currently structured.

Kaine (D) and Virginia's congressional delegation are trying to work with federal officials to salvage the plan and secure as much as $900 million in federal aid for the $5 billion project.

At a meeting Thursday between House and Senate budget negotiators, Kaine said one of his top priorities is having May's language removed.

Stay tuned to Loudoun County Traffic for more developments in the Dulles Rail saga.

Lincoln Paving Projects Removed from Plan

According to today's Leesburg Today, "the numerous people who have spoken out against the paving of Sands Road and Taylor Road in western Loudoun were heard Monday night, as the Transportation and Land Use Committee voted to alter the Secondary Road Six-Year Plan and remove funding assigned to the two paving projects."

"The two projects will now be evaluated by county transportation staff and the Virginia Department of Transportation under the new rural rustic road program. The new program could reduce the estimated cost of the projects because it would allow rural roads to be paved as is, or placing the asphalt directly over the dimensions of the existing road.

"I am uncomfortable with the funding on Sands Road and Taylor Road. There is not community consensus and there is high controversy," Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) said. "I would like to see the community have some meetings and discuss what they really want."

"I see projects that are much more significant than paving a country rural road that doesn't need to be paved," Supervisor Sally Kurtz (D-Catoctin) said.

"Staff members said $1.6 million of the money saved from removing the two projects will be diverted to The Woods Road realignment. The Woods Road must be moved to meet the future needs of the county's landfill.

"The Secondary Road Six-Year Plan also includes funding for traffic calming in the village of Lincoln, the addition of a right-hand turn lane from Algonkian Parkway onto Countryside Boulevard, the construction of a shared-use path from Virt's Corner to Governor's Drive on South King Street in Leesburg, funding for the completion of the design and beginning construction of Belmont Ridge Road from Rt. 7 to the Dulles Greenway to take it from two lanes to four lanes and plan for its ultimate expansion to six lanes, construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Ryan Road and paving of the two remaining portions of Sycolin Road between Belmont Ridge Road and the Town of Leesburg."

Road Closure

From VDOT... In Loudoun County, on Route 7 Bypass, Harry Byrd Highway, west at Simpsons Creek Road (Route 712) just outside of Round Hill. The left lane is closed from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. today, Thursday, February 28, for road work. Use caution.

Dulles Rail - Governor Responds as Deadline Looms

Gov. Tim Kaine yesterday attacked a Virginia House measure that would force him to re-bid the ailing Dulles Rail project, arguing it would scrap a contract ?willy-nilly? and deter companies from doing business with the commonwealth. Today's Washington Examiner has all the details:

Two delegates - Dave Albo, R-Springfield, and Joe May, R-Leesburg - slipped the provision into an end-of-year budget bill passed by the House last week, seeking to put the 23-mile rail expansion?s first phase out for competitive bidding.

Proponents argue the move is an attempt to drive down the cost of the project after the Federal Transit Administration warned it is too expensive to receive a critical $900 million in federal funding, among other qualms. But Kaine, in an interview on WTOP?s ?Ask the Governor? radio program, questioned the benefits of dumping the existing construction contract with Bechtel Infrastructure and Washington Group International.

?You can?t just willy-nilly tell your contractor, ?Hey, you?re out the window - we?re going to rebid it,? because then nobody will want to do business with you ever again, if they felt like ?we went through a competitive process and we got a contract, you?re going to throw it out and rebid it?? ? Kaine said.

Meanwhile, yesterday's Fairfax Times reports that the looming deadline at the end of this month has made life difficult for those working on the project.

With the end of the month looming, officials for the Dulles Rail Project are busy working with the Federal Transit Authority to get the project approved before the current construction contract expires.

That situation could seem familiar because at the end of January all of those players were in the exact same position, until they agreed to a one-month extension in the contract, giving everyone involved more time to win over the FTA.

Now, that extension is about to expire, and sources close to the process say that the upcoming contract deadline has motivated a more intense effort to get a resolution for the foundering rail project.

The FTA could issue some sort of decision by Friday.

While all sides wait to see what, if anything, happens at the end of the month, the preliminary phase of the project continues in Tysons Corner. Every day, construction crews work to relocate utility lines along Route 7, a process that was supposed to occur concurrently with the beginning of the new rail line's construction.

"We're working with all the project parts and the contractor in discussions this week. ... We're looking for ways to move the contract forward," airports authority spokeswoman Tara Hamilton said.

And so the saga of Dulles Rail continues. Got any thoughts? Let us know.

Dulles Rail "Boondoggle"

Here's a blog post about the Dulles Rail Project from Wendell Cox, a visiting Fellow in the Thomas A. Roe Institute for Economic Policy Studies, and Ronald D. Utt, Ph.D., who is the Herbert and Joyce Morgan Senior Research Fellow at The Heritage Foundation, that talks about the Dulles Rail "boondoggle" that the authors say has exposed flaws in federal transportation policy.

According to the authors, "Among the 85 largest metropolitan areas in the country, the Washington, D.C., region has the distinction of having the seventh-worst traffic congestion in the nation, as measured by the Texas Transportation Institute in its most recent annual report on urban mobility."

However, the authors are not supportive of the Dulles Rail project.

"Having already squandered vast sums of tax dollars, many of these same bureaucracies, along with their supporters in the business and environmental communities, are now pushing aggressively for the biggest boondoggle of them all: the Dulles rail extension project, which would add 11.6 miles of new rail line to link downtown Washington with the Dulles airport in distant Loudoun County."

"Estimated to cost $5.1 billion, the new rail line is strongly supported by the region's elected officials and business community despite the project's own estimates that show it would do little to relieve congestion, pollution, or energy use in the corridor where it would operate, let alone in the region as a whole."

"Congress and the Administration should deny the project federal funding."

Further, the writers note, "... a large part the metropolitan area's congestion problem stems from the mismanagement of the region's transportation system by a collection of duplicative bureaucracies, which now includes three state Departments of Transportation (DOT), one federal DOT, freelancing members of the U.S. Congress and their staffs, a metropolitan planning organization, a new regional transportation authority recently empowered to raise taxes, a dozen or so counties and cities, and a meddlesome business community that supports wasteful transportation schemes that promise lucrative real estate development opportunities but little congestion relief, of which the Dulles rail extension proposal is a prime example."

So what are Cox and Utt's conclusion?

"Whatever the reasons for the leadership's involvement, and however the project fares in its quest for taxpayer support, the Dulles rail project has exposed the counterproductive political process that surrounds the nation's transportation policymaking, especially when Congress gets involved. For these reasons, devolving the federal transportation program - and the responsibility for funding it - back to the states should be a high priority for the next Administration and Congress."

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Traffic Alerts for the Week of Feb. 24

According to VDOT, the following Loudoun County roads will be affected by road work or closures during the week of Feb. 24-March 1:

• Route 15/29 SB, Broad Run at Buckland - Left Lane Closure to set barriers in the SB median Monday, February 25 and Friday, February 29.
• Route 28/ Nokes Boulevard Interchange Project (completion Fall 2009): Route 28 North/South between Route 625 (South) and Route 7 (North) - right and left lanes closed, Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Nokes Boulevard East & West, between Atlantic Blvd (East) and Route 28 (West) - right and left lanes closed Monday -
  Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

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No School Today

Loudoun County Public Schools will be closed today, Friday, February 22, because of inclement weather. Administrative offices, however, are open on time.

Without school and the school buses, area roadways will be less traveled than normal this morning. If you don't have to go to work or can perhaps delay your arrival, you're encouraged to do so. If you do have to go in, please drive carefully and remember these safety tips:

• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• When driving on ice, don't slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.

And remember, for weather for where you live, work and play, visit Loudoun County Weather.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic

VDOT Preparing for Today's Anticipated Snow

As the clipper storm approaches the Northern Virginia area today, the Virginia Department of Transportation has launched their upgraded snow emergency plan, focusing on the bridges and overpasses, particularly at the Springfield Interchange. The increased efforts for the Springfield Interchange include pre-treating the ramps and bridges with 15 trucks with salt and sand, and four liquid magnesium tankers. The trucks are pre-positioned at the ramps and bridges throughout the interchange and will treat the roadways well in advance of any precipitation.

Throughout the day today, VDOT will be deploying 722 salt and sand trucks throughout the Northern Virginia area, focusing on bridges, overpasses and icy spots. In addition to the 114 trucks covering the interstates, there will be 101 trucks in Loudoun County.

VDOT is also encouraging travelers to observe the following winter driving tips:

• Make sure your vehicle is winter ready.
• Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• When driving on ice, don?t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
• Know the conditions! Before heading out, call 511 for the latest road condition information or visit http://www.virginiadot.org/.

For more Loudoun County weather information, visit LoudounCountyWeather.com.

Helpful Hints for Changing Your Car Battery

Okay, so every once in a while, you have to do things like changing your battery. If you don't have a favorite mechanic or you're a do-it-yourselfer, here's some advice from CarMax about what to do and not do when changing your battery.

Among the do's:

• Wear proper eye, hand and clothing protection when around batteries
• Check the terminals where cables connect to be sure they are tight and corrosion free. If corrosion is present, have terminals cleaned by a professional.
• Lubricate terminals with a dab of petroleum jelly to keep cables clean and free from corrosion longer.
• Make sure the battery is firmly secured to its mounting bracket. An unsecured battery can become damaged and cause short circuits.
• Check the fluid level unless it's a maintenance-free battery. If the fluid is low, add distilled water. If there is no fluid visible, then replace the battery.
• Keep your battery case clean. Dirt conducts electricity which can discharge the battery. Use a solution of baking soda dissolved in warm water to clean. Wet the case and agitate with a nylon bristle brush to scrub surface. Rinse well with plain water.
• Batteries come in many different sizes. When replacing a car battery, make sure you choose the right size for your vehicle. When it comes to car batteries, bigger is not always better.
• Always disconnect the negative cable first and reconnect it last.
• Charge battery in a well-ventilated area.

And what shouldn't you do:

• If your battery is frozen, do not charge it, as it may explode! One visual sign of a frozen battery is that the sides are bowed out. This condition is not repairable and dangerous; the battery will need to be replaced.
• If you need to charge your battery yourself, switch the charger to a low-charge setting. Most chargers have this feature, but if not, have a professional charge the battery.
• Don't charge a dead battery with a car's alternator. An alternator is not designed to function as a charger, and it may be damaged or have a shortened life as a result.
• Never lean over a battery when charging, testing, or jump-starting the engine.
• Don't disconnect battery cables while engine is running (your battery acts as a filter).
• Don't let the battery get totally discharged. Most car batteries get their power from lead cells submerged in electrolyte and these cells can be damaged when the battery is totally discharged.
• Don't let the battery get hot or the electrolyte boil while charging.

Helpful hints from CarMax, a FORTUNE 500 company, and one of the FORTUNE 2008 "100 BestCompanies to Work For." CarMax is the nation's largest retailer of used cars.

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Dulles Rail in the News

Among the media stories about Dulles Rail is a commentary in yesterday's Washington Times by Gabriel Roth, a World Bank transportation economist for more than 20 years, and a research fellow at the Independent Institute, Oakland, Calif., and editor of "Street Smart: Competition, Entrepreneurship and the Future of Roads."

The writer says that "Rep. Frank Wolf, Virginia Republican and a leading advocate of the so-called Dulles Connector, now urges Virginia state authorities to 'dispatch a team of national transportation experts to rework the proposal ... to address major federal concerns that threaten to torpedo the project.' The project has come too far and is far too important to allow it to collapse at the eleventh hour," he told U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in a letter.

Roth says, "One does not have to be a national transportation expert to offer a simple solution to this problem, a solution that would provide area residents the needed service at about a third of the cost: Instead of building a costly new rail line, create a bus corridor, or 'Busway,' in the median of the existing Dulles Airport Access Road, with spurs to Tyson's Corner, Reston and Herndon."

He goes on to add that the maximum traffic forecast for the Dulles rail connector is less than 9,000 passengers per hour. These could be carried in comfort in 200 buses with 45 seats each or 600 minibuses with 15 seats each, or some combination thereof.

"An unimpeded highway lane can carry 1,000 buses (or 2,000 cars) an hour, so a busway would have plenty of spare capacity at all times. If desired, this excess capacity could be used to accommodate other high-occupancy vehicles, as is already being done on the Shirley Highway. Alternatively, this capacity could accommodate toll-paying vehicles, with tolls collected electronically and set at levels to ensure free traffic flow at all times. Such lanes have been operating successfully since 1995 on State Route 91 east of Los Angeles, and are expected to be added by 2013 to Virginia segments of the Washington Beltway."

Meanwhile, yesterday's Fairfax Times says that one small paragraph in a current version of the proposed state budget could force Virginia to effectively reset the floundering Dulles rail project.

"An amendment to the proposed House of Delegates 2008 budget, which passed the House Appropriations Committee Sunday, directs Secretary of Transportation Pierce Homer to "resolicit competitive proposals" for the rail project.

According to amendment author Del. Joe May (R-Loudoun), reworking the stalled project would get it moving again. "What I was trying to do here was just get us started again. ... We seem to have bogged down; we're just exchanging letters," May said.

"It's my belief that we are going to have to change our approach. ... I'm trying to get the state to respond to the FTA objections," May said.

Homer and other sources close to the process say that the state is working with the FTA to come up with a solution without rebidding the project. "There's a good bit of dialog with the FTA going on right now," Homer said.

Today's Washington Examiner also reports on the provision in the state's budget bill.

"The measure aims to restructure the 23-mile project?s first phase in order to secure a key $900 million infusion of federal funds, which the Federal Transit Administration is unlikely to approve unless drastic changes are made.

?The project is dead,? said Del. Dave Albo, R-Springfield, who drafted the language with Del. Joe May, R-Leesburg. ?It?s gone, and whoever thinks they?re going to save this thing by submitting the same plan is living in a fantasy world.?

The Examiner says that if successful, the provision would almost certainly scrap the existing public-private partnership with Bechtel Infrastructure and Washington Group International in favor of a new round of bidding. It could also split the contract into smaller component parts in the hopes of securing a smaller price tag, and make other engineering and management changes.

Meanwhile, an editorial Friday, the Sun Gazette says Gov. Kaine has played it "just about right" in his recent dealings with the federal government over the Tysons-Dulles rail line.

Travel Alerts for the Week of Feb. 17-23

VDOT has lifted the HOV restrictions for today, Monday, Feb. 18 on I-66, I-95 and I-395.

The only travel alerts/road closures affecting Loudoun County this week involve the Route 28/ Nokes Boulevard Interchange Project (completion Fall 2009).

• Route 28 North/South between Route 625 (South) and Route 7 (North) - right and left lanes closed will be closed Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Nokes Boulevard East & West, between Atlantic Blvd (East) and Route 28 (West) - right and left lanes closed Monday through Friday, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic

230-KV Transmission Line Approved for Loudoun County

Okay... it's not traffic or transit per se, but it may have an impact during construction...

Yesterday, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) approved the overhead construction of a 230-kilovolt transmission line by Dominion Virginia Power on a 12-mile route between the Pleasant View substation and the proposed Hamilton substation in Loudoun County.

According to a SCC news release, the Commission found that the new transmission line should follow a route known as the “Modified D” route as recommended by an SCC hearing examiner.

“No route can eliminate all adverse impacts. We find that Modified D minimizes as much as practicable adverse impact on scenic assets, historic districts, and environments of areas concerned, and results in fewer adverse impacts than other proposed routes.”

The SCC had previously found that the construction of the new transmission line was necessary for Dominion Virginia Power to maintain long-term reliability on its system and to serve the rapidly growing demand for electricity in western Loudoun County. The Commission noted in this order:

“…that [late last year] the Commonwealth issued The Virginia Energy Plan, which… states as follows: ‘Significant demand growth has occurred in northern Virginia, where the population has increased by 66 percent since 1990. Loudoun and Prince William Counties consistently rank among the fastest growing counties in the United States.’ ”

The transmission line will be constructed on single-shaft pole structures placed as far away from residences as possible. The poles will be located on existing right-of-way owned by Dominion Virginia and the Virginia Department of Transportation wherever possible. The line is expected to be constructed and in-service by January 1, 2011.

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State Senate Votes to Increase Gas Tax to Maintain State Roads

Here's something that will affect your commute - an increase in the gasoline tax.

WashingtonPost.com is reporting this afternoon that the Virginia state Senate has voted to approve a 5-cent increase in the gas tax over the next five years to raise additional money to maintain the state's highways.

"The Senate bill, approved 25 to 15, would increase the state's 17.5-cent-a-gallon gas tax by a penny every year until 2014.

Virginia's gas tax hasn't been raised since 1986. Senate Majority Leader Richard L. Saslaw (D-Fairfax) said the tax increase is needed because there is a $390 million shortfall in the part of the budget used to fill potholes, plow snow and otherwise maintain roads.

According to the Post, "a 1-cent increase in the gas tax raises an additional $52 million a year. But the measure faces an uncertain future in the Republican-controlled House of Delegates. Two weeks ago, a House committee rejected a separate proposal to raise the gas tax by 5 cents."

Economic Woes Affects NVTA's Road Projects Plan

The Washington Examiner is reporting today that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is expected to slash its revenue estimates for seven new taxes and fees because of the region?s economic downturn.

"More than half of the $336 million slated for road and rail projects is set to come from a tax on property sales, which are plummeting across the region.

"January home sales are down more than 50 percent from last year in the region?s two largest residential markets, Fairfax County and Loudoun County, diminishing projections for the property sales tax, or grantor?s tax, originally expected to generate $171 million this year.

The article adds that it is not clear how much the authority will have to lower its expectations, but officials already are expecting a drop below $300 million and have vowed to continually monitor the projections.

Lincoln Wants Slower Speeds and No Road Paving

According to Wednesday's Leesburg Today, "Lincoln residents had one message for the board of supervisors and VDOT this past Monday night - Help us with our traffic. Speakers from the western Loudoun village made up a majority of speakers during the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors' Feb. 11 public hearing with representatives of the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The residents of Lincoln were joined by dozens of other residents who spoke to the two bodies regarding the proposed Secondary Road Six-Year Plan and the budget priority list, both of which are updated each year. The residents of Lincoln asked that the traffic-calming plan for Lincoln Road be kept in the six-year plan to help the village cope with an increased number of cars and fast-flowing traffic."

"We do have a safety problem on Lincoln Road and I urge you to take it very seriously. We need that done," Phil Daley, who has lived in Lincoln for 27 years, said.

"I have seen a huge increase in traffic going by our house and then through the village of Lincoln," Jeff Lesourd said. "We're trying to make sure that Lincoln Road continues to stay as safe as possible."

Residents who live along Shoemaker School Road were also on hand to ask the board to support county's staff recommendation to delete the planned paving of their road from the six-year plan.

"We're worried that paving Shoemaker will ruin the rural environment most of us moved here for. Traffic and speed will go up," Paul Bedard, who lives on the road south of Purcellville, said.

The paper added that in addition to the projects discussed during the public hearing, the secondary road six-year plan also includes funding for the addition of a right-hand turn lane from Algonkian Parkway onto Countryside Boulevard, the construction of a shared-use path from Virt's Corner to Governor's Drive on South King Street in Leesburg, funding for the completion of the design and beginning construction of Belmont Ridge Road from Rt. 7 to the Dulles Greenway to take it from two lanes to four lanes and plan for its ultimate expansion to six lanes, construction of a roundabout at the intersection of Evergreen Mills Road and Ryan Road and paving of the two remaining portions of Sycolin Road between Belmont Ridge Road and the Town of Leesburg.

What Does Dulles Rail Mean to the Region?

Here's a good article from yesterday's Fairfax Times that talks about life without rail. The Times says that while the eventual fate of the Dulles rail project still remains unclear, that Northern Virginia has been anticipating a rail extension to Dulles for 40 years and, with so much bureaucratic, economic and literal machinery working toward that end, a change in course is difficult to imagine.

"To county planners, and much of the general public, rail means fewer people in western Fairfax County and eastern Loudoun have to use their cars to go to work."

And of course the transportation impacts are huge, especially with the construction of the HOT lanes in Northern Virginia.

"At the nuts and bolts level, a failure to extend rail would also mean a change in direction for Metro infrastructure. Recently, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted not to build an additional parking structure at the Vienna Metro Station, citing the construction of the Dulles rail extension and the commuters it will pull from the Vienna station as a reason."

"Virginia's recent injection of NVTA funds into the Metro system was similarly part of the preparations for the Dulles extension. Without it, Metro's improvement of its infrastructure would take a different direction, and possibly be at a different priority level for local leaders."

And the Times addresses the potential economic impact of having or not having Dulles Rail, noting that without Dulles rail's effect on regional land use or the additional commuter options it would provide, companies will have fewerreasons to expand or relocate to this region, business leaders say.

"One of the reasons we picked this region was rail to Dulles," said Robert Waters, vice president of human resources with Northrop Grumman.

"However, to some, the Dulles rail extension doesn't mean quite as much. State Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-Centreville) has described the project as misuse of tax dollars, and believes it would negatively impact congestion in the region.

"And George Mason Economic analyst Stephen Fuller also downplays the rail extension's performance, saying that rail wouldn't have a great effect on the Dulles Corridor employment, at least in the short term. 'With Metro, a hot job market would be hotter, but just by a few degrees,' Fuller said."

What are your thoughts? Post below.

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Travel Update from the Sheriff's Office

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Traffic Safety Unit is reminding motorists that when encountering intersections with a malfunctioning or inoperative traffic light, the driver of each vehicle is required to stop in the same manner as if there were a stop sign facing in each direction at the intersection.

Due to the falling ice there is at least one traffic light on Rt. 7 at Potomac View Road that is inoperative. The roadways remain slick at this time, motorist are advised to delay their travel or drive cautiously.

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Drive Safe This Morning

Loudoun County is still under an ice storm warning until 11 a.m. (see Loudoun County Weather for more details) and Loudoun County Public Schools have been canceled today, so traffic on Loudoun's roads should be lighter than normal.

If you are not an emergency service employee, we encourage you to stay off the roads as long as possible this morning to allow time for temperatures to rise and frozen sidewalks, roads, bridges and overpasses to melt.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office encourages motorists to remember these winter driving tips:

• Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
• And finally, remember to slow down.

You should also keep an emergency supply kit in your car. Items should include:

• properly fitting tire chains
• a bag of sand or salt (or kitty litter)
• traction mats
• a snow shovel and/or snow brush and ice scraper
• booster cables
• warning devices such as flares or emergency lights
• fuel line de-icer (methanol, also called methyl alcohol or methyl hydrate)
• extra windshield wiper fluid appropriate for sub-freezing temperatures
• a roll of paper towels
• flashlight and a portable flashing light (and extra batteries)
• blanket and extra clothing, including hat and wind-proof pants, and warm footwear
• a first-aid kit
• snack bars or other "emergency" food and water
• matches and emergency candles

Again, if you don't have to be out on the roads, stay home. Grab some extra sleep. Tackle that project around the house that you've been putting off. Or grab a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy some time with the kids - remember, they are at home today!

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information,subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic

Inclement Weather

The Loudoun Sheriff's Office is advising motorists to drive cautiously due to the inclement weather this afternoon. The Sheriff's Office is working numerous property damage crashes, specifically in the area of Route 28.

Meanwhile, Loudoun County Public Schools closed an hour early today, so at least the buses won't be on the roads. And remember, all Loudoun County sports activities are also canceled for this evening.

Board of Trade Says Dulles Rail is Critical to Region

Washington Post economy writer Neil Irwin and James C. Dinegar, the chief executive for the Greater Washington Board of Trade, were online this morning, Monday, Feb. 11, with a Washington Post online chat discussing their economic outlook for the Washington, D.C. region.

Among the topics discussed was the Dulles Rail project. According to Dinegar,

"The Rail to Dulles is critical for the region - not just Virginia. Access to more of the affordable housing, better access to jobs, more access to business and the right thing to do. I am hopeful that the Federal money comes in and we should know in the coming weeks. The Governor and the DOT Secretary are to be commended for getting together and working this out - but keep up the call for it, as it will help smooth out the downturn in construction when we have a $5 billion effort for the next several years."

Meanwhile, yesterday's Post says that for some, the possible denial of federal funding for a proposed Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport is not a setback, but an opportunity.

"Most in this group acknowledge that they represent a small but vocal minority in a sea of broad business support for the 23-mile, $5 billion extension, which would bring transit to Tysons Corner and the booming Dulles jobs corridor beyond. But these critics are nonetheless firm in their belief that the project is fatally flawed: too expensive, poorly managed and lacking competitive bidding. If the Federal Transit Administration follows through on its threat to deny $900 million in funding, they say, Virginia and the region would be getting a gift, not a slap in the face: a chance to start over and make the project right."

Loudoun County Road Closures and Travel Alerts

Here are the travel alerts and lane/road closures (PDF) for February 10-15 from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT).

Route 28/ Nokes Boulevard Interchange Project (completion Fall 2009):

• Route 28 North/ South between Route 625 (South) and Route 7 (North), right and left lanes closed, Monday - Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, February 11 - February 15
• Nokes Boulevard East & West, between Atlantic Blvd (East) and Route 28 (West), right and left lanes closed, Monday – Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm February 11 – February 15

For more travel information and alerts, visit 511 Virginia.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic

Dulles Rail Media Coverage

Today's Observer newspaper reports that with funding for the Metro extension to Dulles still undecided, businesses across the region are joining together to show their support for the Silver Line.

"As of Tuesday, more than 225 companies and organizations have signed an online petition for the project at DullesMetrorailNow.org, and several declared their support during a press conference about the project on Friday.

"President and CEO of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce Eileen Curtis also expressed concerns about how the death of the Silver Line could affect the region's economy. She said businesses rely on a talented workforce and without the ability to find and recruit talented people businesses cannot grow. "It would very much alter the region's economy negatively," Curtis said.

The Leesburg Today paper reports on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors adopting a resolution at their meeting this week in support of the rail project.

"Eight of the nine supervisors said they believed that the federal government would be "getting it wrong" if it were to pull funding for the Dulles Rail project. "It is important to note that if rail dies the economic vitality of Dulles airport will forever be limited. That means that our economic vitality will forever be limited," Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) said.

"This particular project would remove 150,000 cars a day on the toll road. That is the equivalent of four lanes on the toll road," Chairman Scott K. York (I-At Large) said.

"Supervisor Stevens Miller (D-Dulles) said that his campaign showed him that the construction of Dulles rail was also the will of the people. "People were wildly enthusiastic about it," he said. "Every signal coming from FTA to Virginia was that everything was moving forward. That issues were being addressed."

"Only Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling), a long-time detractor of the project, voted against the resolution of support, saying instead that he supported proposed legislation by Del. Bob Marshall (R-13) and Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-37) that would provide a bus rapid transit system for Northern Virginia and its residents. In a statement, Marshall said he supported the Metro project but "not at any cost" and the bus rapid transit system is the best alternative option for residents.

And in a related story, the Washington Examiner reports today that Dulles International Airport handled 24.7 million passengers last year, its second-busiest year ever. It's an increase of more than 100,000 people from the previous record set in 2006.

Today's Media Coverage of Dulles Rail

Here's the latest media coverage on Dulles Rail...

Today's Washington Post In Brief section reports that officials from the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce "are helping lead an effort to mobilize Northern Virginia businesses and residents to fight for the survival of the Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport."

"The Dulles Corridor Rail Project is more than just the most crucial link in the transportation network serving the Washington, D.C., region. It is perhaps the most vital regional transportation project that also serves our [country's] homeland and national security interests," chamber President Tony Howard said in a statement Monday. "For these reasons alone, federal transit officials must reconsider their apparent decision to deny the limited federal share that this project requires."

Meanwhile, Dr. Gridlock has a letter from a reader and points to the Wilson Bridge and Springfield Interchange projects as hope that the Dulles Rail effort is not yet dead.

"But it's still a bit early to be writing off this railroad. Since the feds surprised many supporters of the $5 billion project with their statements about its dubious prospects, those supporters have not abandoned the plan. Instead, they have issues statements of continued confidence in the plan itself or warned about what will happen to the Washington suburbs if the job doesn't get done."

And yesterday's Fairfax Times reports that because of the uncertain future of the proposed Metrorail line to Washington Dulles International Airport, several Virginia legislators are looking at other options to help ease the traffic problems in Northern Virginia. The Times reports that "Del. Bob Marshall (R-Leesburg) and Sen. Ken Cuccinelli (R-Centreville) held a press conference Feb. 3 to discuss the possibility of using a bus rapid transit system to supplement or replace the proposed rail project."

More Loudoun County Unpaved Roads Could See Preservation

From today's Loudoun Times-Mirror...

A bill that could add more of Loudoun County's unpaved roads to the state's Rural Rustic Road Program passed through the House of Delegates in Richmond this week.

Authored by Del. Joe May (R-western Loudoun), House Bill 1406 would increase the number of roads that qualify for this preservation program by upping the requirement for maximum number of car trips from 1,000 to 1,500 a day. Local routes 600, 626, 647, 650 and 709 could be added to the program if the bill is approved by the General Assembly, according to May.

The article added that at 337 miles, Loudoun County has the second-highest concentration of unpaved roads in the commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. Most of these roads are in western Loudoun.

Traffic Concerns May Spur Loudoun and Fairfax to Work Together

According to today's Loudoun Times-Mirror, transportation concerns in western Fairfax County, exacerbated by growth in eastern Loudoun County, have led residents to develop partnerships across county lines.

According to the article, "Mark McConn, president of the Sully District Council and a member of the Western Fairfax County Citizens Association, said both his civic organizations are preparing letters to Sully District Supervisor [Fairfax County] Michael Frey (R), and county Chairman Gerry Connolly (D-at large) asking for them to initiate 'interjurisdictional meetings.'

"The area's bad traffic problems are worse because of disproportionate development across the region and roads that bottleneck at county lines," McConn said.

The story also includes comments from Scott York (I-At large), chairman of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors; Steve Hines, a resident of of eastern Loudoun County and a member of Families for Dulles South, an organization formed to discourage large-scale development on U.S. 50; and Corey Stewart (R-At-large), Chairman of the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

Wednesday Media Coverage of Dulles Rail

Today's Washington Post reports on the business community's involvement in efforts to revitalize the Dulles Rail project.

"Last Friday, several of the region's chambers of commerce began to mobilize. They organized a news conference and brought in local employers, such as bottled water firm Elements H2O of Chantilly and Reston Hospital Center, to discuss how the proposed rail would improve the quality of life for workers in the Dulles corridor. More than 1,300 businesses, organizations and individuals have signed an online petition in support of a reevaluation of the project and beginning rail construction this year. Executives are writing letters to the FTA, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and lawmakers, raising awareness of traffic gridlock's strain on Northern Virginia's economy."

The Post article adds that "Local chambers are calling members asking them to step up, and employers are asking their congressmen to push for the project. The nonprofit Dulles Corridor Rail Association and the Washington Airports Task Force have placed three ads in Washington newspapers advocating the rail extension and listing its business supporters."

The Connection newspaper also follows the business involvement angle. The Connection story says that "despite the fact that 23 million passengers pass through this airport each year and some 20,000 people work there, no rail or high speed public bus serves Dulles. Realistic estimates hold that when the new section 'build out' is complete, the passenger totals will reach 55 million people annually."

"For the first time last week, a group of business leaders in western Fairfax and Loudoun counties held a news conference in Reston to shine a light on the strongest reason that the federal government - not Virginia - has an obligation to help build this rail system."

Yesterday's Fairfax Times meanwhile, reports that the "Dulles rail project sits in stasis, only sort of alive, while the region waits to see the effects of Gov. Tim Kaine's (D) letter to the federal Department of Transportation. The letter is the state's response to Federal Transit Administration concerns about the funding and structure of the current project. According to state officials and rail's congressional advocates, the letter is a starting point for the two sides to work together on approving the project."

The Times adds that Gov. Kaine's letter to the DOT was accompanied by an inches-thick sheaf of documentation, backing up a point-by-point response to the FTA's criticism of the project, but involved few changes from the original plan derided by FTA Administrator James Simpson two weeks ago.

Loudoun Supervisors Adopt Resolution in Support of Dulles Rail

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors today adopted a resolution in support of the extension of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County. The resolution points out that the county's future economic growth is tied to the growth of the airport and the vitality of the Dulles Corridor, and that the county has been actively planning for the extension of Metrorail to Route 772 for more than 15 years.   
 
The text of the resolution is as follows: 
 
"WHEREAS, Loudoun County?s future economic growth is tied to the growth of Dulles Airport and the vitality of the Dulles corridor; and 
 
WHEREAS, the Dulles Toll Road is now overwhelmed with traffic, with 91,000 vehicles per day using the Toll Road with no new right-of-way available to expand the Toll Road; and 
 
WHEREAS, Loudoun County?s workforce, employee and non-work travel patterns are oriented to the corridor and WMATA jurisdictions; and     
 
WHEREAS, buses cannot effectively serve Tyson?s Corner or provide comparable capacity and would require transfers to and from the Metro system; and 
 
WHEREAS, six-car trains can add nearly 10,000 peak hour person-trip capacity which equates to more than four lanes worth of cars serving and estimated 60,000 passengers per day; and 
 
WHEREAS, Dulles Airport will grow as new runways and terminals come on line; and 
 
WHEREAS, the FAA?s master plan for Dulles International Airport recommended a transit line along the access road in 1964; 44 years ago and MWAA has had Metrorail expansion on its master plan for over 21 years and fully plans for Metrorail expansion to the airport and beyond; and   
 
WHEREAS, 12 new stations, three within Loudoun, are planned for the Metrorail expansion from West Falls Church to Route 772 in Loudoun County ; and 
 
WHEREAS, Metrorail expansion to Route 772 first appeared in Loudoun County?s General Plan 15 years ago and transit related policies were first coordinated with the Countywide Transportation Plan in 1996 and station areas identified as prime growth locations with no special tax districts; and     
 
WHEREAS, the County predicts that these areas will produce an estimated $41.3 million dollars in local taxes; and   
 
WHEREAS, seamless Metrorail connections further integrates Loudoun into the regional economy; therefore 
 
BE IT RESOLVED, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors strongly supports the extension of Metrorail service to Dulles Airport, Rt. 606 and Rt. 772; and   
 
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, the failure to build the Dulles Corridor rail project, connecting Washington Dulles International Airport and Loudoun County with the Nation?s Capital, will have a devastating effect on Northern Virginia?s economic growth, transportation network, and air quality; and 
 
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED, the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors does hereby ask President Bush, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters and James Simpson, Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, to reconsider the removal of federal funding from the financial partnership created to construct the first phase of rail to Dulles Airport and the second phase beyond, into Loudoun County  and become a full, good-faith partner in the economic vitality and expansion of the Dulles corridor and integrate Loudoun County with the greater Washington Metropolitan regional market and key assets."

Today's Media Coverage on the Derailment of Dulles Rail

According to an Associated Press story in today's Washington Times, Gov. Tim Kaine said yesterday that he is willing to discuss modifying plans for the long-awaited extension of Metrorail to WashingtonDulles International Airport if it leads to federal funding. Kaine and members of the Virginia congressional delegation discussed the $5 billion project during a meeting to review major 2008 federal legislative and regulatory priorities. The Times added that the Dulles project was one of several topics at Kaine's private meeting with the delegation. The governor said lawmakers also discussed the state response to federal Real ID regulations and Chesapeake Bay initiatives.

Meanwhile the Washington Examiner reports today that the rejection of federal funding has given hope to supporters of a bus alternative, reporting that lawmakers who support adding a system of swift-moving buses throughout the Dulles corridor, instead of heavy rail, are intensifying their push as the planned Dulles Metro extension falters. With the chances dimming of the 23-mile project?s first phase receiving a key $900 million from the Federal Transit Administration, the argument over bus rapid transit has resurrected on both state and local levels.

Loudoun County Travel Alerts for Week of Feb. 3

Route 15
Northbound and Southbound at Route 7, left lane closure for Bridge Inspection from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on Friday, February 8.

Route 28/ Nokes Boulevard Interchange Project (Loudoun County)

• Route 28 North/ South between Route 625 (South) and Route 7 (North), Right and left lanes closed, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm February 4-February 8.
• Nokes Boulevard East & West, between Atlantic Blvd (East) and Route 28 (West), Right and left lanes closed, Monday-Friday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm February 4-February 8

Road closure information from VDOT. These closures are subject to change due to adverse weather conditions and other unforeseen problems. Other lane closures not yet scheduled may also occur.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic

Waxpool Intersection

Here's an interesting post from another Loudoun County blog -- Living in LoCo, which is Erica Garman's blog devoted to all things interesting in Loudoun County that can be found in the Loudoun Extra of the Washington Post, as well as in today's Post.

This post, "Zigzags and Other Waxpool Road Tricks," was written last week and deals with the Waxpool Road intersection near Shellhorn Road in Ashburn.

Garman asks, "Have you driven on Waxpool Road near Shellhorn Road in Ashburn? If so, you're aware of the crazy zigzag where Faulkner Parkway will eventually intersect with Waxpool.

"When Waxpool was diverted at this point about two years ago, a white movable fence and orange barrels were set up to keep cars off the construction at Faulkner Parkway, and a stop sign went up for eastbound traffic on Waxpool. To this day, drivers rarely stop at the sign -- the only way to go, after all, is right, and there is no merging traffic from another road."

Loudoun County Traffic encourages you to read the complete blog post. It's an excellent look into a dangerous intersection.

More Media Coverage on Dulles Rail

The Leesburg Today newspaper reports that Loudoun County movers and shakers still support bringing Metro rail to Dulles Airport and Ashburn. and are working to find money to make it happen. Tony Howard, chairman of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, said that the shock and surprise has worn off for most people, leaving only anger. "There is definite anger at the federal government for this foolish and short-sighted decision," Howard said. "This project is too damn important to the Northern Virginia community."

Meanwhile, last Thursday's Washington Post editorial says there's plenty of blame to go around. But that all of that is water under the bridge. "What's important is that extending Metro to the airport serves the interests of the federal government as well as Northern Virginia. Not only do federal workers and contractors need easy access to the airport, the government's security depends upon having a multitude of options for evacuation in case of terrorist attack. Hopefully cooler heads will prevail in the coming days, and officials can go back to the drawing board." The Post adds, "The rail extension's obituaries were written last week, including one by us. But if there remains even a whisker of a chance of resurrecting the project, officials should seize it."

The Sun Gazette newspaper also had an editorial last week on the project, saying "The rail proposal was a nice idea that appears not to have panned out. Can it be resurrected? There is hope, but we put little stock in it. Meanwhile, we can all get used to sitting in more and more traffic congestion. All the alternatives proposed by critics of this rail plan aren't going to to do much to change that."

Don't forget the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce... they are encouraging members and non-members to sign an online petition at http://www.dullesmetrorailnow.org/ and add your name to the growing list of supporters of Dulles Rail. You can also find a copy of the Chamber's letter to Secretary Mary Peters at DOT supporting the project, saying that the rail to Dulles project "... has been recognized as a necessity to the continued economic success of this region." And if you're so moved, there's a list of contacts and even a template letter you can e-mail.

Today's Washington Times reports today that Northern Virginia business leaders stood solidly behind Gov. Tim Kaine's pledge yesterday to complete a Metrorail extension to Washington Dulles International Airport, even if the state must change its plans to meet federal guidelines. The article added that business leaders led by the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce produced their petition they plan to present to the Department of Transportation in support of a passenger rail line from Tysons Corner to Dulles. The petition was signed by some of the region's biggest employers, including Northrop Grumman, AOL, Kaiser Permanente, Howard Hughes Medical Institute and George Washington University.

Watch the NBC TV-4 video on this story.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post has a letter to the editor from John B. Catoe Jr., general manager of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, writing that "Employment in the Dulles corridor is expected to increase 63 percent over the next 20 years, the population in Loudoun County is expected to grow 150 percent, and the number of passengers using Dulles International Airport will double. We have a chance now, to connect those communities with the rest of the region served by Metrorail. Imagine the opportunity available to people throughout the region if the extension is built to Tysons Corner and then to Dulles, compared with what would probably occur if the extension is not built. In which community would you rather live?"

And Virginia Business has a feature story about Virginia Airports, including Dulles, with a mention of the impact of the rail project, saying "Dulles Metro planners hope for an answer that will allow final design work to begin by midyear. However, it’s back to the drawing boards and another delay if they can’t get the federal OK."

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic

Traffic Signal Installation at Gum Spring Road and Evergreen Mills Road

Work begins on Monday, Feb. 4 to install a traffic signal at the intersection of Gum Spring and Evergreen Mills Roads in the Arcola area of Loudoun County, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

The signal is a safety measure to reduce the number of angle accidents and improve traffic flow through the busy intersection. Crews will also construct a traffic island at the intersection to provide a foundation for the traffic signal poles. The work is expected to be completed by early April and the signal will be operational later that month.

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Icy Road Conditions Today

Be careful if you're out and about this morning. The overnight freezing rain has closed Loudoun County Public Schools today, Friday, February 1, due to the inclement weather.

Here's some driving tips from VDOT if you are going to be on the roads this morning:

• Before you begin your trip, know the current road conditions and weather forecasts. Visit Loudoun County Weather for a detailed forecast.
• Make sure your windows, mirrors and lights are clear of ice and/or snow.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Allow extra time to travel to your destination.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots. Also, if there is heavy snow, ice or high winds, be alert to potential driving hazards including downed branches, trees and electric lines.
• Reduce speed as appropriate and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and snowplows.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include a small bag of rock salt, sand or cat litter to provide traction in case you get stuck, a snowbrush and ice scraper, a flashlight, battery booster cables, a blanket and extra clothing.
• Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement, so think and drive accordingly.

For a complete list of Virginia closings and delays, visit WTOP Radio.

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