FYI for VRE Riders... Interruption in Service Planned for Tomorrow

According to the Washington Post, the Manassas and Fredericksburg VRE lines will not operate on a portion of their routes to or from Union Station tomorrow because of planned signal testing on the tracks, a Virginia Railway Express spokesman said yesterday.

Instead, morning service on the Manassas line will terminate at a temporary station near the Van Dorn Street Metro station on the Blue Line, just north of the VRE Backlick Road station, and originate from the same temporary station for the evening service.

Morning service on the Fredericksburg line will terminate at the Franconia-Springfield station on the Blue Line, and evening service will depart at the regularly scheduled departure times for that station. VRE riders should transfer to Metro for the rest of their commutes and show their VRE tickets to Metro attendants when entering and exiting the Metrorail system.

VRE officials said the railway put the temporary measures in place to avoid delays that would have resulted if trains were running on normal routes. The signal testing would require trains to operate at much slower than normal speeds.

Route 7 Accident Has Been Cleared

VDOT Update: 12:34 p.m.
The accident in Loudoun County on Route 7 west, east of Purcellville
Road, in Purcellville has been cleared. Traffic has been resumed to
normal conditions.

Accident on Route 7

There is an accident on Route 7 west at Purcellville. A single lane is open, and all other lanes are closed. Expect delays. From VDOT at 10:40 a.m.

VDOT Reports Possible Lane Clsoures on US 50 East

For Fauquier County and Loudoun County, on US 50 east and west in Upperville about 6 miles west of Middleburg; in Aldie, about 4 miles east of Middleburg; and in Gilberts Corner, about 6 miles east of Middleburg.

There will be possible lane closures, during daytime hours, Monday to Friday, for traffic calming projects, weather permitting. There will be no lane closures during peak and rush hours.

Estimated completion is September 2008 for the Upperville project and December 2009 for the Gilberts Corner project. The Aldie project is scheduled to begin in Summer or Fall 2009.

Routes 7 and 11 Focus of "Click It or Ticket" Campaign

Jurisdictions from Northern Virginia through the Shenandoah Valley will be out in force along the Route 7 and 11 corridors blanketing these routes from May 19 through May 25, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Both Routes 7 and 11 will see an intensive blitz with a special lookout for those not buckled up on Friday, May23 as part of the 2008 Click It or Ticket Mobilization.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office has joined the Route 7/11 Task Force to enforce traffic laws in advance of the heavily traveled Memorial Day weekend. The Route 7/11 Blitz will focus particular attention on seat belt use, 24 hours a day.

The Virginia Highway Safety Office reports in preliminary 2007 data that there were 447 unbelted people killed. Of those, 251 unbelted fatalities occurred between the hours of 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM. The total number of fatalities in Virginia was 1,026; one of the highest rates in a decade.

"Regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Click It or Ticket is Law Enforcement's way of telling you we care about you and want you to arrive at your destination safely," said Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson.

Virginia and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office are participants in the national Click It or Ticket Mobilization each May. Click It or Ticket is focused on increasing seat belt and child safety seat use, which in turn reduces serious injuries and fatalities.

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

Recent Rains Leave Some in Loudoun Stranded

According to Friday's Loudoun Times, residents living along a rural road south of Leesburg in Loudoun County are still feeling the effects of recent flooding as their only means out of their tiny community is still too unsafe for vehicles to pass over.

The paper reports that heavy rains flooded the Goose Creek May 12, sending large amounts of debris under the wood and concrete Crooked Bridge, near Lime Kiln Road, causing it to lift up and twist, officials said, cutting off 13 families on Crooked Bridge Lane. And while the structure is still standing, it is dangerously tilted toward the creek on one side.

The article adds that residents met with county officials May 13 to discuss repair plans and alternative routes off Crooked Bridge Lane. One temporary fix being considered is to lay gravel across a cornfield so residents could drive to Oatlands Road to the south. However, the owner of the field would have to approve this plan, said Supervisor Jim Burton (I-Blue Ridge).

Another problem residents and officials are facing is that no one is sure who owns the bridge. Apparently, there was once a plaque on the structure that indicated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had built it. Burton said county officials are now attempting to verify this and determine who is responsible for fixing or replacing the bridge.

No one is sure when all this will be hashed out or when the bridge will again be usable.

Okay, This Post Isn't About Traffic, but Water

Loudoun County Administrator Kirby M. Bowers has lifted the Water Shortage Alert (Drought Watch) that was in place for eastern Loudoun, effective immediately, in accordance with Chapter 1044.05 of the County Code, "Water Use Restrictions, Declaration of Water Shortage Alert Stage."

Prior to last weekend's rain, the Dulles area had received 5 inches of rain for the month of April. As of Friday, May 9, Goose Creek was flowing only slightly below its median flow and Beaverdam Reservoir was nearly full. While measurements have not yet been taken, it is expected that both reservoirs are full after last weekend's rain.

Average daily demand in the Loudoun Water service area continues to hover over 20 million gallons per day, and Loudoun Water is able to meet that demand without restricting use. Loudoun Water customers, however, are asked to stagger their outdoor watering schedule so that:

• Odd-numbered homes water lawns Wednesdays and Saturdays
• Even-numbered homes water lawns Thursdays and Sundays
• Commercial customers irrigate Tuesdays and Fridays.

More water-saving tips are at www.loudoun.gov/water and www.loudounwater.org.

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

Update: Road Closures Due to Flooding

Update: 3:15 p.m.

Loudoun County authorities have re-opened Route 15 at Goose Creek as it appears area streams have begun to recede. A portion of Route 621 (Evergreen Mills Road) at Goose Creek now appears that it will remain open. As of 3:15 p.m. the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the following roadways closed or restricted to access due to flooding or high water:

• Tranquility Rd/Lickey Mill Rd.
• Downey Mill Rd. Near Taylorstown Rd. & Stoneburner Mill Lane- Closed
• Ketoctin Church Road (bridge)- Closed
• Edgegrove Road ¼ miles past Shannondale- Closed
• Short Hill Road at Silverbrook
• Appalachian Trail Road (bridge)
• Alder School Road (bridge)
• Hollow Oak Road
• Snakehill Road at Foxcroft Road- Closed
• Blackoak Rd. south of Snickersville Tpk.- Closed
• Snickersville Tpk./Yellow Schoolhouse Rd.- Closed
• Clover Hill Road/First St. (Waterford)- Closed
• Hampton Road at Catoctin Creek (Purcellville)- Closed
• Rt. 15/Little River- Closed
• Turneysville Rd at Harper’s Ferry Rd.- Closed
• Branchriver Rd. at Harper’s Ferry Rd.- Closed
• Route 606 at Greenway is down to one lane due to high water
• Lincoln Road at Forest Mill Rd.- Closed
• Crooked Bridge Lane- Closed
• Lime Kiln Road (Several Points West of Route 15)- Closed
• Watson Road at Evergreen Mills Road- Closed
• Lime Kiln Road at Steptoe Hill Road
• Aldie Dam Road south of Route 50- Closed
• John Mosby Hwy./ at Champe Ford Road- Closed
• Dutchman Creek Road just north of the bridge near Irish Corner Rd. - Restricted

Motorists should attempt to use primary roads on their commutes home as many secondary roads are susceptible to flooding. Many secondary roadways remain impassable and the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists that if you find yourself driving in potential flash flood conditions, never drive through standing water on a roadway. Water may be much deeper than you think causing your car to stall or even get stuck in hidden debris.

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

Road Closures Caused by Rainfall and Flooding

Update: 2:15 p.m.

Loudoun County public safety authorities are estimating that a portion of Route 621 (Evergreen Mills Road) at Goose Creek will be closed in the next few hours as water levels continue to rise.

As of 2:15 p.m. the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the following roadways closed or restricted to access due to flooding or high water:

• Route 15 at Goose Creek Bridge (Northbound Traffic is being diverted onto Route 50 and Southbound traffic is diverted onto Route 7, 621 and 704)
• Ketoctin Church Road (bridge)- Closed
• Edgegrove Road ¼ miles past Shannondale- Closed
• Route 15 at Harmony Church Road
• Short Hill Road at Silverbrook
• Appalachian Trail Road (bridge)
• Alder School Road (bridge)
• Hollow Oak Road
• Snakehill Road at Foxcroft Road- Closed
• Blackoak Rd. south of Snickersville Tpk.- Closed
• Snickersville Tpk./Yellow Schoolhouse Rd.- Closed
• Clover Hill Road/First St. (Waterford)- Closed
• Hampton Road at Catoctin Creek (Purcellville)- Closed
• Rt. 15/Little River- Closed
• Turneysville Rd at Harper’s Ferry Rd.- Closed
• Branchriver Rd. at Harper’s Ferry Rd.- Closed
• Route 606 at Greenway is down to one lane due to high water
• Lincoln Road at Forest Mill Rd.- Closed
• Crooked Bridge Lane- Closed
• Lime Kiln Road (Several Points West of Route 15)- Closed
• Watson Road at Evergreen Mills Road- Closed
• Lime Kiln Road at Steptoe Hill Road
• Aldie Dam Road south of Route 50- Closed
• John Mosby Hwy./ at Champe Ford Road- Closed
• Dutchman Creek Road just north of the bridge near Irish Corner Rd. - Restricted

Motorists should attempt to use primary roads on their commutes home as many secondary roads are susceptible to flooding. Many secondary roadways remain impassable and the Loudoun Sheriff’s reminds motorists that if you find yourself driving in potential flash flood conditions, never drive through standing water on a roadway. Water may be much deeper than you think causing your car to stall or even get stuck in hidden debris.

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

Rain and Localized Flooding Affects Roadways

As of 11:30 a.m., the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the following roadways closed or restricted to access due to flooding or high water:

• Route 15 at Goose Creek Bridge (Northbound Traffic is being diverted onto Route 50 and Southbound traffic is diverted onto Route 7, 621 and 704)
• Snakehill Road at Foxcroft Road- Closed
• Blackoak Rd. south of Snickersville Tpk.- Closed
• Snickersville Tpk./Yellow Schoolhouse Rd.- Closed
• Clover Hill Road/First St. (Waterford)- Closed
• Hampton Road at Catoctin Creek (Purcellville)- Closed
• Rt. 15/Little River- Closed
• Turneysville Rd at Harper’s Ferry Rd.- Closed
• Branchriver Rd. at Harper’s Ferry Rd.- Closed
• Route 606 at Greenway is down to one lane due to high water
• Lincoln Road at Forest Mill Rd.- Closed
• Crooked Bridge Lane- Closed
• Lime Kiln Road (Several Points West of Route 15)- Closed
• Watson Road at Evergreen Mills Road- Closed
• Lime Kiln Road at Steptoe Hill Road
• Aldie Dam Road south of Route 50- Closed
• John Mosby Hwy./ at Champe Ford Road- Closed

Many secondary roadways remain impassable and the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists that if you find yourself driving in potential flash flood conditions, never drive through standing water on a roadway. Water may be much deeper than you think causing your car to stall or even get stuck in hidden debris.

The Sheriff's Office continues to closely monitor roadways that are susceptible to flooding as some areas may experience high water even after the rain tapers off.

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

Traffic Update: Route 9 Now Clear

An overturned tractor-trailer caused major delays this morning causing
Route 9 to close in Jefferson County, WV, near the Louduon County
line. The tractor-trailer spilled mulch and other debris over the
roadway.

In Loudoun County, members of the Louduon County Sheriff's Office
diverted Route 9 traffic onto Harper's Ferry Road for over four hours.
The crash was cleared shortly before noon and traffic is running as
normal on Route 9.

According to the West Virginia State Police the driver of the
tractor-trailer was trapped inside the cab of the truck and was
extricated by emergency personnel. He was taken to Jefferson Memorial
Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Route 9 is Closed Due to Accident

This traffic update from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office...

An accident in Jefferson County, WV, has caused Route 9 to close.
Traffic in Loudoun County is being diverted via Route 671 (Harper's
Ferry Road). Motorists are advised to expect delays. More details as
they become available.

Editorial Says Dulles Rail is "Same Old Bad Idea"

In an editorial today, the Washington Examiner said that "the Federal Transit Administration’s recent U-turn on the Dulles Rail project... doesn’t change the flawed fundamentals of this $5 billion-plus mega-pork project, designed to benefit wealthy Tysons Corner landowners and their political allies at the expense of taxpayers and commuters."

The editorial adds that "Dulles Rail will not reduce traffic in Northern Virginia, as the project’s own environmental studies attest. It will actually increase congestion in and around Tysons, thanks to higher densities approved by the Fairfax Board of Supervisors in connection with the project."

"Once again, the politicians, bureaucrats and corporate insiders get their way and the rest of us get to pay for it. Because Gov. Kaine gave the toll road to the unelected, unaccountable Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which can raise tolls as high as it wants."

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

Lane Closure - Route 7 in Hillsboro

VDOT reports a lane closure in Loudoun County on Route 7 east from Route 690 (Hillsboro Road) in Hillsboro to Route 287 (Berlin Turnpike), about 3 miles east of Hillsboro. The left lane is closed until 3:30 p.m., today, Tuesday, May 6, for road work. Use caution in the area.

Lane Closure in Purcellville

This Loudoun County lane closure update from VDOT...

On Route 7 east, from Round Hill Road near Round Hill, to Route 287 (Berlin Turnpike) in Purcellville, the right lane is closed until 3:30 p.m. this afternoon Monday, May 5, for paving.