Even More Construction... Today It's Pacific Boulevard

More news about roads in Loudoun County, this time it's about construction on Pacific Boulevard.

According to today's Leesburg Today newspaper, there was a ceremony this morning where "elected representatives, county staff, representatives of the Virginia Department of Transportation and community members gathered to break ground on another key transportation project in eastern Loudoun. This morning marked the kick off of the construction of Pacific Boulevard between Autoworld Way and Severn Way, west of Rt. 28, a segment of road many have called an important part of improving traffic flow on the soon-to-be limited access highway."

Leesburg Today even has some video.

The paper added, that once complete, "the road will connect the Dulles 28 Centre area to Severn Way, providing two two-lane separated bridges over the W&OD trail and a two-lane bridge over Cabin Branch. There will also be a new parking area for the W&OD trail as part of a proffer from the Paragon Park development, which will front Rt. 28. The current parking area must be closed when the Nokes Boulevard interchange is opened.The entire cost of the project, for design, construction, right-of-way procurement and utilities, is $26.7 million. The road is expected to be open to commuters and residents by August 2010."

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Loudoun County Parkway Interchange Construction Begins

From yesterday's Leesburg Today comes word that construction is set to begin on the Loudoun County Parkway/Route 7 interchange.

The paper reports, that "Despite the snow that fell on Loudoun today, area residents and county government representatives gathered in Ashburn to celebrate the beginning of construction on the Rt. 7/Loudoun County Parkway interchange, the next step to turning Rt. 7 into a limited-access highway. The Loudoun County Parkway interchange is the county's first foray into the road construction business, with project funding approved at referendum in November 2006."

"As part of the changes coming with the interchange, the traffic lights at George Washington Boulevard, Presidential Boulevard and Smith Circle will all be removed. The entrance point north and south of Rt. 7 at Richfield Way and George Washington Boulevard will be turned into cul-de-sacs. Richfield Way will be accessed through the extension of Russell Branch Parkway east of Loudoun County Parkway. In addition, the first intersection with Smith Circle at Rt. 7 will be made a cul-de-sac when construction is complete; however, the land between the cul-de-sac and Rt. 7 will be constructed of grass grown over concrete ... to allow emergency vehicles to access the homes along Smith Circle and north."

The paper reports that the interchange is estimated to be completed within 18 months.

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Loudoun County Under a Winter Storm Warning; Be Careful on Roads

According to Loudoun County Weather, Loudoun County remains under a winter storm warning until noon tomorrow. And the forecast calls for snow the rest of the day, possibly mixing with sleet later this morning and afternoon. Snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Highs in the lower 30s. Northeast winds around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

Tonight...Snow and sleet in the evening...Then freezing rain and sleet after midnight. Additional snow and sleet accumulation of 1 to 3 inches. Total snow accumulation 3 to 4 inches. Ice accumulation of a tenth to two tenths of an inch. Lows in the upper 20s. East winds around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation near 100 percent.

If you don't have to drive anywhere today, please stay home. Telework if possible, or just take a day off and play in the snow with the kids since Loudoun County Schools are closed today. But if you must drive, AAA offers these tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Appling the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for retraining traction and avoiding skids. Don't try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning - nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of two to three seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety in front will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don't stop if you can avoid it. There's a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until the light changes, do it.
• Don't power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed down hill as slowly as possible.
• Don't stop going up a hill. There's nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don't have to go out, don't. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don't tempt fate: If you don't have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.

Let's all have a safe snow day!

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Why is the Dulles Greenway Called a Greenway?

For the answer, we turn to the Washington Post's Dr. Gridlock, who on today's online chat got that question. According to the good doctor, about the only explanation was that "It was probably considered an alternative to "parkway," applied to U.S. motor roadways starting in the early 20th century, when driving was still considered a pleasure."

Dr. Gridlock also noted that "The first reference I can find in The Washington Post is from a September 1993 story, where the highway is called the Dulles toll road extension, "also known as" the Dulles Greenway."

Also discussed today was E-ZPass, inauguration day traffic and Metro among other topics.

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Video from the Scene of This Morning's Greenway Crash

Watch NewsChannel 8 video about this morning's early morning crash on the Dulles Greenway from reporter Sarah Lee.

Dulles Greenway Accident Cleared and Traffic is Moving Again

This morning's incident on the Dulles Greenway near the intersection with Shreve Mill Road has now been cleared and traffic is running as is normal. Kudos to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, Loudoun County Fire and Rescue HazMat crews and other public safety resonders for their efforts in responding to the accident, which spilled some of its 7,500 gallons of diesel fuel after the crash.

 

The Washington Post reports that the driver of the truck, "24-year-old Richard Clem, was charged with reckless driving. Police said Clem was from Middletown, Va., off Interstate 81 near the intersection of Interstate 66. Police said fatigue was a factor in the accident. Clem was taken by ambulance to Lansdowne Hospital in Leesburg for treatment of injuries that were not life-threatening."

 

For real-time traffic information from the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office go to

www.loudoun.gov/traffic or via your web browsing cell phone at www.loudoun.gov/mobiletraffic.

Snow and Anti-Icing by VDOT

Lots of Loudoun County residents are seeing a snow flurry this morning. With the snow and recent cold temperatures, it's a good reason to learn more about how the Virginia Department of Transportation will keep the roads safe this winter. In this video, VDOT explains how it uses anti-icing technology to keep the Commonwealth's highways safe during inclement winter weather.



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More on the Free Inaugural Shuttle Service

Here's a story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch about yesterday's free shuttle bus service for the Presidential Inauguration, which included the free rides on Loudoun County Transit buses (as Loudoun County Traffic reported earlier this month).

The Times-Dispatch says the state will pay eight Northern Virginia public-transit agencies to run 300 buses on 45 routes that serve Metro stations, pedestrian access points and park-and-ride lots, according to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

"The one-day special bus service will cost about $975,000, state Transportation Secretary Pierce R. Homer said. 'We are seeking full reimbursement from Congress and the administration for these expenses,' he said. The money for the service will come from state economic contingency funds."

Among the comments on the paper's Web site:

• "Kaine,do virginia a favor and get on one of those buses and do not come back."
• "Well, they are going to seek reimbursement from the federal government. That makes everything all better. Guess where the government will get the money from to pay us? Us!"
• "Free? I suppose this is why VDOT has no money, underpaid state workers aren’t getting a pay raise, and many state employees are being laid off? Another gross display of fiscal irresponsibility..."

How about you? Have a thought on yesterday's free shuttle bus service from Loudoun County and Northern Virginia into D.C. for the Presidential Inauguration?

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Inauguration - Loudoun County Transportation Update

According to VDOT and the State Police, the designated Park and Ride lots in Loudoun County are now closed to further inbound transit service. As scheduled, the Loudoun County Transit has completed its shuttle service to the Metro Stations this morning. The affected Loudoun County lots are Dulles North Park and Ride Lot at the intersection of Lockridge Road and Moran Road, and the Barber & Ross Park and Ride Lot at 110 Catoctin Circle Southeast. Loudoun County Transit will resume outbound service from Metro to these designated Park and Ride lots at 3 p.m. today.

More on Inauguration Day (and Weekend) Traffic

The Virginia State Police, the Virginia Department of Transportation and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation have been preparing for thousands of buses and vehicles to travel through Virginia for the Inauguration on January 20, and they urge motorists to know what to expect before leaving home to ensure a safe and less stressful trip.

The three agencies held a joint press conference earlier this month to discuss road closures and other transportation issues. Below is the press conference, broken down into three videos.



Press conference continues... part two of the video:


Press conference continues... part three of the video:


The Virginia State Police Inauguration Web page has more details on road closures and traffic considerations if you plan to drive into D.C. for any of the Inaugural events.

FYI... the Memorial and Roosevelt bridges have already been closed this morning in preparation for this afternoon's big concert.

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Presidential Inauguration Could Impact Traffic as Far Away as Loudoun County

That according to Loudoun County Sheriff spokesperson Kraig Troxell, who told Leesburg Today that Loudoun County drivers should "plan for a longer than average trip that day. You're just going to have to plan ahead, almost like you would for a day with inclement weather."

"We're preparing just in case there is some kind of effect on our traffic pattern," Troxell told the paper. "We'll be monitoring roadways and take action as deemed necessary to help alleviate that. We're also making sure visitors [to the county] who may be traveling into DC are advised that they should prepare and plan how to get into DC with the road closures."

The article also noted that Loudoun County Transit commuter buses will offer free rides [as reported earlier on Loudoun County Traffic] from several park and ride lots in the county to the West Falls Church Metro station and back as a way to keep more cars off the roads. Those who plan to be in the downtown Leesburg area Tuesday may stop in the downstairs meeting room of the Thomas Balch Library to watch the inauguration proceedings. Space is limited, but library staff welcomes area residents to gather together between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to view live coverage of the day's proceedings.

Check out the excellent article by Kara Clark with lots more details on how the Presidential Inauguration could affect Loudoun County.

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.

Gloucester Parkway Extension is Now Open

Leesburg Today reports that members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors joined residents of Ashby Ponds and representatives from Erickson Retirement Communities to celebrate the opening of the extension of Gloucester Parkway connecting Ashburn Village Road to Loudoun County Parkway Tuesday afternoon.

Supervisor Lori Waters (R-Broad Run) addressed the audience, thanking Erickson for funding and managing the project, which supervisors hope will help alleviate congestion on Waxpool Road. The intersection of Waxpool Road and Loudoun County Parkway was named the most dangerous intersection in the county by a recent report released this week by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office.

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.

Today's Weather Causes Traffic Issues

Numerous traffic-related issues are being reported along Route 7 from Hamilton to Sterling due to the inclement weather. The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office advises commuters to expect significant delays. For updates on accident locations, you can visit

www.loudoun.gov/traffic or from your cell-phone, www.loudoun.gov/mobiletraffic.

Good News if You Want to Go to the Inauguration... Free Bus Rides

Virginia will provide free rides for Inauguration Day aboard Loudoun County (LC) Transit Commuter Bus on Tuesday, January 20.

Buses will operate between park and ride lots in Loudoun County and the West Falls Church Metrorail station. Morning buses to West Falls Church on Metro’s Orange Line will depart as early as 4:05 a.m. Buses will return to Loudoun County at regular intervals between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. LC Transit representatives will direct passengers to their appropriate buses at West Falls Church Metro.

The free Inauguration Day service, which replaces the regular commuter bus schedule on January 20, includes:

• Purcellville—Departures from Franklin Park every 20 minutes between 4:05 a.m. and 6:35 a.m. Returns from West Falls Church Metro every 30 minutes between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.
• Leesburg—Departures from 110 Catoctin Circle, S.E. every 10 minutes between 4:10 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. Returns from West Falls Church Metro every 15 minutes between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.
• Dulles North Transit Center—Departures every 5 minutes between 4:15 a.m. and 7:05 a.m. Returns from West Falls Church Metro every 10 minutes between 3:00 and 8:00 p.m.
• Dulles South—Departures from Stone Ridge Village Center in Aldie every 20 minutes between 4:40 a.m. and 6:40 a.m. From 3:00 to 8:00 p.m., passengers may return to Dulles North from West Falls Church every 10 minutes. Shuttles from Dulles North to Dulles South will depart every 20 minutes until 8:30 p.m.
• Cascades area—Five scheduled departures from Broad Run Farms, Cascades and Lowes Island to West Falls Church between 4:39 a.m. and 8:04 a.m. Six scheduled returns between 3:10 p.m. and 7:55 p.m.

While all rides on LC Transit buses will be free, passengers boarding Metrorail will need to purchase fare cards or use SmarTrip cards at Metrorail stations. Purchasing fare cards in advance will ease travel on Inauguration Day. Additional Metrorail passenger information is available at http://www.metroopensdoors.com/.

The Office of Transportation Services has a limited supply of $7.80 Inauguration Day Commemorative one-day fare passes and SmarTrip cards available for purchase by cash or check. The office is located on the 4th floor of the Government Center, 1 Harrison St., S.E., Leesburg. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, Loudoun County government will be closed Friday, January 16 in observance of Lee-Jackson Day and Monday, January 19, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

For complete details on the free Inauguration Day bus service, including Loudoun County park and ride locations and all LC Transit bus schedules for Inauguration Day, visit www.loudoun.gov/bus or call 703-771-5665.

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.

What's the Most Crash Prone Loudoun County Intersection?

The intersection of Waxpool Road at Loudoun County Parkway in Ashburn tops the list of the most crash prone intersections in Loudoun County for 2008. 
 
Waxpool Road at Loudoun County Parkway saw 86 crashes in 2008; rising from 64 crashes the previous year. The intersection of Harry Byrd Highway (Route 7) at Potomac View Road was the second most crash prone intersection in 2008, although it saw an overall decrease as compared to 2007. The intersection saw 61 crashes in 2008, down from 81 in 2007.  
 
Route 7 continues to have a number of crash prone intersections throughout the county. They include Route 7 at Ashburn Village Boulevard with 39, down from the previous year. Route 7 and Sterling Boulevard saw a decrease with 35 crashes in 2008 as compared to 43 in 2007.   
 
Every year the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Traffic Research Analyst compiles the top ten intersections in the county with the highest number of crashes. This year's traffic related statistics include 14 fatalities in Loudoun in 2008, down from 20 fatalities in 2007. There were no traffic fatalities at any of the intersections on the list of the most crash prone intersections.  
 
The following is the annual ranking of those intersections for accidents for the calendar years 2007 and 2008. These statistics are compiled based on Sheriff's Office data and does not include accidents worked by the Virginia State Police nor the Leesburg Police Department. 
 
2008
Waxpool Rd./Loudoun Co. Pkwy (86)
Route 7/Potomac View Rd. (61)
Route 28/ Waxpool Rd.  (56)
Route 7/Route 659 (Belmont Ridge Rd.)  (55)

Route 50/Loudoun County Pkwy. (48)

Route 7/ George Washington Blvd. (44)

Old Ox Rd./Route 28 (40)

Route 7/Ashburn Village Blvd. (39)

Route 7/Loudoun County Pkwy. (37)

Route 7/Sterling Blvd. (35) 
 
2007
Route 7/Potomac View Rd. (81)
Route 7/Belmont Ridge Rd. (78)
Waxpool Rd./Loudoun Co. Pkwy (64)
Rt. 28/Waxpool Rd. (52)
Route 7/Ashburn Village Blvd. (48)
Route 7/Route 9 (44)
Route 7/Sterling Blvd. (43)
Route 50/Loudoun Co. Pwky. (40)
Route 28/Waxpool Rd. (40)
Route 7/ Loudoun Co. Parkway (38)
Route 7/ George Wasington Blvd. (38)

Gas Prices Edging Back Up

According to AAA-Mid-Atlantic, gas prices have jumped by more than a dime in the Commonwealth over the past week. The average price for a gallon of self-serve gasoline in Virginia is now $1.64 per gallon, up 12 cents from last week (as reported on Thursday, Jan. 8).

“Whether any of these somewhat emotional arguments for a higher oil and gasoline price will have a lasting impact remains to be seen since slack demand for energy worldwide must tighten if prices are going to move higher for the long term,” said Martha Mitchell Meade, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Regardless of these factors, AAA believes the eventual return of something resembling peace in the Middle East and the coming release of year-end economic data will probably dampen oil and gas prices in the next few weeks. This would make a return to lower prices possible, although not as certain as it was before the Gaza Strip erupted in turmoil.”

Check for the lowest gas prices in Virginia with AAA's "Fuel Price Finder." Just enter your zip code and you'll get a map showing gas stations, along with a chart showing who has the lowest prices. Loudoun County Traffic also features the lowest gas prices in Ashburn, Leesburg and Sterling as well as Virginia's lowest prices compliments of Gas Buddy. Just look in the grey shaded area to the right.

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.

Will Lawmakers Change Gasoline Tax?

According to today's Winchester Star, Del. Clifford L. “Clay” Athey Jr., R-Front Royal, said Friday that House Republicans will submit legislation for different method of collecting taxes on gasoline, and that additional money will also go toward road improvements. Athey said the GOP’s plan would change the way the state taxes gasoline — from a per-gallon fee to a somewhat sales tax-specific fee.

Virginia’s gasoline tax is 17 1/2 cents per gallon.

Del. Joe T. May, R-Loudoun County, is the chairman of the House’s Committee on Transportation. The paper reported that he said transportation and education combine to account for about 60 percent of Virginia’s budget, emphasizing the importance of the issue for the state. “We will need to minimize the damage,” he said. “I think that this downturn will last for a while. We’ll just have to wait until things get better. Next year will be a very, very down year. I expect us to start climbing out of this in 2010.”

Virginia, according to estimates from the governor’s office, may face a shortfall of about $3 billion for fiscal years 2009 and 2010.

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Loudoun Supervisors Face Budget Shortfall; Affect on Transportation Projects

The Ashburn Connection reported earlier this week about the many challenges affecting the county's Board of Supervisors, caused by the budget shortfalls as it relates to the economy. And several of those challenges are transportation related.

Writer Jennifer Lesinski reports that, "A symbolic groundbreaking is expected to be broken on an interchange at Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway by the end of the month. This was the first public roads project to be funded by bonds, which were approved in 2006."

The paper addes that "the project will cost less than the $38 million the voters approved. The total price tag will be $31 million, with the remaining money being used to pay down the county's debt service. Since the funding was a bond referendum, the unused portion of the money cannot be used on a different project."

"In addition, the extension of Russell Branch Parkway from the Ashbrook community to Loudoun County Parkway is set to open soon. And on the development front, One Loudoun, a mixed-used development at Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway, is the only major project in the pipeline, although the owners of the Kincora property along Route 28 were on the Supervisors' agenda Tuesday."

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Public Info Session to be Held on Route 7 and 607 Interchange Project

The Loudoun County Office of Capital Construction will hold a public information session about construction of the Route 7 & Route 607 (Loudoun County Parkway) interchange on Wednesday, January 21, 2009. The meeting is scheduled from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Research 1 building on the George Washington University campus, 20101 Academic Way in Ashburn. Staff will be on hand to answer questions about the project.

The interchange will also be the county's first construction under the local road bond program approved by voters in November 2006. Construction on the project is expected to begin in early January.

For more information about the project, contact Kent Marrs in the Office of Capital Construction.

Governor Kaine Thanks U.S. DOT for Approving Dulles Rail Funding

Governor Timothy M. Kaine today issued the following statement on the approval of federal funding for Dulles Rail:

"I want to extend my sincere appreciation to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters, FTA Administrator Sherry Little, and the staff of the U.S. Department of Transportation for their time, expertise, and commitment to work with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Metro, the Commonwealth of Virginia, Fairfax County and our other partners on rail to Dulles -- linking our nation's capital to our nation's international airport. The steadfast support and commitment by our Congressional delegation, including retired Senator John Warner and Congressman Tom Davis, to the project has been unwavering and I also thank them for their efforts.

"This demonstrated leadership and willingness to work together can serve as a model for future complex projects on how federal, state, local, and private partners can work together to address the needs of our citizens."

U.S. Transportation Chief Backs Dulles Rail Project

According to today's Washington Post Loudoun Extra, U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters gave the final federal seal of approval to plans to extend Metrorail to Dulles International Airport last night, ensuring that the $5.2 billion project can move forward without restrictions.

The Post reports that, "After a series of regulatory setbacks in 2008, rail to Dulles was revived last month when the Federal Transit Administration discarded long-standing skepticism about the project's cost and management and sent it on to Peters for final action. Yesterday's news marks what state, local and congressional boosters said is the government's irreversible approval of the project."

 

The Silver Line will stretch 23 miles from Falls Church to the airport and into Loudoun County. Backers say it will carry as many as 60,000 riders a day, providing a major commuting alternative for the thousands of drivers who take the jammed Dulles Toll Road each day from their homes in Reston, Herndon and the outer suburbs to jobs in Tysons Corner and the District.

 

The Post added, "In addition to the federal grant, costs will be paid by special real estate tax districts in Tysons Corner and Reston, contributions from Fairfax and Loudoun counties, and revenue from toll increases on the Dulles Toll Road. The project will be managed for Virginia by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which also operates the Dulles Toll Road. The authority, over time, will institute toll increases to help fund construction."

Free Rides on the Ashburn LINK Shuttle Bus

As of yesterday, Monday, January 5, 2009, rides on the Ashburn LINK Shuttle Bus are free for the winter, thanks to a grant from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation. Riders can pick up the LINK at designated stops on Ashburn Farm Parkway near Summerwood Circle and just past Crossroads Drive. The third pickup location is on Claiborne Parkway at Belgreen Drive. Parking is available at Parkhurst Plaza Shopping Center and in the lot across the street from Crossroads United Methodist Church.   
 
More information about Loudoun County?s transit and commuter services is available at 703-771-5665 or online at www.loudoun.gov/bus.

VDOT Road Closures for the Week of January 4-10

First of all, Happy New Year to the loyal readers of Loudoun County Traffic. We appreciate you relying on LCT for news and information about traffic and transit here in Loudoun County.

There are several lane closures this week for VDOT road work, especially involving the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Extension, as well as work at the Route 7/River Creek Interchange; Sterling Road; Gum Spring Road; Belmont Ridge Road; and Sterling Blvd.

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.