Nokes Boulevard Bridge at Route 28

According to the May/June issue of the Northern Virginia Project News newsletter from VDOT, Nokes Boulevard bridge at Route 28 is finished.

"The Nokes Boulevard bridge over Route 28 in Loudoun County has opened to traffic, eliminating a traffic signal and stop-and-go conditions. The entire $58 million interchange will be completed by mid-June, weather permitting, according to VDOT.

"Currently the Nokes Boulevard overpass crosses Route 28 and links motorists to Pacific Boulevard. In the future, Nokes Boulevard will extend to Ashburn. Nokes Boulevard comes to an abrupt end, but VDOT built it in such a way that when the funds become available sometime in the future, it can be extended."

For information on all Megaprojects or to sign up for alerts and updates, visit www.vamegaprojects.com/.

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Flash Flood Warning - Heavy Rains Cause Concerns for Traffic

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for Loudoun County. Currently there are several area roads that are experiencing high water. Traffic is currently being diverted on the following roadways:

?

Many secondary roadways are 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.

The area saw anywhere from 2 to 3 inches of heavy rain overnight. The National Weather Service is predicting an additional 1 to 2 inches of rain can be expected until 11:15 a.m. Tuesday.

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.

To see real-time traffic information go to

Evergreen Mills Rd./Arcola Rd. (High Water) - Sterling
? Old Ox Road/Arcola Rd. (High Water)- Sterling
? Thomas Ave./Lakeland Dr. (High Water)- Sterling
? Second St./Janney St. (Tree Down) ? Waterford
? Edwards Ferry Rd./River Creek Parkway (High Water)- Leesburg www.loudoun.gov/traffic or via your web browsing cell-phone at www.loudoun.gov/mobiletraffic.

Poll Shows Strong National Support for Red-Light Cameras

In a recent national survey of voters, Public Opinion Strategies found that fully 69% of Americans support the use of "red-light cameras" at the most dangerous intersections in their states, while just 29% oppose them.

Those voters "strongly" supporting red-light cameras outnumber those who strongly oppose them by a wide 45%-18% margin.

The survey also showed that while support for red-light cameras is very high, voters believe that their support is not shared by others. By a 47%-41% margin, voters believe that most residents in their state oppose red-light cameras, providing evidence of a "disconnect" between voters' actual attitudes on the issue and their perception of how other voters feel.

Neil Newhouse, one of the founding partners of Public Opinion Strategies, noted that "support for these red-light cameras is not only very strong nationally, but cuts across all demographic and attitudinal groups, including men and women, young and old, Republicans and Democrats, and conservatives and liberals."

So, Loudoun County, what's your opinion about red-light cameras? Post your comments.

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Loudoun County and Leesburg to Join State Police in "Click it or Ticket"

According to the Loudoun Independent, "the Virginia State Police will participate in the 'Click It or Ticket' enforcement mobilization, along with hundreds of law enforcement agencies, including the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Leesburg Police Department. The campaign runs through May 31, 2009, and is aimed at increasing seat belt use in Virginia and ultimately saving lives."

"Special checkpoints and other stepped up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the mobilization.

"According to preliminary figures, in 2008, 612 traffic-related fatalities in Virginia involved vehicles equipped with safety restraints. More than half of the victims involved in the fatalities were not wearing a seat belt, according to preliminary numbers provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles, Virginia Highway Safety Office."

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Is Traffic Actually Getting Less Congested?

The answer is yes, at least according to a report by the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (pdf file).

As Chris Jenkins reported today on LoudounExtra.com, "It might not seem like it when you're inching through crushing bottlenecks during your daily commute, but traffic congestion in the Washington region appears to have loosened up.

"A worsening economy, combined with record-high gas prices last spring, made the big difference, according to a study to be released today by the Metropolitan Council of Governments.

"COG did a traffic count using aerial photos taken over three days last spring. Traffic had dropped 3.1 percent from 2005, including a sharp reduction in congestion in several choke points in the area. It was the first time the number of miles traveled declined in the 15 years the study has been conducted.

"Even more striking than the decrease in vehicle miles traveled was the drop in the amount of congestion measured during the morning and afternoon rushes. The report found congestion during those three-hour peak travel times declined 24 percent, to levels not seen since 2002."

According to the Council of Government's Web site, the most congested freeway choke points in the region in 2008 were:

• Southbound I-395 (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.) from 4th St. to U.S. Route 1*
• Westbound 11th St. Bridge (8:00 to 9:00 a.m.) from I-295 to Southeast Freeway
• Northbound I-395 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.) from 11th St. to Pennsylvania Ave
• Outer Loop I-495 (8:00 to 9:00 a.m.) from New Hampshire Ave. to U.S. 29*
• There was a six-way tie for fifth

*Indicates that these locations experienced an increase in congestion from 2005. Read more about the survey.

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Dulles Greenway Finds Tough Road with Today's Economy

According to a report by WTOP Radio, the economic downturn has had one positive effect with less traffic on roadways, but that's not good news for one local company.

"The owners of the Dulles Greenway Company say they are dealing with a four percent decrease in traffic this year. The privately owned 14-mile toll road connects Washington Dulles International Airport with Leesburg.

"In January of this year, the company raised its rush hour toll fees charging drivers $4 traveling between Leesburg and Washington.

"CEO Tom Sines says the toll has impacted business coupled with the fact that motorists just don't have much money to spend today."

"Sines says the Dulles Greenway is still hitting maximum traffic expectations during rush hour—the Main Line barrier sees close to 6,000 cars an hour. However, more toll increases are planned. One increase is planned for July 2010 and the next increase will come in January 2012.

"Toll fees for 2010 for two-axle vehicles will be $3.70 and $4.50 for drivers traveling during peak congestion periods. Toll fees for 2012 for two-axle vehicles will be $4.00 and $4.80 for drivers traveling during peak congestion periods."

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Dulles Greenway "Drive for Charity" Program

Did you hear about the free rides on the Dulles Greenway "Drive for Charity" program this coming Thursday, May 21?

WTOP Radio reports that this Thursday the toll money for the day on the Greenway, an estimated $210,000, will go to five local charities and student scholarships. The 14-mile highway from the Dulles Airport to Leesburg is a private road that charges drivers $4 during peak hours.

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Leesburg to Look Into Ways to Cut Down on Traffic

According to today's Loudoun Extra, Leesburg officials are planning a summit to solicit ideas from the public for getting cars off town roads, in an effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen commute times.

"Town Council member David S. Butler presented the proposal during a council work session Monday. He said he thought about organizing a summit after he learned how much time Leesburg residents spend commuting. They have an average one-way trip of 30.3 minutes, compared with the national average of 25.1 minutes, according to a recent U.S. Census Bureau survey."

"Among Leesburg residents, 15.7 percent work in town, with the majority commuting to jobs in eastern Loudoun, Fairfax or Arlington counties, according to the survey. Council members said the summit would need to involve officials beyond the town's limits."

The paper reported that town staff members will recommend a date and location for the summit during the next council work session this month.

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Loudoun County Sheriff's Deputies Recognized

Two Loudoun County Sheriff's Deputies were recognized recently for their efforts in combating impaired driving at the 18th Annual Excellence in Community Service and Public Safety Ceremony.

Deputy Jason Totaro and Deputy Eric Cote were among several law enforcement personnel from the region recognized at the ceremony organized by the Fairfax County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) and the Alcohol Safety Action Program (ASAP). The ceremony honors officers in their efforts in curbing drinking and driving.

Totaro has been with the agency for nearly three years and is currently assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Division. In 2008 he removed 26 motorists from Loudoun’s roadways who were driving under the influence.

Cote has been with the agency for three years and is also assigned to the Sheriff’s Office Field Operations Division. In 2008 he removed 23 motorists from Loudoun’s roadways who were driving under the influence of alcohol.

The ceremony was held last Friday morning at the West Park Hotel in Tyson’s Corner.

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DRPT to Host I-66 Transit/Transportation Demand Management Study Public Information Meetings

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) will host three public information meetings to inform and create dialogue with the public on the I-66 Transit/Transportation Demand Management (TDM) Study. The study is evaluating potential short-and medium term transit and TDM enhancements to increase mobility in the I-66 corridor from the District of Columbia to Haymarket, Va.

The public information meetings will include a continuous open house with representatives available to provide information on the study and transit/TDM alternatives under consideration. In addition, a presentation will be given twice (at 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.) with an opportunity for questions and answers. Each public information meeting will follow the same schedule: 6:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m.

The most local meeting will be held in Haymarket on Wednesday, May 13, at Battlefield High School Auditorium,15000 Graduation Drive. Other area meetings will be held in Arlington on May 12 and Oakton on May 14.

During the public meetings, individuals will have the opportunity to comment verbally or in writing. Those who cannot attend may send comments or questions on the I-66 Transit/TDM Study to DRPTPR@DRPT.Virginia.gov. Comments will be accepted until May 29, 2009.

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Waxpool Road at 28 Will be Beneficiary of Federal Stimulus Money

According to media reports, Loudoun County will receive $6.325 million in its share of a $53 million federal stimulus package earmarked for regional transportation improvements.

"And at Tuesday's Board of Supervisors meeting, county transportation director Terrie Laycock said that Loudoun County would use $5.3 million of its share of the funds for upgrades toward the Waxpool Road at Church Road interchange," that according to the Loudoun Extra.

The Extra reports that the "rest of the money would go toward projects in the towns of Leesburg and Purcellville. Leesburg would receive $900,000 toward the first phase of the South King Street widening project. Purcellville would net $125,000 to upgrade the sidewalks that are part of the Maple and Main streets project. Improvements to the Waxpool Road bottleneck include the closure of a median break near Loudoun County Parkway, traffic signal modifications, extensions and additions of turn lanes and the installation of a variable message board."

The Loudoun Times also covered the story as well.

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Ribbon Cut On Last Rt. 28 Interchange In Loudoun County

"Despite the rain and wind that whipped through the tent, many of Loudoun's elected officials described Monday morning as 'fantastic' and 'a great day for the county,'" that according to an article today in the Leesburg Today newspaper.

"The reason for their sunny outlook was simple: they were gathered to celebrate the completion of the fifth and last interchange needed to make Loudoun's portion of Rt. 28 a limited-access highway. While not officially open, the Nokes Boulevard interchange is close enough to completion that county officials gathered this week to cut the ribbon on the long-awaited project. Ground was broken on the project in August 2007. The $58 million interchange is expected to be opened in mid-June."

"The Virginia Department of Transportation and the project team are awaiting the ability to put striping on the interchange's loops and entrance and exits lanes before the interchange is open. It takes two straight days of dry weather for the work to take place. Once the striping is complete the light at Nokes Boulevard will be shut off and removed, and once the loops are completed, the light at Severn Way will also be removed, leaving Steeplechase Drive as the only light along Rt. 28 in Loudoun. The Steeplechase Drive intersection will be modified to a right-in, right-out access later this summer and will remain that way until the completion of the Atlantic Boulevard extension, expected to open in 2010."

"The last of the interchanges being funded through the Rt. 28 tax district, landowners along the corridor contributed 75 percent of the funding, while the state picked up the remaining 25 percent of the cost. Sen. Mark Herring (D-33) acknowledged that such a public-private partnership only works if the public side keeps up its end of the agreement."

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Two Traffic Related Incidents Ongoing

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is currently handing two traffic related incidents that could impact some motorists commutes.   
 
In Eastern Loudoun, the traffic signal at Ashburn Road and Ashburn Farm Parkway is completely out. Sheriff's Deputies are on the scene directing traffic. Motorists are reminded that an intersection where the traffic signals are off due to power failure must be treated as a four-way stop. 
 
In Western Loudoun, Allder School Road has some flooding at the south fork of Catoctin Creek. Motorists are advised not to drive across roads covered with water as the water may be deep then it appears. Motorists who encounter water-covered roads are encouraged to turn around and not put themselves at risk.     
 
For real-time traffic incidents worked by the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, go to www.loudoun.gov/traffic or via your web browsing cell-phone at www.loudoun.gov/mobiletraffic. 

VDOT to Hold Celebration for Nokes Blvd. Intersection Project

The Virginia Department of Transportation is celebrating the completion of the Nokes Boulevard intersection project on Monday, May 4, at 11 a.m. The ceremony will be outdoors at a location between Pacific Blvd. and Nokes Blvd., .25 miles west of Rt. 28. From I-66, take Rt. 28 north, left on Severn Way, then right on Pacific Blvd.

Loudoun County Chairman of the Board Scott York, Del. Robert Marshall, Loudoun County Supervisors, CTB members and VDOT representatives are expected in attendance.

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HOV Exemption for Hybrid Vehicles Extended to June 30, 2010

Hybrid vehicles with the required clean fuel license plates will continue to be able to use the I-95/395, I-66 and Dulles Toll Road high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes until June 30, 2010, or as long as federal rules allow, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The Virginia General Assembly approved a one-year extension which was signed into law by Governor Kaine on March 30.

In order for a hybrid vehicle to use Virginia’s HOV lanes during the morning and afternoon rush hours, the vehicle must have a clean special fuel plate issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Not all hybrids qualify for clean fuel license plates, motorists should check the DMV Web site for an updated list of eligible hybrids.

Only hybrid vehicles with clean fuel plates issued before July 1, 2006 can use the I-95/395 HOV lanes during rush hours. All hybrid vehicles with clean fuel plates can use all other HOV lanes in Virginia during HOV hours, including I-66 and the Dulles Toll Road in Northern Virginia. Hybrid vehicles will not be able to use the I-495 High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes when they are completed. Nor would they be permitted to use the proposed I-95/395 HOT lanes.

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