I-66 Meeting Tonight in Haymarket

DRPT, in coordination with local jurisdictions and partnering agencies, is conducting a transit/transportation demand management (TDM) study for the I-66 Corridor from Washington, D.C., to Haymarket, Virginia. The third public information meeting will be held tonight at Battlefield High School Auditorium located at 15000 Graduation Drive in Haymarket.

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Distracted Driving Survey

AAA and Transurban are launching a safety campaign after new research is released regarding cell phone use along the Capital Beltway HOT Lanes construction corridor. WJLA TV-7 has the report.



Meanwhile, yesterday's Washington Post reports that if you're driving the Capital Beltway in heavy traffic, chances are that a driver in the next lane, directly ahead of you or in your rear view mirror could be reading or writing a text message.

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Amtrak Virginia Web Site

It's a stretch -- although rail travel could be used to avoid traffic -- so we thought we'd let you know about this new rail service in case you were interested.

There's a new Web site that is now available for Virginia’s rail travelers called AmtrakVirginia.com with information on all Amtrak service in Virginia including the new Northeast Regional service that provides expanded transportation choices for travelers.

Beginning this fall, new roundtrip Northeast Regional service will be offered from Lynchburg and Richmond to major destinations in the Northeast Corridor, including Philadelphia, New York, Boston and more. The Lynchburg service starts on October 1 and the Richmond service begins in December.

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Current Route 50 Detour will be Re-opened This Week

According to VDOT, roundabout #1 will be in operation by mid-week as the traffic signals will be coming down and Route 50 will be reopened between Roundabouts #1 and #2. No more detours, but there will be lane closures during non-peak hours. With the opening of all four roundabouts, motorists should see improved traffic flows and shorter delays during rush hour.

Meanwhile, the repaving from Arcola to Aldie is nearing completion as all of the new pavement is down. The contractor continues to work to install pavement markings and shoulder stone.

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Training Exercise at Dulles Commuter Lot Should Not Have Major Impact on Traffic

Emergency personnel in the Northern Virginia region will be conducting simultaneous training exercises at four venues today, Saturday, September 26, from approximately 9 a.m. to noon.

The training exercises will be held in Arlington County/City of Alexandria, Prince William County, Fairfax County and Loudoun County. In Loudoun County, the training exercise will be held at the Dulles Commuter parking lot located on Moran Road.

The Loudoun County exercise will have minimal impact on the community and should not affect traffic. However, please note that a small stretch of Lockridge Road between Prentice Road and Moran Road will be closed for the exercise.

The county is advising residents that public safety vehicles also will be seen in this area throughout the day on Saturday.

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Lane Closures Overnight Tonight on I-495 at Tysons Corner

Tonight, Friday, Sept. 25, all lanes of the Capital Beltway (I-495) at Chain Bridge Road (Route 123) will be shut down several times between midnight and 5 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, for up to 30 minutes at a time, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The closure includes the Beltway ramps to and from Route 123.

The closure will allow Dominion Virginia Power to relocate overhead power lines for the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

Motorists should expect two left lane closures in both Beltway directions near Route 123 starting at 10:30 p.m. followed by all lanes stopped for up to 30 minutes from midnight to 5 a.m. The 30 minute stoppages will occur intermittently throughout the night. Motorists should stay alert and be prepared to alter their travel along these roads.

A 24/7 emergency hotline is available for construction related issues: 877-585-6789. For general Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project information visit DullesMetro.com or call 703-572-0506.

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Leesburg Man Loses Life in Evergreen Mills Road Collision on Monday Afternoon

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office reports that Kenneth F. Taylor, 37, was traveling north on Evergreen Mills Road near Fleetwood Road around 1:45 p.m. today when his 2005 Nissan Murano was struck head-on by an oncoming 1997 Ford Expedition. The driver of the Ford, Paul M. Weber, 19, of Leesburg, was traveling southbound when he apparently came upon slow moving traffic and crossed over into the northbound lane when the crash occurred.

Taylor and a passenger in his vehicle were taken to the Lansdowne Campus of INOVA Loudoun Hospital. Taylor succumbed to his injuries earlier this evening. The passenger remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Weber was also transported to INOVA Loudoun Hospital where he remains hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Weber was charged with reckless driving and the results of the crash investigation will be reviewed by the Loudoun Office of the Commonwealth’s Attorney.

All three victims were wearing their seat belts and the vehicles’ airbags deployed.

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Try Transit This Week

Try transit this week during the statewide "Try Transit Week," which encourages Virginians to stop driving alone and try a form of transit such as bus, rail, carpool, vanpool or telework. Try Transit Week is this week, September 21 to 25. Visit the Try Transit Web site to learn more about the transit options, the benefits of using transit and for a chance to win a year’s pass to the transit service of your choice for a year.

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Leesburg Residents Will be Armed with Radar Guns to Control Speeders

WTOP Radio reports that Leesburg residents fed up with speeders whipping through their neighborhood will now be able to do something about it, as police are teaching concerned residents how to operate a radar gun.

"Neighbors will work in pairs, with one person operating a radar gun while the other writes down the license plate.

"A warning letter will be sent to the driver notifying them that a radar caught them and asking them to obey speed laws."

WTOP quotes Leesburg Police Lt. Jeff Dube saying, "We're not out encouraging any traffic vigilantism."

What do you think of the idea? We'd love to hear your feedback on arming residents with radar guns. Will it help control speeders? Comment below.

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Video - Traffic Alerts Via Twitter, E-mail Cause Concern

From WJLA TV-7 comes a story about traffic alerts and texting while driving. According to the TV-7 story, critics say transportation officials use of technology to give drivers up-to-date traffic information dangerously contradicts the states texting while driving ban.



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I-66 -- Nothern Virginia's "Most Challenging" Corridor

In a Connection newspapers article, Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer referred to Interstate 66 as the most congested, most challenged and most rapidly changing corridor in Northern Virginia as he laid out a plan for improving the thoroughfare’s traffic over the next several years.

"Expanding Metro rail service out Interstate 66 from Vienna to Centreville needs to be part of the corridor’s long-range plan, he said. The "shoulder" lanes used during rush hour also need to be permanently converted into regular lanes, said Homer.

"Virginia code also requires that the Virginia Department of Transportation investigate the benefits of putting high occupancy toll [HOT] lanes on Interstate 66 as part of any transit and congestion relief study, he added."

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Win Free Bus Rides during Try Transit Week September 21-25

Loudoun County residents have the opportunity to win free bus rides on Loudoun County (LC) Transit during Try Transit Week, September 21-25, and Car Free Day, September 22, 2009.

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation and transit operators across the Commonwealth are celebrating the first annual, statewide Try Transit Week September 21 to 25, 2009. If you pledge online at http://www.trytransitweek.com/ to use transit at least once during Try Transit Week, you could win a one-year transit pass to travel free on LC Transit.

Tuesday, September 22, is Car Free Day. If you pledge to get around the region by foot, bike, bus, train or by sharing the ride, you’ll not only help to improve air quality and reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll also be eligible for prizes, such as an IPod. You can pledge online at http://www.carfreemetrodc.com/. LC Transit is giving away ten Smartrip® cards worth $25 for those who live or work in Loudoun and pledge to ride transit or use some other commuting option other than the single occupant vehicle that day.

More information about LC Transit is available on the Loudoun County Web site at www.loudoun.gov/bus.

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Back-to-School-Campaign Underway; Drivers Reminded to Watch for School-Aged Children

Now that the summer break has come to an end Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson is reminding all drivers to watch for school-aged children walking to and from school; as they may forget to watch for you.

During the first few weeks of September, Loudoun Sheriff’s Deputies will be conducting a Back-to-School campaign strictly enforcing speed and other traffic violations in the area of elementary, middle and high schools throughout the county. The campaign is to ensure the safety and welfare for the children returning to school.

Sheriff’s Deputies will be utilizing RADAR, LIDAR and "Smart Trailers," marked and unmarked cruisers, as well as the motorcycle unit.

The Sheriff’s Office would also like to send a friendly reminder to all drivers to obey signals by law enforcement officers and crossing guards. Last school year there were several incidents where drivers disobeyed the signals given by crossing guards. By ignoring their signals the drivers put the lives of the children and the crossing guard in danger.

Loudoun County Traffic echoes the message of the Sheriff's Office and hopes we all have a safe school year.

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Try Transit Week is Upcoming Later This Month

Try Transit Week is upcoming the week of September 21-25. The statewide event is designed to encourage everyone to avoid driving solo and give transit options including bus, rail, carpools, vanpools and telework a try.

According to information from the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), when you use transit, you save money on fuel and car expenses. In fact, the average family can save up to $9,000 a year by using transit.

DRPT notes that the average person wastes more than a week's vacation sitting in traffic each year, and when you use transit you save time because each car off the road means less congestion and fewer traffic delays.

Visit www.trytransitweek.com and learn about the transit options and pledge to try transit during the week of September 21-25. And you will be automatically entered for a chance to win a one year transit pass to the transit operator of your choice!

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Virginia Telework Day A Success

Governor Kaine recently announced that on Telework Day, August 3, Virginia teleworkers saved approximately $113,000, avoided driving 140,000 miles and removed 75.89 tons of pollutants from the air. More than 2,200 federal and private sector employees and more than 1,700 state employees participated in Telework Day, which was a component of Governor Kaine’s Executive Order 82 to reduce executive branch agencies’ impacts on the environment.

From http://www.drpt.virginia.gov/.

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East Market Street (Rt. 7) Reopens

According to the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office, the Westbound Lanes
of East Market Street (Route 7) are now open after being closed
between River Creek Parkway and Battlefield Parkway. The roadway was
closed for several hours due to a serious crash early this morning.

Public Transportation Ridership Continues to Grow

According to an article on InsideNova.com, public transit ridership continues to gradually rise in Virginia, that according to a new state transportation report.

"Statewide, the number of transit riders increased by 2 percent in June over the same time last year according to the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

"Virginia Railway Express saw big gains in both ridership and on-time performance in the past year. VRE ridership increased in June by 6 percent to 349,000 riders, while their on-time performance rating also increased by 21 percent.

"Northern Virginia accounts for 79 percent of the state’s transit ridership, followed by Hampton Roads and Richmond with a combined 15.9 percent."

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Expect Lots of Traffic Today as Schools Resume Sessions

Loudoun County Schools are back in session today... please drive carefully as lots of school buses will be on the road, parents will be back in a new routine, lots of new drivers will be driving themselves to school and our morning (and afternoon) commutes will be off-schedule for a few days as we get back in the swing of things.

Remember... slow down and watch the other driver!

WJLA TV-7 also reports that area drivers face an uphill battle with their morning and evening commutes on terrible traffic Tuesday as experts predict the second worst nationwide gridlock in region today!



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DC-Area Drivers Have Third Longest Commute in the Country

Just in time for the return to work after the Labor Day holiday...

Did you hear the report from WTOP Radio that D.C.-area drivers are slogging to and from work a lengthy 36.6 minutes each way, good enough for third longest in the nation? That according to a new report released by Inrix, a company that provides traffic and navigation systems.

"Only drivers in traffic-choked Los Angeles and Honolulu spend more time behind the wheel during their commutes, according to Inrix. WTOP reports that the study compared traffic statistics from the first half of this year to the first half of last year."

Meanwhile, refencing the same study, the Washington Business Journal reported that the region is now the fourth-most congested market in the U.S., according to Inrix’s data from 2008 through mid-2009.

"Traffic increased by 9 percent in the area in the first half of 2009, compared to the same period in 2008 when it ranked No. 5. Kirkland, Wash.-based Inrix, which provides traffic information to customers such as MapQuest and Microsoft Corp., says the D.C. area’s worst peak traffic comes between 5 and 6 p.m. Thursdays.

"The study ranked the nation’s top most-congested cities, naming Los Angeles No. 1. The city of angels was followed by New York, Chicago, D.C., Dallas, Houston, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle and Philadelphia."

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I-66 Transit/Transportation Demand Management Study

DRPT, in coordination with local jurisdictions and partnering agencies, is conducting a transit/transportation demand management (TDM) study for the I-66 Corridor from Washington, D.C., to Haymarket, Virginia. The study includes a review of potential short- and medium-term transit and TDM improvements for the I-66 Corridor that will increase mobility along the corridor.

Potential improvements could include new bus services such as Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) and new commuter choices such as carpooling, vanpooling and park and ride lots. DRPT is managing the study in coordination with a Technical Advisory Committee comprised of local, state, regional and federal/jurisdictional/agency staff.

A second set of public information meetings have been scheduled this month to provide a time for the public to review and comment on the study findings before study recommendations are developed. Each meeting will include an open house and an informational presentation followed by an opportunity for questions and answers. Dates and locations are below.

September 23
Arlington County Board Room - 3rd Floor
2100 Clarendon Blvd.
Arlington, VA 22201

September 24
Oakton High School Cafeteria
2900 Sutton Rd.
Vienna, VA 22181

September 30
Battlefield High School Auditorium
15000 Graduation Dr.
Haymarket, VA 20169

The study is currently scheduled for completion in fall 2009.

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Battlefield Parkway Opens Today with Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony

From the Leesburg Today newspaper comes the exciting news on the opening today of the Battlefield Parkway.

"After 20 months of construction, and years of frustrations voiced by Leesburg's southern quadrant residents, the new Battlefield Parkway link connecting Kincaid Boulevard and Rt. 7 has opened.

"The dozens of community members that joined this morning's ceremony marking the road's official opening may have outnumbered politicians and staff from VDOT and the Town of Leesburg. Residents, including of the four-legged variety, jogged, biked, walked or drove to get to Battlefield Parkway's newest segment, one many hope will alleviate some of the congestion getting to the bypass and parts of Sycolin Road.

"In addition to its better access to southern Leesburg, the four-lane road also boasts a 10-foot wide bicycle and pedestrian path that connects to paths along Kincaid Boulevard and the future Russell Branch Parkway. The road also provides room on its shoulder for that future road extension.

"The opening of the new Battlefield link will also mean the closure tomorrow of the crossing at Lawson Road over Tuscarora Creek. Once that road closes, it will only provide access for pedestrians and cyclists."

The new road link officially opened to the public this afternoon.

Meanwhile, Hank Silverberg with WTOP Radio quotes Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer as saying that this project could be the last of its kind for a while. "We could not do that today, we could not tomorrow, we could not do it next month," says Homer. "And there's a very simple reason, we are out of transportation money."

WTOP adds that many local leaders say that "without an attitude change in Richmond, more highway projects won't get built, and traffic will only get worse."

The new stretch of highway was built in 19 months, but the $35 million project was financed with 21 different sources, including state, local, federal governments and private sources.

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VDOT Lifts Lane Closures for Labor Day Weekend Travel

To ease travel during the Labor Day holiday weekend, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will open those lanes temporarily closed for construction or maintenance on major highways and roads. The lanes will be open from noon tomorrow, Friday, Sept. 4, until noon Tuesday, Sept. 8.

Long-term construction zones with concrete barriers and orange barrels will remain in place. VDOT reminds motorists to avoid distractions and to prevent accidents and fatalities during this last official weekend of summer, as well as any time they are behind the wheel.

VDOT also alerts Northern Virginia drivers to following conditions that may affect holiday traffic:

• Interstate 95/Interstate 395 high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes – The I-95/I-395 HOV lanes will run southbound from noon Friday, Sept. 4, until 2 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5.
• The lanes will run northbound from 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, until 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8.
• VDOT will lift restrictions on all HOV lanes on Monday, Sept. 7.

If you're going to be traveling this Labor Day weekend, VDOT also encourages drivers to follow these safety rules:

• Buckle up
• Drive alcohol and drug free
• Obey speed limits
• Share the road
• Pay attention in work zones

In addition, Virginia law now prohibits driving while sending a text or an e-mail. Exceptions are for emergency vehicle operators, drivers reporting an emergency or a driver who is parked.

Safe travels Loudoun County!

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Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Approves Projects for Stimulus Funds

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has voted to modify a list of transportation projects eligible for about $5.3 million in federal stimulus funds to include several projects that will improve safety and increase energy efficiency.

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority (NVTA) has solicited projects from localities to be funded with the localities’ share of the regional federal stimulus funds. The Board earlier approved improvement to Waxpool Road and a queue warning system at Route 28 and Waxpool Road. The new Loudoun projects, which will be supervised by the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), are:

• Replacement of more than 2,000 incandescent bulbs in all traffic signals with more visible LED bulbs which will reduce electricity usage and costs as the bulbs will only need to be replaced every 7 to 10 years instead of annually.
• Replacing about 250 existing standard pedestrian signal devices with countdown devices, which will improve safety.
• Installing Uninterrupted Power Supply systems in traffic signals at major intersections, which will allow the signals to continue to function when power has been lost to storms, accidents or construction.
• Pavement markings and refurbishment, which will improve safety.

The timelines associated with the use of the stimulus funds require that the $5.3 million allocated for use in Loudoun County must be obligated by VDOT for expenditure by February 2010.

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Battlefield Parkway Opens Tomorrow with Ribbon-Cutting

The Virginia Department of Transportation is celebrating the completion of the $35 million extension of the Battlefield Parkway from Kincaid Boulevard to Route 7 in the Town of Leesburg tomorrow, Thursday, September 3, at a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony.

This new, four-lane road is just under a mile long, and provides motorists an alternate option to Route 15 and the Route 15 Bypass for accessing the Dulles Greenway and Leesburg Executive Airport.

More information on the project is available at www.virginiadot.org/.

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New Northeast Regional Service from Amtrak

Beginning October 1, Amtrak Virginia expands daily round-trip Northeast Regional service between Lynchburg, Washington D.C. and points north along the Northeast Corridor with tickets now available for purchase at a reduced rate.The new passenger rail service – originating in Lynchburg for the first time – has Virginia stops in Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas and Alexandria, including Virginia Railway Express connections at Burke Center and L’Enfant Plaza.

A passenger can now travel directly from Lynchburg to destinations as far north as Boston and never have to change trains.

The new service is sponsored by the Commonwealth of Virginia as part of a three-year pilot program designed to provide more transportation options for Virginians. The pilot program also includes new service between Richmond and the Northeast Corridor, slated to begin in December 2009.

Passengers who book travel on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional service now through December 16 may take advantage of a fare promotion which offers up to 25 percent off the lowest published coach fare on Northeast Regional service between Lynchburg, Washington, D.C., New York and Boston. Sample one-way fares include $66 between Lynchburg and New York and $71 between Lynchburg and Boston. Reservations are required and must be made at least 14 days in advance of travel. Some restrictions apply. Tickets can be purchased at Amtrak.com or by calling 1-800-USA-RAIL.

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