DOT Proposes Ban by Interstate Truckers and Bus Drivers

There was an article today on the Washington Post "Get There" blog with Dr. Gridlock about a proposal from the U.S. Department of Transportation seeking to ban text messaging at the wheel by interstate commercial truck and bus drivers.

The Post reports that the plan would "make permanent an interim ban announced in January by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. It would apply to drivers of interstate buses and trucks over 10,000 pounds. Truck and bus drivers who text while driving could face civil or criminal penalties."

Acording to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) research, drivers who send and receive text messages take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every 6 seconds while texting. At 55 miles per hour, this means that the driver is traveling the length of a football field, including the end zones, without looking at the road. Drivers who text while driving are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than non-distracted drivers.

Members of the public have 30 days to comment on the proposed rule, DOT said in a statement. Comments can be submitted at www.regulationroom.org/texting or www.regulations.gov/. Additional information and resources can also be found online at Distraction.org, the official government Web site for distracted driving.

Loudoun County Traffic is in favor of the texting ban. Voice your support (or disagreement) by commenting below -- as well as at the Web links mentioned above.

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Video: Gov. McDonnell Thanks VDOT Snow Crews at the Capitol

Gov. Bob McDonnell thanks VDOT crews for their work during the major snowstorms of late 2009 and early 2010.



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Virginia Transit Performance Report Issued

The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) recently issued the Virginia Transit Performance Report for fiscal years 2004 to 2008 (PDF).

The report provides a comprehensive look at transit system performance across the Commonwealth and a comparative analysis of Virginia transit performance versus national statistics. The report finds that Virginia outperforms the national average on several key performance indicators.

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Road Rage... What Are Your Thoughts

So what's your reaction to this "road rage" incident? Give us your comments below.

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Drills to Test Regional Response to Metro-related Incidents This Sunday and Morning

Attention Loudoun County commuters who use Metro...

Metro and its regional partners will participate in two emergency response exercises involving simulated explosions on Metrorail and Metrobus this Sunday, March 28, and Monday, March 29, to test and practice the multi-jurisdictional coordination and response needed to mitigate such incidents.

The first exercise takes place at 1 a.m. on Sunday and will simulate an explosion on a rail car in the tunnel between the Rosslyn and Foggy Bottom Metrorail stations. As part of the drill, emergency personnel will be responding to the incident to find a scene representative of hundreds of injured passengers and multiple fatalities.

The exercise is taking place after midnight when ridership is lighter and fewer passengers will be impacted by the emergency response activity. The Rosslyn Metrorail station will remain open throughout the drill, closing at its regular time shortly after 3 a.m. From 11 p.m. to closing, Blue Line trains will share one track between the Foggy Bottom-GWU and Arlington Cemetery Metrorail stations, and Orange Line trains will share one track between the Foggy Bottom-GWU and Court House Metrorail stations. Passengers using the Rosslyn Metrorail station and residents in the area should expect to see numerous police, fire and emergency response vehicles, first responders and volunteer “victims” near the station between 11 p.m. Saturday, March 27, and 5 a.m. Sunday, March 28.

A second exercise is scheduled for 10 a.m. Monday at the RFK Stadium parking lot. This drill simulates an explosion on a Metrobus with multiple passengers injured, discovery of a second explosive found on a bus in a garage, and phone call stating that additional explosive devices have been placed on other buses.

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Results of Friday Night Sobriety Checkpoint in Sterling

A sobriety checkpoint held this past Friday, March 19, in Sterling saw one motorist charged with driving under the influence of alcohol.

The checkpoint was held on Sterling Boulevard at Davis Drive from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. The checkpoint had 536 cars pass through with 10 motorists further screened. Seven motorists were charged with traffic-related infractions (1 DUI arrest, 2 driving without a license, 3 expired inspections, and 1 charged with defective equipment).

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office currently conducts one checkpoint per month throughout the year and holds additional checkpoints during the holidays. The Sheriff’s Office designed the checkpoints to raise public awareness and to discourage impaired driving.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Unit and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD assisted with the checkpoint.

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HOV Extension for Hybrid Vehicles Extended Until June 2011

Extension allows hybrids to use HOV lanes on Dulles Toll Road

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, 2011, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.

Delegate Thomas A. “Tag” Greason sponsored the one-year extension which was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor McDonnell on March 13.

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.

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, http://www.dmvnow.com/, for an updated list of eligible hybrids.

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DC and Maryland Safer For Teen Drivers Than Virginia

A new study says the District of Columbia and Maryland are two of the safest places for teen drivers, but Virginia did not fare so well. Check out the WJLA TV-7 video.




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Second Route 28 Corridor Workshop to be Held This Morning

Another Route 28 Stakeholders Workshop will be held today, Saturday, March 20, from 9-11:30 a.m. at the Claude Moore Park Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling. You are encouraged to attend as the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is evaluating land use policies within the Route 28 Corridor and would like to hear from members of the public.

Agenda for today's meeting

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Sobriety Checkpoint Tonight in Eastern Loudoun County

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint tonight, Friday, March 19, in eastern Loudoun County. The sobriety checkpoint will be held from 10 p.m. this evening until to 3 a.m. Saturday morning.

The Sheriff’s Office designed the checkpoints to raise public awareness and to discourage impaired driving.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure the roads are safe for all motorists by achieving voluntary compliance with the drinking and driving laws,” said Loudoun County Sheriff Steve Simpson. “If you drink and drive, we’re going to catch you,” Simpson warned.

Members of the Sheriff’s Office Auxiliary Unit and volunteers from the Loudoun Chapter of MADD will assist with the checkpoint.

The Sheriff’s Office currently conducts one checkpoint per month throughout the year and holds additional checkpoints during the holidays.

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Reminder... Route 28 Corridor Workshop This Morning

If you are interested in the future of the Route 28 Corridor, you are invited to attend today's Route 28 Stakeholders Workshop. The workshop will be held today, Friday, March 19, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. at the Claude Moore Park Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling.

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is evaluating land use policies within the Route 28 Corridor and would like to hear from members of the public.

Agenda for today's meeting

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Route 28 Stakeholders Workshops Tomorrow and Saturday

If you are interested in the future of the Route 28 Corridor, you are invited to attend one of two upcoming Route 28 Stakeholders Workshops. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is evaluating land use policies within the Route 28 Corridor and would like to hear from members of the public.

The workshops will be held tomorrow, Friday, March 19, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. or Saturday, March 20, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Claude Moore Park Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling.
RSVPs are appreciated. Please contact the Loudoun County Department of Planning, 703-777-0246 or e-mail dop@loudoun.gov.

Please note that these meetings are identical in format and have been offered at different times to accommodate as many people as possible. Additional information, including the agenda is available online at www.loudoun.gov/route28. 

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Landowner Wants Plans for Loudoun County Metro Station Changed

WJLA TV-7 (Newschannel 8) reports on a decision by the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors that affects a Loudoun County Metro station.



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St. Patty’s Day SoberRide Program to Provide Free Taxi Rides in Eastern Loudoun

Offered by the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), the "St. Patty’s Day SoberRide" program will be in operation beginning at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday, March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) and continue until 4 a.m. tomorrow as a way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk holiday.

During this 12-hour period, area residents celebrating with alcohol may call the toll-free SoberRide phone number, 1-800–200–TAXI, and be afforded a no-cost (up to a $ 50 fare), safe way home. AT&T wireless customers can dial # - TAXI for the same service. Local taxicab companies throughout the Washington-metropolitan area provide this no-cost service to local residents age 21 and older who otherwise may have attempted to drive home after drinking.

SoberRide is offered in eastern Loudoun County and other parts of Northern Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia and the Maryland counties of Montgomery and Prince George’s.

“On Saint Patrick’s Day in this country, over a third of all traffic deaths are caused by drunk drivers,” said Kurt Gregory Erickson, WRAP’s President.

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VDOT's "Pothole Blitz"

Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews have patched, repaired or filled more than 43,000 potholes throughout the commonwealth since it kicked off the agency’s "pothole blitz" March 1.

The Governor directed VDOT to launch its pothole blitz and focus efforts on patching the thousands of potholes resulting from this winter’s harsh weather. VDOT crews have worked day and night to address pavement hazards reported by VDOT crews, contractors and citizens.

To report a pothole, visit http://www.virginiadot.org/ or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7623 (ROAD). Safe driving tips, pothole patching videos, and other useful information on potholes is also available on VDOT’s Web site at hwww.virginiadot.org/info/faq-potholes.asp.

And just when you thought potholes weren't funny, check out the VDOT video, "Phil Itkwik, The Pothole Hunter."




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Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Develops E-Complaint Web Site

In an effort to continue providing professional, high-quality services, the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office  has developed a Web site (www.loudoun.gov/lcsoconcerns or click the "contact us" link at www.loudoun.gov/sheriff) welcoming residents to provide compliments, concerns or questions related to an employee’s actions, Sheriff’s Office policies, procedures or services that are provided to the community.

Residents are also welcome to provide this information in person or by mail at Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, 880 Harrison Street, S.E., Leesburg, VA 20175.

The site also allows residents to make inquiries into other Loudoun Sheriff’s Office departments including Records, Civil Process, Crime Prevention, Corrections, Patrol and Public Information.

If you wish to report a crime, suspicious activity or any incident that would require action by a deputy, call the 24-hour non-emergency number, 703-777-1021, or 9-1-1 if it is an emergency. Attempting to report through the Web site may cause a delay in response.

To file a non-emergency traffic complaint online, visit www.loudoun.gov/trafficcomplaints.

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Highway Deaths Drop to Lowest Levels Since 1950s

Did you see the WJLA TV-7 report on highway deaths?

According to the report, and the latests stats from the federal government, U.S. highway deaths have fallen to their lowest levels since the 1950s, as more motorists bought into buckling up and embraced safety innovations. A sour economy that dampened traveling instincts also was a contributor.

Watch the TV-7 report.




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Route 28 Stakeholders Workshops

If you are interested in the future of the Route 28 Corridor, you are invited to attend one of two upcoming Route 28 Stakeholders Workshops. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is evaluating land use policies within the Route 28 Corridor and would like to hear from members of the public.

The workshops will be held Friday, March 19, from 8:30-11:00 a.m. or Saturday, March 20, from 9:00-11:30 a.m. at Claude Moore Park Recreation Center, 46105 Loudoun Park Lane in Sterling.

RSVPs are appreciated. Please contact the Loudoun County Department of Planning, 703-777-0246 or e-mail dop@loudoun.gov.

Please note that these meetings are identical in format and have been offered at different times to accommodate as many people as possible. Additional information, including the agenda will be available online at www.loudoun.gov/route28 the week of March 15.

Future workshops also are planned for April 26 and May 24. Details to follow.

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March Update on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail

The March issue of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project newsletter (PDF) is online. Among the articles, look back at the first year of Dulles Rail construction, Route 7 changes and more.

According to the update, more than 95 percent of the construction of manholes and duct banks necessary for relocating the 21 utilities in the Route 7 alignment area have been completed. Some overhead power lines have been permanently removed and utility crews are now working in those manholes underground to connect the new lines.

In addition, 214 caissons, underground supports for the aerial structures, have been built and more than 207 concrete sections of the aerial guideway that will support the rail track have been built at a staging area at Dulles Airport.

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Nieghboring Bus Service to Tysons Corner Not That Crowded So Far

According to a report on InsideNoVa.com, four commuter buses from Woodbridge bound for Tysons Corner are running less than half full, leaving transportation officials hoping more people will ditch their cars for the bus.

"The Tysons Corner Express runs four weekday morning trips, with stops at the Virginia Railway Express station in Woodbridge and a commuter lot at Va. 123 and Interstate 95. Each weekday afternoon, the bus runs four return trips, picking up passengers at points in Tysons Corner and bringing them back to Woodbridge.

"Each bus has wireless Internet access – a first for public transit buses in Virginia – and open seating where riders can use their laptops while easing their way to work without the headaches of driving their cars in Beltway traffic, said Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission spokeswoman Christine Rodrigo.

"But with all of the amenities, the $3 million state-funded bus service is running at only 14 percent capacity, carrying an average of 66 passengers per day, an average of 17 riders per trip."

Is the "success" of the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission bus service about what you think it would be or does it just need more time to catch on? And overall, do you think bus service is worth the expense to the taxpayer?

Leave your comments below.

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Study of VRE extension to Gainesville, Haymarket approved

From the Dulles Home Guy blog...

"The planned VRE commuter rail extension from  Manassas to Gainesville and Haymarket moves forward with the required environmental study and preliminary engineering work according to the Washington Post."

The Post article reports that "the commuter rail service's Operations Board authorized a roughly $2.7 million contract with STV/Ralph Whitehead Associates, a consulting firm that will run an environmental study and provide preliminary engineering services on the proposal to extend VRE 11 miles on Norfolk Southern's B line into the Gainesville-Haymarket area."

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Route 15 Closure

From the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office...

Route 15 will be closed down between St. Clair Lane and the Village of
Lucketts for a short time to clear a single vehicle crash into a
utility pole.

For real-time traffic information worked by the Loudoun County
Sheriff's Office please visit www.loudoun.gov/traffic or via Web
browsing on your cell phone at www.loudoun.gov/mobiletraffic.

"Pothole Blitz" Begins

The Loudoun Independent reports that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will focus efforts during March on patching the thousands of potholes across Virginia.

"Potholes are generally commonplace after heavy snow and cold weather, as the perspiration seeps between the cracks in concrete, expands, freezes and then thaws—weakening the concrete and eventually prompting the road to crack and break apart.

"While a plethora of potholes are not uncommon come springtime, according to VDOT this year has been especially tough—as repair crews have been hindered by nearly constant snow."

To report a pothole, visit www.VirginiaDOT.org or call VDOT’s Highway Helpline at 800-367-7689 (ROAD).

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Route 7 Utility Relocation (Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project) Continues

The Virginia Mega Projects Web site reports that lane closures will continue this coming week on service roads on both sides of Leesburg Pike (Route 7) as crews relocate utilities in the Tysons Corner area in preparation of the Dulles Corridor Metrorail project.

Visit www.vamegaprojects.com/trafficandtravelinfo.html for the latest lane closures and construction impacts.

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For "Safety" Reasons, Metro to Spend $162,000 to Re-Number Rail Cars

According to a Metro press release, "to enhance rail passenger safety" Metro is installing new train identification numbers atop all 1,130 rail cars.

The retrofit, which began last fall, removes the 2¼ inch, non-reflective exterior car numbers below the operator’s window and installs new, reflective five-inch numbers atop the end of each rail car. Metro reports that the program also features the installation of new, interior rail car door leaf numbers that makes it easier to identify a rail car door number if there is an issue with a door.

For our Loudoun County commuters that use Metrorail, we thought you'd like to know that the retrofit program is costing $162,000, which includes material, labor, installation, and the design for the exterior rail car and interior door leaf numbers.

Of course we guess there's some good news... without the recent fare hike we can only assume that the cost of re-numbering the rail cars would've been higher.

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Still No Decision On Planned Rt. 606 Metro Station

Leesburg Today reports that despite holding a work session on the matter Tuesday, the "Loudoun County Board of Supervisors has not yet reached a decision about whether to move the location of the Rt. 606 rail station and it appears the decision about whether to even study the issue will not be made until later this month.

"After more than an hour of debate, the board voted to hold off on deciding whether to evaluate a new location for the planned Rt. 606 Metro station, farther west than the current location. The two options under consideration for a new siting are the western- most location, which would include a two fare-gate station design and three pedestrian pavilions, and a more central option, which would include one fare gate and one pedestrian pavilion.

"The current location would include one station entrance on the north side of the Dulles Greenway and one pedestrian bridge. The site is planned for parking of 2,750 cars, as it is meant to be the commuter station for Loudoun residents and those living farther west."

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