Let's Make Halloween Safe on Loudoun County's Roadways

Halloween is a fun, festive time for both trick-or-treating children and adults, but unfortunately it is also a dangerous time of the year.

According to Consumer Reports, Halloween is one of the deadliest days of the year for pedestrians and the rate of pedestrian fatalities for children are over four times higher than any other night of the year.

Halloween night is one of the deadliest nights of the year for drunk drivers, as well. In 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities on Halloween night involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a blood-alcohol content level (BAC) of .08 or higher.

Here's some tips to help ensure that this year’s Halloween season doesn’t become a nightmare:

• Do not drink and drive.
• Drive slowly in and around neighborhoods and residential streets.
• Watch for children who may dart out into the street.
• If you are driving children around for trick or treating, make sure they are buckled up appropriately with a child safety seat or vehicle seatbelt. Do this each and every time they enter the car, and check before driving to the next stop.
• Pull over to safe locations to let children exit curb side, away from traffic. Use your hazard lights to alert other drivers of not only your car, but to exercise caution. Especially on Halloween, they will be extra wary for children as a result.
• Try to park in a spot where you won’t need to back up, but if you must, have an adult outside to make sure no children are in the way.
• Do not use a cell phone or other mobile device while driving. It is far too dangerous to drive on Halloween to add further, unnecessary risks. Pull over safely to check voice messages, or texts, as needed.

And parents, let's remember these safety tips for your trick-or-treaters to follow to aid Loudoun County motorists:

• Children should stay on sidewalks instead of walking between cars or on lawns where there could be ornaments or wires that could be a tripping hazard.
• Remind children to look for cars when walking by a driveway.
• Consider a costume that is a lighter color and more visible to motorists. Add reflective material front and back; it can even be part of the design.
• If children are walking in the dark, give them a flashlight, so they can be seen by drivers. Glow sticks can further aid visibility.

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Route 9 Closures Due to Crash

The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office reports that westbound Route 9 is closed at Route 287 and eastbound Route 9 is closed at Route 690 due to single vehicle crash.

More information is available online at www.loudoun.gov/traffic.

State Police Encourage a Fun and Safe Halloween Night

As Virginians of all ages prepare to celebrate Halloween this weekend, the Virginia State Police are handing out some safety tips to ensure the holiday is one of fun and not tragedy.

Keep the Party off the Road
Nighttime is a dangerous time to be on the road, but Halloween night is often one of the deadliest nights of the year because of impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2008, 58 percent of all highway fatalities across the nation on Halloween night (6 p.m. Oct. 31 to 5:59 a.m. Nov. 1) involved a driver or a motorcycle rider with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, which is illegal in every state.

In Virginia, six young men and women between the ages of 19 and 23 lost their lives in fatal traffic crashes during the 2008 and 2009 Halloween holiday weekends. In at least two of the crashes, alcohol was a factor.

State troopers will step up DUI patrols statewide during the Halloween weekend to help make Virginia?s highways and neighborhoods even safer. In addition, State Police recommends these simple tips:

• Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.
• Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and give that person your keys.
• If you?re impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.
• If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don?t hesitate to contact Virginia State Police by dialing #77 on your cell phone.

For more information, please visit www.StopImpairedDriving.org.

Airports Authority Unveils Updated Toll Road / Metrorail Proposals

According to the Connection newspaper, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority hosted an informational meeting on the updates to the Dulles Toll Road and how they relate to the ongoing construction of the Metro Silver Line and the HOT lanes on the Beltway.

New toll rates will be effective Jan. 1, 2011, with prices on the mainline plaza for two, three, four, five and six-axle vehicles rising by a quarter. Effective Jan. 1, 2012, they will go up another quarter. The price for ramps, which starts at 75 cents for two axles and goes up by a quarter per axle, will stay the same through 2012.

According to the MWAA, the Dulles Toll Road still has one of the cheapest toll-per-mile rates, currently at 13 cents per mile, and it will go up to 15 and 17 cents per mile in 2011 and 2012, respectively. To compare, the Dulles Greenway is 32 cents per mile during off-peak hours, and the Beltway HOT lanes will be 43 cents per mile, according to estimates from project sponsors.

Read the complete Connection article.

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Ground is Broken on "Most Difficult Portion" of Atlantic Boulevard

From the Leesburg Today comes coverage of the ground breaking for construction of a portion of Atlantic Boulevard.

Called the most difficult portion of Atlantic Boulevard, and therefore one that took the longest to reach construction, the link of the Rt. 28 parallel road between Magnolia Road and Church Road broke ground today. Once it is complete it will provide continuous travel along Atlantic Boulevard from Sterling Boulevard to Rt. 7.

Speaking before the ground breaking, County Chairman Scott K. York (I-At Large) said once the link is complete, commuters and residents would be able to make a complete loop, taking Atlantic Boulevard from Rt. 7 down to the Center for Innovative Technology near the Fairfax County border, crossing over Rt. 28 and heading back up Pacific Boulevard. All without getting on Rt. 28.

"It took a lot of time and a lot of dollars to get us to this point," York said.

Read the complete Leesburg Today article.

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VDOT Announces Extension of Atlantic Boulevard

According to a press release from the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), in just over a year from now, Loudoun County drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will enjoy an additional alternative to Route 28 with the extension of Atlantic Boulevard from Magnolia Road to Church Road.

When it opens to traffic in late 2011, the new 0.4-mile section of Atlantic Boulevard will provide a continuous route from Sterling Road (Route 846) north to Route 7 (about 4.5 miles). Atlantic Boulevard runs parallel and just to the east of Route 28, serving as an alternative to the heavily traveled highway.

The new roadway will have four lanes, a raised median, an asphalt multi-purpose trail on the east and a concrete sidewalk on the west. It will also feature a single-span bridge over the Washington and Old Dominion Trail with connections to the trail.

The total cost, including preliminary engineering, right of way, utilities and construction is $24 million.

Although the extension will be constructed under the Route 28 PPTA design-build contract, it is state-funded and will be maintained by VDOT when complete. Final work will be completed in spring 2012. The contractor is Route 28 Corridor Improvements, LLC.

In September, VDOT completed the $23 million design-build project to construct a missing segment of Pacific Boulevard, providing a parallel network just to the west of Route 28 from Dresden Street to Nokes Boulevard (about two miles).

Loudoun County Celebrates Completion of Route 7/607 Interchange

A ceremonial ribbon-cutting marked the official opening of the Route 7/Route 607 (Loudoun County Parkway) interchange today. Members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors and other dignitaries celebrated the completion of the first Loudoun County-funded interchange. 
 
The new interchange includes four new ramps, a bridge over Route 7, an additional one-quarter of a mile section of Loudoun County Parkway, and numerous gas, water and communication utility relocations. The improvements eliminated the need for two light signals on Route 7 at the intersections of Loudoun County Parkway / Presidential and George Washington Boulevard / Richfield Way. 
 
According to a Loudoun County Government press release, Board of Supervisors Chairman Scott York applauded those who worked on the project and praised Loudoun County taxpayers for approving the sale of general obligation bonds in 2006 to finance the project.

"I want to thank the taxpayers of Loudoun County for supporting this interchange and paying for this interchange. Without their support, without their willingness to do that, this project would not have come to fruition today," York said. 
 
Broad Run District Supervisor Lori Waters called the interchange "a monumental achievement," adding that it was first time that voters said they wanted to spend their local dollars to help solve transportation issues. 
 
Lewis Rauch, Director of the Department of Construction and Waste Management, pointed out that the Countywide Transportation Plan calls for Route 7 to be a limited-access highway between Leesburg and Algonkian Parkway. The Route 607 (Loudoun County Parkway) interchange is a step towards that goal. 
 
Construction on the Route 7/607 interchange, which began in January 2009, was completed ahead of schedule by Shirley Contracting Company, which was awarded the $23.3 million contract for the project in November 2008. 
 
A proffer design of the interchange was provided by Collin Equities. The Loudoun County Department of Construction and Waste Management managed the completion of the design and construction, which included utility coordination, design and easements with the ongoing design support from Dewberry and Davis. 

Crashes Remain Leading Cause of Death for Teenagers

The number of fatal crashes involving 16- and 17-year old drivers dropped by more than a third between 2004 and 2008, but this doesn't mean that parents and teens should be satisfied with the progress, according to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Crashes still remain the leading cause of death for teens in the United States, though most are preventable, the report says. Graduated driver licensing (GDL) programs, which help new drivers gain skills under low-risk conditions, are widely credited with contributing to the drop in deadly crashes involving teens, it says.

The report shows wide variations from state to state, with teens in some states more likely than teens in others to be involved in fatal crashes.

Nationally, the number of 16- and 17-year-old drivers involved in fatal crashes decreased by 36 percent, from 2,230 in 2004 to 1,437 in 2008, said the study in CDC's "Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report."

The overall decline in young drivers' fatal crash involvement is an extension of a longer-term downward trend. Rates of fatal crash involvement for 16- and 17-year-old drivers have fallen by more than 50 percent since 1996 (from 36 per 100,000 persons in 1996 to 16.7 per 100,000 in 2008). Despite this downward trend, young drivers' fatal crash rates are still high in some areas of the country.

Read the complete CDC press release about the study.

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Loudoun County Sheriffs Office Investigates Fatal Motorcycle Crash

The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office is investigating a single vehicle motorcycle crash that took the life of the rider.

Deputies responded to the area of E. Church Road and Oak Tree Lane in Sterling around 10:30 a.m. this morning, Friday, October 22, after a passerby observed a 1993 Honda Shadow in a tree line. The victim was located in a small ravine.

The victim, identified as Charles J. Meyers, 56, of Minnesota, was traveling on E. Church Road when he apparently left the roadway for unknown reasons and the motorcycle hopped a curb and the victim was separated from the vehicle.

The crash remains under investigation by the Loudoun County Sheriffs Office Traffic Safety Unit.

If you have any information regarding this crash you are asked to contact Senior Deputy M. Cenate at 703-777-1021.

Sobriety Checkpoint Tonight in Eastern Loudoun County

The Loudoun County Sheriff?s Office will conduct a sobriety checkpoint tonight, Friday, October 22, in Eastern Loudoun County.   

The ultimate goal of the sobriety checkpoint is to ensure the roads are safe for all motorists by achieving voluntary compliance with the drinking and driving laws. The Sheriff?s Office designed the checkpoints to raise public awareness and to discourage impaired driving. 

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

?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.

Ashburn Patch Reports Sen. Mark Herring Pushes for Progress on Route 7

In case you haven't heard of Patch.com (a "hyper local" online news source from AOL) -- and specifically the Ashburn Patch -- here's an interesting transit related article by Ashburn Patch editor Dusty Smith.

According to the article, business and community leaders have elected the planned Belmont Ridge interchange as the top priority in their analysis of the Rt. 7 corridor and Sen. Mark Herring (D-33), who established the group, has requested a portion of recently discovered state transportation funding to move forward.

Improving traffic along Rt. 7 has long been a goal in Loudoun County, and often a frustrating one.

While progress has been made in recent years to the segment from Rt. 28 to Leesburg–where three interchanges have been constructed and even more lights have been removed, improving the flow of traffic–east of Rt. 28 has proved more troublesome.

The recent improvements along the segment of Rt. 7 west of Rt. 28 made the Belmont Ridge interchange an easy choice to complete one stretch of the highway.

Developers have built Rt. 7 interchanges at River Creek and Claiborne parkways, while Loudoun constructed the interchange at Loudoun County Parkway. Miller & Smith, the developer of One Loudoun has committed to build the Ashburn Village Boulevard interchange before it can develop its project at the southwest corner of Rt. 7 and Loudoun County Parkway.

Once complete, those improvements will leave just one traffic signal along the corridor between Rt. 28 and the Town of Leesburg.

Read the complete Patch article.

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Algonkian Parkway Closed Today Between 5:30-6 p.m.

The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office reports that motorists who travel Algonkian Parkway are reminded that the roadway will be closed between Algonkian Elementary School and Potomac Falls High School from approximately 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. today, Thursday, October 21.

The roadway will be closed in both directions for the annual homecoming parade for Potomac Falls High School. 

Members of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Motor Unit will be on scene conducting traffic control.

Crashes Cleared

A three vehicle crash on Route 7 eastbound near CountrySide Boulevard and a two vehicle crash on W. Waxpool Road near Route 28 are now clear and both roadways are NOW OPEN.  

Route 7 Eastbound at CountrySide Boulevard is Shutdown

The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office reports that Route 7 eastbound at CountrySide Boulevard is shutdown due to a three vehicle crash. 

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

Westbound Lanes of Church Road near Route 28 Closed

The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office reports that the westbound lanes of Church Road near Route 28 are closed due to a two vehicle crash. 

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

It Takes Roads and Transit to Make Washington Traffic Work for Everybody

Did you see yesterday's opinion/editorial (op/ed) column by Lori Waters, Broad Run District representative on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, in the Washington Examiner? She wrote about the need for diversity in transportation options, noting that "A one size 'transit for all' solution will not work."

Have you noticed the construction on I-66 westbound around George Mason drive? It isn’t all for the Metrorail extension. Thanks to a hard fought battle by Transportation Planning Board (TPB) outer jurisdiction members last spring, commuters now have at least a little more room on their way home in the evenings. As a commuter and TPB member, I am thankful!

The battle for these small improvements, though completely funded by congressional earmarks (I’ll let that one slide), points to the transportation problems TPB fails to address—transit is not the only solution to congestion.

Read the Washington Examiner piece.

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Aggressive Driving During Morning Commute Seems to be Getting Worse

You have to read this Facebook post about aggressive driving from yesterday's Living in LoCo blog.


Thoughts or comments? Let us know below. And let's be sure to slow down and drive responsibly on Loudoun's roadways!

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Governor McDonnell Announces 70 mph Speed Limits on 680 Miles of Interstate

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will post 70 mph speed limits on 680 miles of interstates no later than December 31.

While campaigning for governor, McDonnell proposed the speed limit increase to 70 mph in rural and less populated areas as a way to improve transportation in the Commonwealth. This change will result in 61 percent of Virginia's 1,119 miles of interstates being posted at 70 mph.

VDOT outlined to the Commonwealth Transportation Board at its meeting in Richmond plans to complete the speed limit increases around the state. The change to 70 mph follows the passage of House Bill 856 and Senate Bill 537 which were signed into law by the Governor in March. The bills allow VDOT's Commissioner to increase the maximum highway speed limit to 70 mph on certain highways after the completion of a traffic engineering study.

VDOT studied more than 786 miles of interstate highways for potential speed limit changes. Engineers reviewed crash patterns and history, speed data, physical conditions of the roadways and traffic patterns for candidate segments of highway. After input from Virginia State Police, segments that could safely be raised to 70 mph were identified. The speed limits on these segments will be increased to 70 mph in phases, with all changes scheduled to be completed by the end of 2010.

Speed limit increases are based on findings from engineering studies and needed safety improvements to ensure the safe travel of all motorists. After completion of the studies, engineers determined it best to maintain a speed limit of 65 mph on 189 miles of those segments reviewed. These are primarily in urban areas, areas with high crash histories, or in Virginia's Highway Safety Corridors.

Additional safety improvements for some segments are also planned for the coming months. These include the installation or upgrade of guardrail, rumble strips and additional signage.

According to a press release from the Governor's office, "Changing the speed limit to 70 mph will increase motorist safety by allowing traffic to move at a more consistent speed and reducing the conflict between faster and slower-moving traffic. The 70 mph speed limit change will also assist travelers in shortening commute times and will more efficiently move goods and services throughout Virginia."

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This Week is Teen Driver Safety Week

This week, Oct. 17-23, is Teen Driver Safety Week.

According to a Consumer Reports article, "car crashes are the number one killer of teens, but these accidents are avoidable and preventable. In 2009, over 8,800 teenagers ages 15-19 died as a result of motor vehicle crashes, based on data from the Fatality Analysis Report System (FARS). That figure is down from over 9,900 teen vehicular deaths in 2008, but there is still more work to be done."

"While there has been an increased focus this year on distractions for all drivers, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) strategy for preventing teen deaths on the road includes other areas of concern. Access to alcohol, graduated driver licensing, seat belt use, and parental responsibility are the four core areas NHTSA feels improvements can be made in both legislation and education.

"Teens are at a higher risk of death in an alcohol-related crash. In 2008, 28 percent of 16-20 year-old drivers fatally injured in crashes had blood-alcohol content over the legal limit. Reducing access to alcohol through stricter enforcement is one way to help combat the problem.

"Seat belt use is lowest among teens and young adults, and the majority of teens involved in fatal crashes are unbuckled. Higher enforcement of seat belt laws is needed to get the message out.

"Young, novice drivers are more likely to die in crashes due to their inexperience and immaturity behind the wheel. Graduated licensing programs have helped to ease teens into driving through a step-by-step process to full licensure. These programs have been proven successful in reducing crashes among young drivers, but some state programs are stronger than others.

"Lastly, it is the parent’s responsibility to teach their teen good driving habits, monitor their behavior, and set rules on alcohol, cell phone use, and passengers."

Pay attention parents! Read that last paragraph real well. Let's set a good example on Loudoun County's roadways!

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LCSO Recognized for Targeting Aggressive Drivers During Smooth Operator Campaign

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office and five members of the agency were recognized recently by the Smooth Operator Campaign.   

The agency, headed by Sheriff Steve Simpson, along with Deputy Michael Beatty, Senior Deputy Tom Alpy, and Deputy First Class Kelly Clark were recognized for their efforts in going above and beyond their traffic enforcement duties. Lt. Rudy Landon and Traffic Analyst Michael Thompson were recognized for implementing the traffic safety program targeting aggressive driving in Loudoun County.    

Smooth Operator, introduced in 1997 with 18 law enforcement agencies now involves more than 500 agencies from the District, Maryland and Virginia  who cooperate in intensive, one-week aggressive driving enforcement "waves" - one each month from May through August. These special enforcement waves are in addition to the agencies everyday traffic safety efforts.   

"Aggressive enforcement is the best way to crack down on aggressive drivers," said Simpson.  Since Smooth Operator began in 1997, more than 2.8 million citations for aggressive driving have been issued by area law enforcement agencies during the special enforcement waves.   

The Smooth Operator Program is a public safety initiative, which aims to provide education, information and solutions for the problem of aggressive driving. 

For nearly ten years, Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C., have partnered through the Smooth Operator Program to combat aggressive driving. Law enforcement agencies, trauma experts, government officials and other professionals have worked together to educate motorists of the risks involved with aggressive driving, and to stigmatize aggressive driving behavior on our roads.

Deer Season is Upon Us and Collisions Are Up

A new study by State Farm insurance finds that deer collision claims are up 21 percent over the last five years, even though the miles driven by motorists are only up 2 percent.

Risks are impacted by the growing deer population and animal displacement due to urban development/suburban sprawl. The months of October, November and December are deer mating and migration season, making this an especially dangerous time for both deer and motorists.

Animal-vehicle collisions present a danger to motorists, property and wildlife, but there are precautions you can take to help avoid having a deer or other animal meet up with your car.

• Slow down. Watch for deer especially around dawn and between the hours of 6-9 p.m. when they are most active.
• Be aware. Look out for deer-crossing signs and wooded areas where deer or other animals would likely travel. And if you travel the same route to and from work everyday, you might find deer consistently grazing in the same fields. Make a mental note of when and where you regularly see these animals.
• Be alert. If you see an animal on the side of the road, slow down, and, when traffic permits, put on your high-beam lights for greater visibility.
• Brake, don’t swerve. Swerving to avoid an animal can put you at risk for hitting another vehicle or losing control of your own car. It can also confuse the animal as to which way to go. Just slow down as quickly and safely as you can.
• Assume they have friends. The term “where’s there’s one, there’s usually more” usually holds true: Deer travel in groups, so if you see one run across the road, expect others to follow.
• Buckle up. A seat belt is your best defense for minimizing your risk in a crash. The IIHS study found that 60 percent of the people killed in animal-vehicle collisions weren’t wearing seat belts.

Read more at Consumer Reports.

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Transportation Update from Sally Kurtz, Catoctin District Supervisor

Sally Kurtz, Catoctin District Supervisor on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, provides a transportation update in her latest e-newsletter (October edition).

Maintenance/Paving

The following road segments are currently planned for re-paving:

• Rt. 7W from Rt. 287 to Rt. 719 bridge
• Rt. 7W from Rt. 711 to Clarke County line
• Rt. 7E from Clarke Co. line to Rt. 1330
• Rt. 15S from Roundabout to Prince William County line
• Rt. 50W from Rt. 611 to the beginning of duals west of Middleburg

Preliminary Engineering Projects

• Route 15 North - Plan for Lucketts Safety Initiatives (CAD TBD) – VDOT staff is going through the process of securing approvals for a consultant to complete the design work. There is no funding identified to move the project to construction.
• Route 15 South Widening/Leesburg Line to Woodlea Drive – This project (installation of turn lanes at the Animal Park and a bike trail from Woodlea Drive to Virt’s Corner). Utility relocation is underway.
• Edwards Ferry Road (TBD) – No activity on this project as resources have been diverted to other time sensitive projects.
• Route 7 – East Market Street to South King Street – Traffic data was collected in October 2009 for updates to the forecast model that will be used for any reduction in design year Level of Service and to investigate potential short term operational improvements at the Sycolin Road intersection.
• Route 7 – Climbing Lane/West Market Street to Route 9 – A notice to proceed was issued to RK&K for the next stage of traffic analysis that will look at the impacts of closing the four median breaks and to make recommendations of measures to address the resulting U-turn movements (i.e. modifications to the Route 9 and West Market Street interchanges and possible acceleration lanes). Acceleration lanes are not reflected in the current project cost estimates. The Board and NVTA have approved transfer of the FY10 RSTP funds to this project as well as using FY11 RSTP funds on this project.
• Route 7/659 Interchange Design (County Project) – The Board of Supervisors approved the conceptual design. Design work by Dewberry continues. County staff and the design firm have held several meetings with impacted property owners from the four quadrants of the interchange.
• Lovettsville Bike Trail – VDOT is now handling the project for the Town of Lovettsville. The task order with RK&K has not been executed as yet. The Town staff requested changes to the consultant’s scope of work.
• HSIP Funds – Signage, pavement markings and signal adjustments for bicycle accommodations on Route 15 from Balls Bluff Road to White’s Ferry Road - Coordination continues with the Town of Leesburg and Loudoun staff to investigate the feasibility of the Town taking over the grant in order to build a shared use path for the Tuscarora High School.
• Bridge on Gleedsville Road over Sycolin (CAD Fall 2011) – A public hearing was held on November 18th from 6 to 9 p.m. at Heritage High School. Approximately 24 people attended. Most of the attendees liked the design but there were a few who commented that the project was too large and would result in too many trees being removed. There were others who supported the paved shoulders noting the benefit of improved visibility and refuge from traffic for the joggers. VDOT staff will look into accelerating the scheduled from spring 2012 to the fall of 2011 in order to utilize the full 2012 construction season.
• Riverside Parkway (County Project – Revenue Sharing) – County staff is coordinating with the developer of the Fort Evans Road improvements to determine the best way to design the two projects that share the Riverside Parkway/Fort Evans Road/River Creek Parkway intersection improvements.

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Waxpool at Loudoun County Parkway... Finally!

Under the "it's about time" category comes word that the third lane is finally back on Waxpool at Loudoun County Parkway, heading out of Ashburn toward Route 28.

Last night we noticed crews cleaning the roadway getting it ready for striping, and today the third straight lane re-opened along with one of the left turn lanes. I don't know about you, but it's amazing how much traffic that additional lane can move, especially during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

After this writer spent some 20-plus minutes Thursday afternoon (approximately 5:45-6:10 p.m.) trying to go about a mile through the intersection, we're definitely glad to see three lanes!

Now let's see how long it takes to lengthen the left turn lane(s) on Waxpool coming from Route 28, not to mention the project of extending the left turn lanes on the other side of Loudoun County Parkway, turning left onto Waxpool.

That whole intersection is a mess! Hopefully one day the lanes will be fixed, the lights will be synchronized, and maybe if we're lucky, another route can be found for the tremendous amount of traffic coming into and out of Ashburn.

What are your thoughts? Comment below.

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Give Feedback on Bike/Ped Access to Claude Moore Park‏

An important meeting on pedestrian, bicycle and vehicular access improvements to Claude Moore Park will be held this coming Tuesday and Wednesday, October 12 and 13, at 7 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Claude Moore Recreation Center. Residents can attend either meeting; it's not necessary to attend both meetings.

"This is an opportunity to ask questions, share concerns, ideas, and give us feedback on the access options that will be presented," says Andrea McGimsey, Potomac District Supervisor.

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Consumer Reports' Latest Car Battery Test Finds Some Bargain Performers

Consumer Reports latest car battery test shows that you don't have to spend a fortune to get a top performer. In fact, the tests show that some $75 models work as well or better as competitors at twice the price.

"The ratings include 40 different models in five popular group sizes to fit most cars, SUVs, and pickups, and include draining and recharging each battery 3,000 times, testing their strength at freezing temperatures, and measuring how long they hold their current under load.

"With winter coming, now is an excellent time to have your battery checked as part of an annual charging system checkup, especially if it's two years old and you live in a warm climate or four years old and you live where it gets cold. Contrary to what you might think, hot temperatures are harder on batteries than cold temperatures."

Read the complete Consumer Reports article.

And according to GM's Mr. Goodwrench, "cold weather affects battery efficiency. Most cold-weather breakdowns occur because batteries aren't delivering full cranking power. Also check to make sure battery cables are corrosion-free."

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Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Reminds Residents to Lock Vehicles

In light of a series of burglaries and attempted burglaries in neighboring Fairfax and Prince William County, the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit and Criminal Investigations Division are reminding residents to lock their doors and windows; this includes garage doors. 
 
In Fairfax County serial burglaries have been reported throughout the Sully, Fair Oaks, Reston, Mason and McLean police districts. Similar incidents (burglaries, attempted burglaries & larcenies from vehicles) were reported in the Haymarket area in Prince William County.    
 
Members of the Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit are encouraging residents to lock all outside doors and windows before you go to bed or leave the house and utilize your security alarm ( if installed and activated). Residents are also asked to keep their garage door closed and locked and lock vehicles parked inside and outside of garages. You are also encouraged to remove all items of value from the vehicle such as GPS units, cell phones, MP3 players and wallets.   
 
The agency encourages residents to report all suspicious activity and/or vehicles by calling the 24-hour-non-emergency-line at703-777-1021. If you observe a crime in progress, call 9-1-1 immediately. 
 
What is suspicious activity? You know your neighborhood better than anyone else. If you observe any activity or event that makes you feel uncomfortable or is out of place- obey your intuitive sense that something is suspicious. If you are not sure about calling law enforcement, call anyway.

Two Green Programs Worth Your While

Carpooling just isn’t for the neighborhood kids anymore.

According to the blog of the National Conference Center, the "popularity of carpooling or using other modes of commuting is growing tremendously with new programs like NuRide and Commuter Connections."

Read the complete article.

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Update on Free Court Near Sterling Blvd.

Loudoun County emergency personnel are clearing the scene of a suspicious package on Free Court in Sterling. The package was deemed harmless. The DMV located in the area was temporarily closed but has been re-opened to the public.

Delays on Sterling Blvd. Near Free Court in Sterling

Loudoun County emergency personnel are currently on the scene of a suspicious package on Free Court in Sterling. The DMV located in this area has been evacuated and is temporarily closed to the public at this time. There is no apparent threat to the neighboring community at this time; however motorists who travel along Sterling Boulevard may experience delays in this area.

National Video Testimonial Wall To Show Congress the Benefits of Transit

The American Public Transportation Association (APTA) wants Congress to understand how transit benefits Americans. Post a video on APTA’s new Video Testimonial Wall to tell the world why public transit is important to you and your community and APTA will tell your story to Congress.

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Loudoun Economic Development Commission Backs Aerial Rail Through Dulles

According to the new Ashburn Patch, the Loudoun Economic Development Commission endorsed changes to the second phase of Metro's Silver Line project Friday, with the body's chairman saying the project is necessary to preserve Loudoun's rural west.

"Representatives from the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, the entity responsible for constructing the line, described proposed cost-saving measures during an EDC meeting on Oct. 1. They highlighted the importance of Loudoun's continued involvement in funding the project, which would run from the Wiehle Avenue station now under construction in Reston through the airport and on to Ashburn.

"Late last month, project representatives announced an updated cost estimated, pushing the anticipated cost of phase two from to $2 billion to $3.83 billion. The new information about costs started a 90-day review period during which the Loudoun Board of Supervisors must decide whether to continue with plans to fund the project."

Read the complete article.

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This Week, October 4-8, is Drive Safely Work Week

Did you know that this week, October 4-8, is Drive Safely Work Week (DSWW)?

Drive Safely Work Week is the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety's (NETS) annual workplace safety campaign, providing a turnkey way to remind employees about safe driving practices.

The 2010 campaign focuses on the dangers of distracted driving, particularly as related to the use of cell phones and texting while driving. The DSWW campaign has been sponsored by the Network of Employers for Traffic Safety (NETS) since 1996.

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Text Bans Don't Reduce Distracted Driving, Study Says

According to the Highway Loss Data Institute, there is no evidence that laws have affected the frequency crashes caused by distracted driving. To the contrary, the laws may have actually increased the amount of collisions.

The Kicking Tires blog reports that the HLDI study looked at the crash rates before and after text-ban laws took effect in four states — California, Minnesota, Washington and Louisiana – and compared it to surrounding states that have no such laws. After adjusting for possible changes in collision claim rates unrelated to the bans, the study found that the bans did nothing to reduce crashes. And in three of the four states, crash rates increased after the ban.

"The increase could be due to the fact that drivers who are knowingly texting in states where it’s illegal are trying to conceal their phones by moving them down and out of the sight while driving. A study from the University of Glasgow shows that focusing on something on your lap, rather than having the phone’s display at a normal viewing level, might be more hazardous for a texting driver.

"Besides trying to avoid detection, few people in the HLDI study stopped texting altogether once the ban took effect. Forty-five percent of 18- to 24-year-olds in states where texting and driving is banned reported to still partake in the practice after the ban, compared with 48% of people in states that have no ban.

"In addition to the poor correlation between text bans and safety, there is no evidence that banning hand-held phones reduces crashes, either, according to the HLDI.

"There is still only mixed evidence as to whether texting or talking on a phone is any more distracting than having a conversation with passengers, adjusting the radio or having a blood-alcohol level of 0.08."

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I-66 Being Studied for HOT/Toll Lanes

According to Toll Road News, Virginia secretary of transportation Sean Connaughton says I-66 is a "great candidate" for HOT/toll lanes, and he says the department has a team studying the concept. As soon as he was appointed secretary in the summer when the new Republican administration won office he directed the department to look at "HOT" or toll lanes, he says.

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Can Tires Improve Fuel Economy?

Your car’s tires can play an important role in helping you get the best gas mileage and save money at the pump. Checking tire pressure regularly is one step toward optimum fuel economy, but your choice of tires can also help.

Consumer Reports recently tested a few all-season tire models with low rolling resistance and found that those tires can improve fuel economy by an additional one or two mpg. The reward for replacing a less-optimum tire can be a payback covering most of the cost of the new tires over their lifetime in fuel savings. Moreover, you generally don't have to pay more to get a tire with better rolling resistance.

Here are some additional tips for getting the most fuel economy from your tires:

• Keep your tires properly inflated. (A label on the driver's doorjamb tells you the correct pressures to use.)
• Check inflation pressure at least monthly; do this when the tires are cool.
• If you were happy with the tires that came with the car when it was new, consider replacing them with an identical set. Low rolling resistance is a common trait of original-equipment tires.
• Before buying replacement tires, check Consumer Reports' Ratings for tires that excel in overall performance and use rolling resistance as tie-breaker.

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