VDOT Preparing for More Hazardous Road Conditions

Another bout of sleet and freezing rain is expected after 7 p.m., and the Virginia Department of Transportation urges motorists to be alert to changing road conditions in northern Virginia tonight. With rain, sleet, and freezing temperatures also forecasted for 4 a.m. tomorrow, drivers are asked to monitor forecasts carefully and postpone or limit travel during the morning rush.

 

By 3 p.m. today, about 1,600 trucks will begin staging along interstates and major roads throughout Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William counties for quick response.

 

Crews pre-treated trouble spots today on interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—with liquid magnesium chloride. Problem spots on other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, were pre-treated with salt brine.

 

Drivers are encouraged to check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before traveling by visitingwww.511Virginia.org or by calling 511.

 

Winter driving tips:

• Ensure that your vehicle is winter-ready, particularly that tires are in good condition.
• Slow down, and keep a five-second distance or more behind other vehicles. Do no pass trucks applying chemicals unless absolutely necessary.
• Be aware of areas prone to freezing such as ramps and bridges.
• When driving on ice, do not slam on brakes. Turn gently and slowly.
• Keep an emergency winter kit in your car.
• Always wear your seatbelt and turn on headlights.

No Loudoun County Bus Service Today, Thursday, Jan. 27

This news from Loudoun County Bus service...

According to DOT regulations, all drivers are required to have a 10 hour break in between driving shifts. As of 10 p.m. last night, Wednesday, January 26, 38 of the 40 commuter buses in service had not made it back to the bus yard. That means that there will not be a sufficient number of drivers available to run service today.

As a result, there will be NO commuter bus service today, Thursday, January 27.

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Hazardous Road Conditions

Loudoun County public safety report that traffic conditions remain hazardous. Residents are encouraged to avoid driving and other travel until conditions have improved. Residents are advised to stay home and off the roads so that the snow removal crews can clear roadways.

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VDOT Video: Virginia 511 Traffic and Travel Information

Information on the 511 traffic and travel information system from the Virginia Department of Transportation. Available on the web and via phone, 511 delivers the latest data on incidents, road conditions and construction.



Visit www.511virginia.org for more information.

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Report Credits Public Transportation for Decreasing Commuter Delays

A new report shows that without public transit, travelers would have experienced an additional 785 million hours of delay in 2010. The study also shows that 640 million gallons of fuel were saved by using public transportation.

The Texas Transportation Institute released its 2010 Urban Mobility Report, which looked at road congestion in United States urban areas, including Richmond, Northern Virginia and Virginia Beach.

After two years of slight declines in overall traffic congestion – attributable to the economic downturn and high fuel prices – leading indicators suggest that as the economy rebounds, traffic problems are doing the same. While 2008 was the best year for commuters in at least a decade, the problem again began to grow in 2009.

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Pedestrian Struck; Hit And Run Driver Sought

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public’s help in identifying a hit-and-run driver who struck and injured a pedestrian in the early morning hours yesterday, Saturday, January 22.

A 28-year-old Lucketts man was walking north alongside James Monroe Hwy (Rt. 15) north of Montressor Rd. (Rt. 661) at approximately 3:50 a.m. when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. The victim was transported to Inova Fairfax Hospital, where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office accident reconstruction investigators responded to the scene. The suspect vehicle is believed to possibly be a dark red or maroon 2007 or 2008 Saturn Aura with damage on the front and passenger side quarter panel. The vehicle is also missing the passenger-side mirror.

The incident remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the suspect vehicle and/or the driver is asked to call the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office at 703-777-1021.

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Bill Would Let Bikes, Motorcycles Go Through Red Lights

According to the Virginian-Pilot, a House subcommittee gave unanimous approval Wednesday to HB1981, sponsored by Del. Tag Greason, R-Loudoun County, allowing a bicycle, motorcycle or moped to proceed through a red traffic signal if the vehicle weighs too little to trip the light to green.

In order to proceed legally, the rider would have to wait two full light cycles if the light is cycling normally – for instance, if the bike rider is in a left-turn lane. If the light is not cycling, the rider would have to wait two minutes.

Lobbyists for bicycle and motorcycle groups hailed the measure, saying current law forces their members to be scofflaws if they don’t want to wait interminably at red lights.

The bill now advances to the full House Transportation Committee.

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Newspaper Reports Bleak Outlook for Second Phase of Silver Line

According to the Fairfax Times, projected toll rates for the Dulles Toll Road that were used to back bonds might not present the full picture, according to Fairfax County auditors.

In April 2010, the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority commissioned a tolling study that projected toll rate increases that would be needed to support the $1.3 billion in bonds the airports authority issued in 2009 and 2010. The study also projected the amount of decreased traffic that would result from the tolling increases.

The toll-backed bonds are a primary funding source for the Dulles Metrorail extension, now under construction.

However, that study does not depict any decrease in the number of toll road users after the first segment of the new Silver Line opens at the end of 2013, according to a draft report from the county's Office of Financial and Program Audit. Fewer users could decrease the revenue projections.

Read the complete article.

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No Support for Toll Road Legislation from Loudoun County Supervisors

Leesburg Today reports that the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will formally oppose legislation proposed by Del. Jim LeMunyon (R-67) that would place final say on all toll road fare increases in the hands of the Loudoun and Fairfax supervisors.

During its discussion of its legislative agenda Wednesday, supervisors singled out the LeMunyon bill, HB1539, at the request of Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (R-Sterling). If approved by the General Assembly the bill would require any toll increases on the Dulles Toll Road to be approved by both the Fairfax and the Loudoun Board of Supervisors. In addition, the Loudoun board would have to approve increases on the Dulles Greenway before they could be instated.

According to the Loudoun Times, the intent of HB1539 ... is to keep traffic off already congested roads like Interstate 66 and Route 7. Commuters are opting for gridlock, the delegate said, to avoid paying higher tolls.

Tolls on the Dulles Toll Road increased for the second year in a row on Jan. 1, forcing drivers to shell out $1.25 at the main toll plaza. Toll rates on the on/off ramps remain at 75 cents. The increase is part of a three-year schedule approved by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority Board of Directors in November 2009 to help fund the extension of Metrorail into Loudoun County. Drivers should expect a third rate increase on Jan. 1, 2012.

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Public Input Session Tonight for Proposed Commuter Bus Fare Increase

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will hold a public input session on a proposed commuter bus fare increase tonight, Thursday, January 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E. in Leesburg.


The public input session is being held to gather input from commuter bus riders regarding a proposal to implement a fare increase of $1.00 per trip on the "long-haul" service from Loudoun County to Rosslyn, the Pentagon, Crystal City and destinations in Washington, D.C. and a fare increase of $0.25 per trip for service to and from the West Falls Church Metrorail station, effective April 1, 2011.

More details and background information on the proposed fare increase are online at www.loudoun.gov/bus. Comments may also be sent by e-mail to the Board of Supervisors at bos@loudoun.gov.

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New Traffic Signal

From the Supervisor Lori L. Waters' Broad Run District News e-mail newsletter comes news of a new traffic signal in the Broad Run District.

"Finally after years of waiting, designs, and redesigns, the signal at Belmont Ridge Road and Gloucester Parkway is operational. Due to multiple design changes and suggestions at VDOT, the approval and installation process was consistently delayed. Finally, just last month, this signal became operational and will protect drivers at this busy intersection. Toll Brothers installed this light as part of their proffers for the Belmont community."

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Pledge to Telework during Telework Week

Did you know that teleworking can lead to a 22 percent increase in employee productivity, while helping to increase quality of life and reduce impacts on the environment?

Experience these benefits by taking part in National Telework Week, February 14-18.

By pledging to telework for one day during the week, you will discover how telework can work for you.

To find out how many individuals and businesses have pledged and to see estimated benefits, visit the Telework Exchange website.

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Weather Conditions

The weather overnight and early this morning has forced Loudoun County Public Schools to close today, Tuesday, Jan. 18.

The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office reminds motorists that winter driving can be hazardous, especially here in our area where we normally receive a mixture of ice, freezing rain and snow. If you have to drive today, please remember to be careful, and follow the below safety measures for safe winter driving.

Drive Safely

• Always buckle-up. Your seat belt can be the best protection against drivers who are tense and in a hurry because of weather conditions.
• Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof – before driving.
• Pay attention. Don’t try to out-drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement and leave plenty of room for stopping.
• Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows – stay back a safe stopping distance – and don’t pass on the right.
• Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.
• Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
• Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. 
• Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don’t get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4x4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes. If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, do not pump brakes in attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”  
• Look farther ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely. 
• Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them. 

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Noise Levels Along Dulles Toll Road to be Tested

With a rail system being built to Dulles International Airport and the development that comes with it, some along the Dulles Toll Road are worried about their quality of life. People who have homes or businesses near the Dulles Toll Road are concerned about noise from the highway.

WTOP Radio recently reported that "along Sunrise Valley Road, which stretches from Herndon to Reston, a chain link fence is the only separation from the highway to a smaller road where town homes and businesses are located. The roar of trucks is clearly audible."

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is responsible for the operation of the Dulles Toll Road after assuming charge from the Virginia Department of Transportation in 2008.

While the current road has more than 7 miles of highway sound walls, the airports authority is gathering information and opinions about what future noise-abatement projects are needed to keep up with recent and future development.

WTOP also noted that scientific sound-level testing will be done this summer.

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Rising Gas Prices Allow Public Transit Riders to Save Average $9,656 a Year

With rising gas prices in 2011, the American Transportation Association found in its Transit Savings Report that riding public transportation can save money.

The report notes that riding public transportation saves, on average $9,656 annually, and up to $805 per month based on the January 5 average national gas price ($3.08 per gallon-reported by AAA) and the national unreserved monthly parking rate.

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Textng and Drivng Campaign Urges That "It Can Wait"

A documentary, released by AT&T, illustrates the dangers of texting while driving and the real-life accounts from victims, relatives, friends, and individuals who were responsible for killing innocent people while reading or responding to a text message—many of which were simple messages such as “Where u at.”



The documentary comes at a time when distracted driving has been at the forefront of any discussion about automotive safety. In 2009, over 5,500 people were killed in distracted driving accidents, with a large proportion of the deaths involving people under the age of 20.

Remember: No call or text is worth a life. Drive safely this new year.

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VDOT Video: EZ Pass

Information about the EZ Pass system, an automated transponder that can be used at toll facilities in the commonwealth and in 12 other states.



Visit www.ezpassva.com for more details.

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CDC Study Finds Seat Belt Use Up to 85 Percent Nationally

Still, 1 in 7 adults do not wear a seat belt on every trip

Almost 6 out of 7 U.S. drivers surveyed report that they always wear a seat belt when driving or riding in a motor vehicle, according to a study recently released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seat belt use has become the national norm in most states, though rates of self-reported seat belt use vary widely from state to state, with a high of 94 percent (Oregon) and a low of 59 percent (North Dakota).

Still, every 14 seconds, an adult in the United States is treated in an emergency department for crash-related injuries.

The study found that states with primary seat belt enforcement laws, where police officers can pull cars over and issue tickets solely because drivers and passengers are unbelted, have higher rates of seat belt use than states with secondary enforcement laws, which only allow officers to issue tickets to drivers who have been pulled over for violating another law. States with primary enforcement laws had an overall seat belt use rate of 88 percent, whereas states with secondary enforcement laws had an overall seat belt use rate of 79 percent. The national average for seat belt use is 85 percent.

According to previous research by CDC and others, everyone is encouraged to take the following steps:

• Use a seat belt on every trip, no matter how short.
• Encourage everyone in the car to buckle up, including those in the back seat.
• Make sure children are properly buckled up in a seat belt, booster seat, or car seat, whichever is age- and size-appropriate.
• Have all children ages 12 and under sit in the back seat.

For more information about seat belts and motor vehicle safety, visit www.cdc.gov/motorvehiclesafety and www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns.

Remember Loudoun County... buckle up!

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State May Pony Up For Road Partnerships

Yesterday, Leesburg Today reported that discussions between the county and state representatives have given some supervisors new hope for a funding deal that could advance the county's two top transportation construction projects as part of Gov. Bob McDonnell's goal of making targeted infrastructure investments.

Talks between members of the Board of Supervisors and Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean T. Connaughton have focused on funding for the Rt. 7/Belmont Ridge Road interchange and the Sycolin Road flyover at Rt. 15-if the county can come up with half the money.

The Sycolin Road flyover is estimated to cost around $20 million, and the Rt. 7 interchange around $60 million, in rough numbers. The county would have to identify $40 million to pay for its portion, Chairman Scott K. York (I-At Large) said this week.

Read the complete article.

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Let's Stop Texting Behind the Wheel

Texting behind the wheel is a growing problem.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 5,500 people were killed last year because of "distracted driving" and the largest proportion of those fatalities were people under 20.

And a recent survey from the Pew Internet and American Life Project showed 26 percent of teens have texted while driving and 43 percent have made calls on their cellphones while driving.

Come on Loudoun County commuters... let's put down the phones while we're driving. Let's make 2011 the year we end distracted driving!

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Board of Supervisors Seeks Input on Proposed Commuter Bus Fare Increase

The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is scheduled to hold a public input session on a proposed commuter bus fare increase next Thursday, January 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Board Room of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street, S.E. in Leesburg.

The purpose of this public input session is solely to solicit input from commuter bus riders regarding a proposal to implement a fare increase of $1.00 per trip on the "long-haul" service from Loudoun County to Rosslyn, the Pentagon, Crystal City and destinations in Washington, D.C. and a fare increase of $0.25 per trip for service to and from the West Falls Church Metrorail station, effective April 1, 2011.

The proposed fare increase would be used to fund future transit infrastructure projects, such as the purchase of additional buses, the development of park and ride lots, and other transit support needs.

Documents prepared for the Board of Supervisors Finance/Government Services and Operations Committee that include more details and background information on the proposed fare increase are online at www.loudoun.gov/bus.

Anyone who is unable to attend the public input session may send comments via e-mail directly to the Board of Supervisors at bos@loudoun.gov.

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How to Reduce the Risk of Hydroplaning

Hydroplaning is when a tire loses contact with the road and skims on water.

As shown in the accompanying video, compliments of Consumer Reports, hydroplaning can cause a complete loss of steering and braking control, and it can happen in an instant. Even a thin film of water can cause hydroplaning, and it doesn’t have to be raining for there to be a risk. A puddle can cause it.



According to Consumer Reports, the best way to reduce the risk of hydroplaning is to simply slow down when roads are wet. The faster you go, the greater the risk. Avoid driving through any standing water whenever possible.

As we’ve seen in tire testing, some tires are much more resistant to hydroplaning than others. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, check our Ratings for tires that scored well for wet-weather traction. These are often models with a more open, aggressive tread pattern that helps channel water to the sides.

Consumer Reports also recommends checking the pressure of all your tires, including the spare, at least once a month. And don’t drive on worn-out tires. As a tire wears, its tread becomes shallower and has less resistance to hydroplaning. Our tests have shown that tires that are just half worn can hydroplane at speeds 3-4 mph less than when they’re new.

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Patch Reports Gov. McDonnell Asks Secretary to Keep an Eye on Silver Line

According to the Ashburn Patch:

"The 23-mile extension of existing Metro system that is under way to connect Ashburn and Dulles Airport to the rest of the Washington Metropolitan region may be a bit over budget, but Gov. Bob McDonnell said Friday that he asked the transportation secretary to keep an eye on the project.

"We feel pretty good about the Phase I being completed on time in 2013 and reasonably consistent with original budget figures," McDonnell said. “I am always concerned in construction projects about overruns and delays.”

"In total the project will include 11 new stations for the Dulles Corridor, with the final two planned for Ashburn."

Read the complete article.

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AAA Study Reports One in 10 Drivers Admit They May Have Driven Drunk

Drinking and driving is viewed as a very serious threat by 87 percent of drivers and the related social disapproval is almost universal.

However, new data recently released by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that one in 10 drivers reported having driven when they thought that their alcohol level might have been close to or possibly over the legal limit within the past 12 months, and just over half of those (5.5 percent of all drivers) reported having done this more than once within the past 12 months.

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VDOT Crews Mobilizing for Potentially Slick Morning Commute on Tuesday

Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews are preparing for a light snow that could begin during tomorrow morning’s commute. While little accumulation is expected, VDOT reminds drivers that freezing temperatures may still make roads slick.

Today crews are pre-treating trouble spots on interstates 66, 95, 395, and 495—including bridges and ramps prone to freezing such as the Springfield interchange, I-66 at Route 29 and the Capital Beltway interchange at Route 1—with liquid magnesium chloride. Other major roads, such as the Fairfax County Parkway and routes 1, 7, 28, 29, 50 and 123, are pre-treated with salt brine.

By 11 p.m. tonight, more than 500 salt trucks will be ready to clear roadways in Northern Virginia once snow hits the pavement. Trucks will be pre-positioned along major roadways throughout Loudoun County, as well as Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William counties.

You can check current weather, road conditions and traffic cameras before traveling by visiting www.511virginia.org or by calling 511.

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VDOT Video: Traffic Calming

Information about "traffic calming" techniques used by the Virginia Department of Transportation.



Visit www.virginiadot.org for more information.

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