6 Rescued in Water Emergencies in Loudoun County

Loudoun County Officials Remind Drivers Not to Attempt to Cross Flooded Roads

 

As significant rainfall swept through Loudoun County, many local area roads became flooded, causing hazardous conditions for motorists. From Wednesday night to early this morning, Loudoun County fire and rescue crews rescued six individuals in five different water rescue incidents. No one was seriously injured, but officials once again remind drivers not to attempt to cross flooded roadways. 

 

At approximately 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 30, fire and rescue crews from Purcellville, Neersville, and Round Hill responded to Short Hill Road and Silver Brook Lane for a reported water rescue. One individual was rescued from a vehicle using a shallow water crossing. The individual was evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene. 

 

At 9:49 p.m., Wednesday, crews from Philomont, Purcellville, Aldie, Middleburg, Hamilton, Leesburg and Lucketts responded to Snickersville Turnpike and Hibbs Bridge Road. An individual in an SUV attempted to drive through the high water and was swept downstream. After coordinated efforts by several rescue boats, the individual was pulled from the water. The victim was evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene to family members.

 

Thursday morning at approximately 2:45 a.m., units were dispatched to Evergreen Mills Road and Belmont Ridge Road. A driver had attempted to cross through a flooded area and the vehicle was swept off the roadway. Fire and rescue crews from South Riding, Moorefield and Arcola used a combination of shallow water crossing and rope rescue techniques to make this rescue. The individual in this case was transported to a local area hospital as a precaution. 

 

At 2:47 a.m. Thursday, a call was dispatched for a water rescue on Lime Kiln Road in the area of Goose Creek Lane. Units from Leesburg, Philomont, Aldie, Hamilton and Lucketts arrived on scene to find one adult stranded on the roof of a vehicle after attempting to cross a flooded roadway.  Crews used a boat to reach the victim, who was safely removed from the car. This individual was evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene. 

 

Thursday at 4:25 a.m., fire and rescue crews were called out once again as two individuals in a pickup truck attempted to drive through high water on Watson Road at evergreen Mills Road. The driver and passenger became stranded. Units from Moorefield, South Riding, and Arcola responded and rescued the two adults using a shallow water crossing. These individuals were evaluated by EMS personnel and released at the scene.

 

Turn Around. Don't Drown

In light of these multiple water rescues, Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management reminds resident to "Turn Around, Don't Drown"! Many deaths occur in automobiles as people and their vehicles are swept downstream but these deaths are preventable.  Whether you are driving or walking, if you come to a flooded road, stop and do not cross. Do not attempt to drive around barriers or signs warning that roads are flooded. Also be prepared by identifying road closures and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. 

 

Go to www.511virginia.org for up to date listings of current closures.  Go to www.loudoun.gov/traffic for a listing of law enforcement activity on Loudoun County roads.

 

Additional safety tips regarding flooding emergencies and preparation are online at www.loudoun.gov/flooding.  

 

Do Not Attempt to Drive Through Flooded Areas

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is advising motorists to use caution when driving this morning after the area received up to 3" of rain in some parts of the county and is experiencing flooding on several roadways.

Numerous roads are impacted due to high water and others may become flooded as waterways begin to crest.

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office reminds motorists that if you find yourself driving in potential flash flood conditions, never drive through or walk through a flooded roadway or area. Water may be much deeper than you think causing your car to stall or even get stuck in hidden debris.

Stay away from flooded areas and seek higher ground if you are in an area experiencing flooding. It takes only six inches of fast-moving flood water to knock over an adult and two feet to move a vehicle.

The following roads are impacted due to flooding (as of 5 a.m.)

WATSON RD / EVERGREEN MILLS RD

LIME KILN RD / GOOSE CREEK LN

HURLEY LN & CLARKES GAP RD

RT 50/Racefield La. (High Water in Eastbound Lanes)

EVERGREEN MILLS RD/RT 659

Crooked Bridge Lane @ Lime Kiln Road

RT 50/SALLY MILL RD

EVERGREEN MILLS RD/ARCOLA RD

Masons Lane b/n Evergreen Mills Road and Gleedsville

THOMAS AVE / SUGARLAND RUN

BRADDOCK RD/HUNTERS TRAIL LN

SNICKERSVILLE TPKE & HIBBS BRIDGE RD

BELMONT RIDGE RD NEAR RTE 7 (Closed between Rt. 7 and Gloucester Parkway)

Shreve Mill Road @ Sycolin Road

HAMPTON RD/PURPLE MARTIN LN

ALLDER SCHOOL RD & KETOCTIN CHURCH RD

E LOUDOUN ST & HARRY BYRD HWY (Route 7)- High Water in Lanes

LIMESTONE SCHOOL RD AND OLD DORY LN

SHELBURNE GLEBE RD @ NORTH FORK GOOSE CREEK

RTE 15 N/B & MONTRESOR RD (High Water)

DUNLOP MILL RD & HARMONY CHURCH RD

Motorists are further advised to use primary roads on their commutes as many secondary roadways are susceptible to flooding.

Virginia Regional Transit Funds in Jeopardy

According to the Ashburn Patch, the latest U.S. Census report could mean big changes for bus service in Leesburg and Loudoun County.

Patch reports that "Because of a change in designation from “rural” to “urban,” Virginia Regional Transit will stop operating in the Loudoun after Sept. 30 if replacement funds cannot be found, according to a memo sent from County Administrator Tim Hemstreet to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors."

Leesburg Mayor Kristen Umstattd said that if this amendment does not pass the General Assembly, then the service would end Sept. 30.

Umstattd said that Congressman Wolf’s office has been helpful in trying to facilitate a solution, “but with the impasse on Capitol Hill, it does not look promising for our residents who use VRT buses to get to work and back.”

Read the Ashburn Patch article here.

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Transportation Updates from Ashburn District Supervisor Ralph Buona

Here's some transportation updates from Ashburn District Supervisor Ralph Buona's email newsletter.

Ashburn Village Boulevard/Route 7 Interchange Design
Working with BF Saul and One Loudoun, Supervisor Williams and I were able to resolve the last remaining hurdle to this interchange with respect to the design.  Funds have been allocated for the county’s participation in design revisions for this interchange.   The 60% redesign will be completed in 90 days from issuance of notice to proceed. If the cost of the alternative design is less than the current design, One Loudoun will proceed to final design and right of way can be acquired.  Construction could begin in 2013.  Thank you to our hard working county employees who helped make this happen.

Belmont Ridge Road/Route 7 Interchange 

The Interchange Justification Report has been approved.  Utility plans are being prepared by Dewberry and are undergoing quality review.  A meeting with the utility companies to discuss relocation and right of way needs is planned for February.  Right of way plans should then be prepared by late April.  County and VDOT staffs plan to meet soon to discuss the right of way acquisition process. Dewberry will be seeking location design approval through the VDOT Chief Engineer.

Increase in Greenway Tolls 

As reported in my December newsletter, the owners of the Greenway filed an application with the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to raise tolls.  Even though we spoke out against it, the SCC approved the requested toll hike, increasing tolls by 10 cents.  The new rates will increase from $4 to $4.10 with weekday peak rates from $4.80 to $4.90.  However, there is legislation pending in the General Assembly for The Commonwealth of Virginia to purchase the privately held Greenway.  If the Commonwealth is successful, a reduction in tolls and distance based pricing should occur.

Waxpool Road/Faulkner Parkway to Unbridled

Including new traffic signal at Ashburn Village Boulevard& Waxpool Road

The county is finalizing land acquisition and aiming for “bid for construction” to occur in March for this project.  Contract award and approval by the BOS will take two to three months, and then construction will commence in late spring to early summer.  The much needed traffic signal at Ashburn Village Boulevard and Waxpool Road will be constructed as part of this project.  My office is monitoring this project very closely as it is critically important to make this improvement as soon as possible.

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Monday, Jan. 28 - Loudoun County Schools Closed / Drive Safely

Today's inclement weather has caused Loudoun County Public Schools to close today, Monday, Jan. 28, due to inclement weather, with administrative offices opening at noon.

Federal employees living in Loudoun County don't have to get on the roads early this morning. Federal employees have a delayed arrival. The Office of Personnel Management is recommending that employees should remain off the roads until 10:00 am. Federal offices in the Washington, DC, area will open at noon. Employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework.

Loudoun County Traffic is recommending that unless you have to get on the roads this morning, that you stay home or wherever you may be. Allow time for VDOT crews to treat area roadways, and public safety personnel to respond to emergencies in a more timely manner.

If you must be out, here are a few tips for driving on icy/slippery roads from Edmunds.com:

• Make sure you can see -- clean your windshield and rear window before getting on the road. And be sure you have plenty of windshield washer fluid. Also, run the air-conditioner. In order to remove condensation and frost from the interior of windows, engage your air-conditioner and select the fresh air option: It's fine to set the temperature on "hot." Many cars automatically do this when you choose the defrost setting.
• Turn on your headlights. Use your headlights so that others will see you, and you can have better visibility.
•  Remember the proper braking technique -- Stomp, stay and steer. Stomp on the pedal as if you were trying to snap it off. Stay hard on the pedal. Steer around the obstacle. 

How Stuff Works adds these reminders:

• Be aware that bridges and overpasses freeze first. Slow down before reaching them and avoid sudden changes in speed or direction.
• Watch your speed. Don't go too fast, but also, don't go too slow. The car will need some momentum to be able to push through heavier snow without getting stuck.
• Steer clear of trucks. They are heavier than cars and need considerably longer stopping distances. Their tires also tend to spray snow and rain into parallel lanes, further hindering your visibility. 

The most comprehensive list of winter driving tips can be found here.

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Snow in Afternoon Forecast; Drive Safely and Get Where You Need to Be

A winter storm is forecast to impact Loudoun County and the region this afternoon and evening, and may affect rush hour. Traffic is expected to be heavier than normal and road conditions can deteriorate quickly. Loudoun County motorists are encouraged to use good judgment and travel safely.
 
The best advice is from the National Capital Region website that encourages residents to "Get Where You Need to Be Before the Weather Gets Bad" ... meaning, if you don't have to be on the roads this afternoon during the height of the storm, don't be. By staying off the roads you allow VDOT crews and contractors the ability to treat the roads, and also provide clear roads so public safety can respond more quickly to area emergencies.
 
If you do have to drive during today's snow, here's some safe driving tips from weather.com.

Driving Safely on Icy Roads

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Keep your lights and windshield clean.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don't use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
• Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.

 
If Your Rear Wheels Skid

• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse — this is normal.

 
If Your Front Wheels Skid

• Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don't try to steer immediately.
• As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

 
If You Get Stuck

• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
• Use a shovel to clear snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car.
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
• Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner's manual first — it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again. Each time you're in gear, give a light touch on the gas until the vehicle gets going.

 
For statewide highway information 24 hours a day, call 511 or visit www.511virginia.org. Also call the VDOT Customer Service Center 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) to report hazardous road conditions or for other road related questions.
 
More info is available from the Virginia Department of Transportation (pdf). 
 
For the latest weather forecast, visit Loudoun County Weather.

 

Loudoun County (and Area) Transportation Projects to Benefit from New Transportation Money

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell on Tuesday released the names of 16 road and transit projects, including four in Northern Virginia, that would benefit from some $3.1 billion generated by his controversial transportation funding plan.

The Washington Business Journal reports that the list includes the Phase II extension of Metrorail to Dulles and Loudoun County, a new Interstate 66/Route 28 interchange in Fairfax County, the Route 606-Dulles loop in Loudoun and the Interstate 95 interchange relocation in Stafford.

McDonnell’s funding plan centers on his proposal to eliminate the gas tax in favor of a sales tax hike, to shift general fund dollars to transportation (an unpopular idea among Democrats) and to wait on Congress to pass an Internet sales tax bill.

McDonnell's comprehensive, long term transportation funding proposal, "Virginia's Road to the Future," would provide the Virginia Department of Transportation with approximately $1.28 billion in new state funding that could be used for 158 highway projects providing a significant investment in improving interstate pavement, secondary system bridges, mass-transit, unpaved roads and other high priority projects. The proposal will also provide $1.07 billion in new funds for rail and transit projects. In addition, the plan would prevent approximately $500 million of projects in the existing six year improvement program from being delayed due to a downturn in revenue projections.

Among the projects on the governor's list are:

• Dulles Metrorail Extension Project
• Extension of passenger rail to Roanoke
• Increased train service to and from Norfolk
• I-66/Route 28 interchange in Fairfax County
• I-95 interchange relocation in Stafford County
• I-95/I-64 overlap improvements in Richmond
• I-64 capacity improvements between Newport News and Williamsburg
• Route 606, Dulles Loop in Loudoun County
• Route 29/666 Interchange in Culpeper County
• Route 340 bridge replacement in Warren County
• I-81 bridge replacement over the New River in Montgomery County
• I-81/I-77 overlap capacity improvements
• Numerous bridge replacements statewide
• Major interstate reconstructive paving projects statewide
• Track improvements Newport News to Richmond/Richmond to Washington, DC
• Unpaved road projects, statewide

Funding for these projects are in addition to the funding in the Commonwealth Transportation Board's current Six-Year Improvement Program.

Read the governor's press release for more details.

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Route 50 Traffic Pattern Shift Scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 29

According to Dulles District Supervisor Matt Letourneau, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will shift traffic on Route 50 beginning next Tuesday, Jan. 29 (weather permitting).  

Letourneau's email update today reports that Eastbound Route 50 traffic from just east of Tall Cedars Parkway through the intersection at Pleasant Valley Road will be diverted approximately 50 feet to the south.  This shift will be fully operational by the morning of Wednesday, Jan. 30. 

Access to or from any of the side streets or entrances will not be impacted. 

As with any change in traffic pattern, you may want to allow a little extra time as drivers become accustomed to the shifted lanes.

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Leesburg Road Closures This Morning

The annual Martin Luther King march is being held in downtown Leesburg today. There are temporary road closures until approximately noon on East Market Street from King Street to Catoctin. Motorists in the area are encouraged to follow police direction and drive with extra caution for pedestrians.

 

 

Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project: Lane Closures for Week of Jan. 20-26

Special Note: VDOT has suspended all lane closures until noon Tues., Jan. 22, in observance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and Presidential Inauguration.

Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project

Nighttime WorkClosures Sunday - Thursday nights occur between 9:30 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless otherwise noted. Friday and Saturday night closures will occur 9:30 p.m. to 9 a.m.  

• Dulles Toll Rd. (Route 267) west between Wiehle Ave. and Reston Pkwy. - Two lanes closed Tuesday - Friday nights for pedestrian bridge work.
• Dulles International Airport Access Hwy. west at Wiehle Ave. - Single lane closed Tuesday - Friday nights for pedestrian bridge work.
• Wiehle Ave. north and south to Dulles Toll Rd. (Route 267) west - Ramp narrowed Tuesday - Friday nights for pedestrian bridge work.
• Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) north from International Dr. to Tysons Blvd. - Two left lanes closed Tuesday night for station installation.
• Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) north from International Dr. to Tysons Blvd. - Road closed Thursday night for station installation. Traffic will be directed to make a left onto International Dr., right on Galleria Dr., right onto Tysons Blvd. and make a left onto Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) north.
• Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) north at Tysons Blvd. - Left turn lane closed Tuesday - Saturday nights for canopy installation. Traffic will be directed to make a left onto International Dr., right on Galleria Dr. and follow signs to Tysons Blvd.
• Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) south from Tysons Blvd. to International Dr. - Road closed Tuesday night for station installation. Traffic will be directed to make a right onto Tysons Blvd., left onto International Dr. and follow signs to Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) south.
• Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) south at Tysons Blvd. – Two right lanes and two right turn lanes closed Tuesday – Saturday nights for pedestrian bridge and canopy installation. Traffic will be directed to continue south, make a right onto International Dr., right onto Galleria Dr.
• Leesburg Pike (Route 7) west from Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) to Frontage Rd. - Two left lanes closed Tuesday - Friday nights for panel installation.
• Leesburg Pike (Route 7) east from Gosnell Rd. to Marshalls Dr. - Two lanes closed Friday and Saturday nights for roadway shift.
• International Dr. north and south at Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) - Turn lanes to Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) south closed Thursday night for station installation. Traffic will be directed to follow posted detour signs.
• Tysons Blvd. east from Galleria Dr. to Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123) - Two through lanes and right turn lane closed Tuesday - Saturday nights for pedestrian bridge and canopy installation. Traffic will be directed to make a left onto Galleria Dr. east, left onto Westbranch Dr., right onto Tysons Blvd., left onto International Dr. and follow signs to Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123).
• Galleria Dr. west at Tysons Blvd. - Three left turn lanes closed Tuesday - Saturday nights for canopy installation. Traffic will be directed to make a right onto Tysons Blvd., left onto International Dr., and follow signs to Chain Bridge Rd. (Route 123).

Police will be on site for motorist safety.All closures are weather permitting.
 

Weekday Work

• Expect single lane closures between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Monday- Friday and from 9:30 to noon on Fridays in the Tysons Corner area along the Dulles Connector Road (Route 267), Leesburg Pike (Route 7) and Dolley Madison Blvd (Route 123).

All closures are weather permitting.
 
Read more about the Dulles Metrorail Project.


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Metro Releases Video to Assist Inauguration Travelers

Metro has released a five-minute video to help visitors navigate the system on Inauguration Day. If you're planning to attend any of the inaugural events this weekend, especially Sunday and Monday, or will just be in the D.C. area, be sure to watch the video below.



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Republicans Move to Socialize the Dulles Greenway; Want Subsidies to Drop Toll Rates

Toll Road News reports that Northern Virginia Republicans want the government of Virginia to buy up the investor owned Dulles Greenway and the state Treasury to subsidize tolls for their constituents under state ownership. Legislators from the Dulles Greenway corridor are behind two bills to allow the state to buy up the Dulles Greenway and to make use of subsidy funds to reduce tolls.

Two bills to take over the Greenway have been introduced by state Delegate Joe T. May (Leesburg) who is also chair of the House transportation committee.  The takeover is supported by the other Republican delegate from Leesburg district Randy Minchew.

HB1979 authorizes the state Transportation Board to issue Virginia Dulles Greenway revenue bonds to buy the Dulles Greenway. It also establishes a Dulles Greenway Toll Fund as a sub-fund of the state Transportation Trust Fund. The fund is called a "non-reverting fund."

The report also quoted U.S. Congressman Frank Wolf, who called the state takeover "a great idea" and said: "I commend Joe May for putting the bill in. The Greenway is out of control. Tolls are going to go up so high ... they're going to have impact on economic development."

Toll Road News adds that the total longterm debt of the Greenway company at end 2011 was $964 million. Refinancing of the debt is not needed until 2035, 2043, and 2045.

Read the complete, in-depth article at www.tollroadsnews.com/node/6354.

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Metro Outlines Final Plans for Inauguration Weekend

Metro will operate for 22 hours on Inauguration Day, opening three hours early at 4 a.m. and remaining open until 2 a.m. From the time the system opens, trains will operate at rush-hour service levels for 17 consecutive hours, until 9 p.m., to accommodate expected crowds.

If you're heading to the inauguration or any of the inaugural weekend activities, be sure to read this Metro press release outlining the transit system's final plans, including hours of operation, travel tips for the day, etc.

Meanwhile, Loudoun County Transit will offer commuter bus service on Inauguration Day, Monday, January 21. Buses will operate between several park and ride lots in Loudoun County and the West Falls Church Metro station.

Morning buses to West Falls Church (Metro's Orange Line) will depart as early as 4:10 a.m. Buses will return to Loudoun County at regular intervals between 3:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.  LC Transit representatives will direct passengers to their appropriate buses at the West Falls Church Metro Station.

Read more about Loudoun County Transit service on Monday, Jan. 21.

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State Corporation Commission Approves Dulles Greenway Toll Increase

The State Corporation Commission (SCC) has approved an increase in the tolls charged for traveling the Dulles Greenway, a 14-mile roadway that runs between Washington Dulles International Airport and Leesburg, Virginia. The SCC made an adjustment that lowered the percentage of the toll increase.

Virginia law states that the Commission shall approve a toll increase request based upon the Consumer Price Index (CPI) plus one percent (Virginia Code Section § 56-542 I).

Toll Road Investors Partnership II (TRIP II), the operator of the Dulles Greenway, filed its application for a toll increase on November 14, 2012. Applying the statutory formula, TRIP II requested a 3.54 percent increase. The SCC approved an increase of 3.02 percent based upon an updated calculation of the CPI plus one percent in accordance with the statutory requirement.

For a 2-axle vehicle, the requested increase would have totaled 14 cents. The SCC approved increase equals 12 cents.

For the efficient collection of tolls paid in cash, the company rounds to the nearest nickel. The actual posted toll will increase 10 cents, from $4 to $4.10. During weekday peak periods (6:30-9 a.m. eastbound and 4-6:30 p.m. westbound), the toll increases from $4.80 to $4.90.

Updating the CPI to a more current figure does impact the posted tolls for vehicles with three or more axles. For example, the posted toll for a three-axle vehicle will be $8.20, five cents less than the company’s requested increase of $8.25. 

SCC Final Order (PDF)

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Heading to the Inauguration Monday? Get Your SmarTrip Card Today!

Metro has sold its 20,000th Commemorative SmarTrip card for this year's Presidential Inauguration, and according to the transit agency, the pace of sales is intensifying.

At Metro sales offices, the pace of sales has more than doubled over the past week, from an average of about 150 per day at Metro Center to more than 400 per day this week.

"The demand for Inaugural SmarTrip cards has steadily increased as we approach Inauguration Day," said Lynn Bowersox, Metro Assistant General Manager for Customer Service, Communications and Marketing. "Besides being an excellent way to avoid lines at ticket machines on Inauguration Day, the cards are a wonderful keepsake of this historic day."

The Commemorative Inaugural SmarTrip features an image of President Obama and comes preloaded with a one-day pass that allows for unlimited Metrorail trips on the day it is used. As an added bonus, the card can be used as a "flash pass" for unlimited Metrobus travel on Inauguration Day.

Metro is encouraging residents in the region to purchase the Commemorative Card for their out-of-town visitors who plan to attend Inauguraiton festivities. After the one-day pass is used, the Commemorative cards used reloaded and used like any other SmarTrip.

The cards are available online at wmata.com/inauguration, at Metro Sales Offices or regional transit stores. Customers ordering online should do so before tomorrow, Tuesday, January 15, to ensure delivery by Inauguration Day.

If you a Loudoun County Traffic reader and are planning to attend the inauguration, be sure to get your  SmarTrip card. And be sure to read last week's post about Loudoun County Transit's inauguration day bus service.

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Inauguration Day Bus Service Connects Loudoun County and Metro

Loudoun County Transit will offer commuter bus service on Inauguration Day, Monday, January 21. Buses will operate between several park and ride lots in Loudoun County and the West Falls Church Metro station. 
 
Morning buses to West Falls Church (Metro's Orange Line) will depart as early as 4:10 a.m. Buses will return to Loudoun County at regular intervals between 3:00 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.  LC Transit representatives will direct passengers to their appropriate buses at the West Falls Church Metro Station. 
 
The 2013 Inauguration Day schedule includes service from the following park and ride lots:  

• Harmony Park and Ride Lot (Hamilton): Departures from 39464 E. Colonial Highway every 30 minutes between 4:15 a.m. and 6:45 a.m. Returns from West Falls Church Metro every 30 minutes between 3:00 and 7:45 p.m. 
• Leesburg Park and Ride Lot: Departures from 19730 Sycolin Road every 10 minutes between 4:10 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. Returns from West Falls Church Metro every 15 minutes between 3:00 and 7:45 p.m. 
• Dulles North Transit Center: Departures every 5 minutes between 4:15 a.m. and 7:05 a.m. Returns from West Falls Church Metro every 10 minutes between 3:00 and 7:45 p.m. 
• Cascades Area: Five scheduled departures from Broad Run Farms, Cascades and Lowes Island to West Falls Church between 4:39 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. Five scheduled returns between 3:10 p.m. and 6:55 p.m.  

 
Rides on LC Transit buses will cost $2.50 when paying with exact cash or $2.00 with a SmarTrip® card. Passengers boarding Metrorail will need to purchase fare cards or use SmarTrip® cards at Metrorail stations. Purchasing fare cards in advance will ease travel on Inauguration Day.
 
Loudoun County's Department of Transportation and Capital Infrastructure has a limited supply of Inauguration Day Commemorative SmarTrip® cards (pre-loaded with a one-day pass for unlimited Metrorail travel) that can be purchased with cash or check. The office is located on the 4th floor of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison St., S.E., Leesburg. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 
 
For complete details on the Inauguration Day bus service, including Loudoun County Park and Ride Lot locations and all LC Transit bus schedules for Inauguration Day, visit www.loudoun.gov/bus or call 703-771-5665. Additional Metro passenger information for the inauguration is available at www.wmata.com/getting_around/metro_events/inauguration.cfm.

 

Major Dulles Road Closures This Week, Through Jan. 12

According to VDOT, major Dulles area road closures continue this week (Jan. 7-12). As published in the Virginia Megaprojects newsletter:

• I-66 west from Exit 67, Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) to Exit 66, Leesburg Pike (Route 7) will close nightly through Saturday January 12, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for guide way work. Traffic will be directed to take Exit 67, Dulles Connector Rd. (Route 267) west, take Exit 19A, Dolley Madison Boulevard (Route 123) south, follow signs to I-495 south and take Exit 49, I-66 west.
• Leesburg Pike (Route 7) west from Spring Hill Road to Tyco Road will close Thursday night, January 10, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for station installation. Traffic will be directed to make a right onto Spring Hill Road, make a left onto Tyco Road and follow signs to Leesburg Pike (Route 7) west.
• Leesburg Pike (Route 7) east from Westwood Center Drive to Spring Hill Road will close Saturday night, January 12, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. for station work. Traffic will be directed to make a left onto Tyco Road, make a right onto Spring Hill Road and follow signs to Leesburg Pike (Route 7) east.

View additional Dulles Metrorail Project closures for this week (PDF).

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Meeting on Bridge Repair Replacement Project Wednesday Morning in Leesburg

I have been informed by VDOT that there will be a presentation by Mr. Nick Roper, VDOT’s Structure & Bridge Engineer for the Northern Virginia District, and project staff to discuss the rehabilitation and/or replacement of the following three bridges in Southwestern Loudoun County:

• Route 719 Greengarden Road over Pantherskin Creek
• Route 719 Greengarden Road over Jefferies Branch
• Route 727 Forest Mill Road over Crooked Run

This presentation will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, January 9, at VDOT’s Leesburg Residency office located at 41 Lawson Road, SE.

The presentation will describe the need for this work, the approach that will be taken in evaluating alternatives for rehabilitation or, if necessary, replacement, and an outline of the next steps in the development of these projects with their projected timelines.

Reprinted from the Blue Ridge Community Connection newsletter by Janet Clarke, Blue Ridge District Supervisor

   For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

Enforcement Training in Arcola Area Today May Affect Traffic

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office will be conducting training in the Arcola area along Gum Spring Road today.

Residents who live and travel in this area should expect an increased law enforcement presence. Training began this morning and will continue into the early afternoon.

Residents Asked to Verify Vehicle Information Online for 2013

Loudoun County Commissioner of the Revenue Robert S. Wertz Jr. has mailed notification of 2013 personal property filing requirements to all personal property owners currently on the county's tax rolls. This marks the fourth year that property owners are being instructed to complete the annual vehicle reporting process online. The online process replaces the need to complete and return by mail a form for each automobile, truck, motorcycle, camper, trailer, boat, motorhome, aircraft, or mobile home that taxpayers own.

 

This week, county residents will begin receiving notices in the mail that include an account number that they are to use to review and update personal property tax records for the 2013 tax year. Instead of completing and mailing a form, residents should report changes online at www.loudoun.gov/vehicle-file.

 

Residents can report corrections, an address change, the sale or disposal of a vehicle, or unusually high mileage since these may affect the property's valuation or number of months to be taxed. The Commissioner asks that all changes be submitted by February 1, to assist in establishing accurate assessments for the 2013 tax year.

 

To avoid late filing penalties, newly acquired vehicles or those recently entering Loudoun County must be reported to the Commissioner of the Revenue within 60 days of a purchase or a move to Loudoun County. For information or filing assistance, visit www.loudoun.gov/cor or contact the Office of the Commissioner of the Revenue at ppdcor@loudoun.gov or by phone at 703-777-0260.

 

If you do not have Internet access, you may submit a written statement with any changes or stop by the Commissioner's Leesburg or Sterling office on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Leesburg office is located on the first floor of the Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street S.E. The Sterling office is located at 21641 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 100.