Dr. Gridlock - D.C. area transportation and traffic news and advice - September 26, 2010

Rallies, roadwork and rail delays

After this week's super soaking, the weekend should look pretty good to travelers, with partial sunshine and mild temperatures. An usually large number of events are scheduled for the National Mall. St. Michael's hosts a nautical crowd for the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival on Saturday, while foodies will visit the Taste of Bethesda. Baseball has left D.C. for the year, but the Orioles will be finishing the season at Camden Yards. At 12:30 p.m. Sunday, the Capitals play in the Verizon Center. Here's my list of the likely sources for crowds and delays this weekend and beyond.

By Robert Thomson | October 2, 2010; 5:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories, Events, Metro, Weekend Work | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, The weekend and beyond
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I-66 lanes to close overnights

Construction of the Dulles Metrorail extension is scheduled to close the westbound lanes of Interstate 66 at the Dulles Connector Road overnight Saturday and Monday. The shutdowns will clear room for construction crews to continue building the large concrete structures that will straddle the road between piers. These structures, called "straddle bents," will support the new rail line near its merge point with the Orange Line.

By Robert Thomson | October 1, 2010; 7:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Advisories, Construction, Driving | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Dulles Metrorail
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Pr. George's bus strike continues

The contractor who operates TheBus in Prince George's County and the union representing drivers and mechanics were unable to reach an agreement Wednesday to end a strike that has lasted for almost three weeks. However, Veolia Transportation is operating all 26 routes on a full schedule and all 60 buses are in service, according to company spokeswoman Valerie Michael.

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 6:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Maryland, Prince George's County
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Metrobus adds, subtracts service

Metro plans to start some faster bus services along popular routes in the D.C. area this December. There will be two such routes between Virginia and the District, a new limited stop service between Capitol Heights and downtown Washington and more frequent buses between Bethesda and Silver Spring.

By Robert Thomson | October 1, 2010; 6:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Metro, Metrobus | Tags: Dr. Gridlock
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Delays on U.S. 50, Bay Bridge

High wind restrictions in place on the Bay Bridge are causing traffic delays in Maryland. Congestion is apparent all along U.S. 50, from Interstate 97 to points east....

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 5:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, Congestion, Driving, Maryland
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Amtrak to take some VRE riders

1:30 p.m. Update: VRE officials say that Amtrak 171 will accept VRE riders, stopping at all Manassas Line stations except Broad Run. Riders will not need to use a "step-up" ticket. Here's the departure schedule for Amtrak 171: -- Union...

By Kafia Hosh | October 1, 2010; 1:30 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Commuter Rail, Metro, Transit, Virginia Railway Express
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Govt. seeks 62 mpg goal

The new cars and trucks sold in 2025 may be required to average 62 miles per gallon as a group, far surpassing the fuel efficiency of current high-mileage stars like the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids.

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 1:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Driving, Transportation Politics
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Metro seeks advisory council members

Want to have a direct impact on service at Metro? The transit authority's Riders' Advisory council has eight vacancies. The council, created in 2005, has 21 members from throughout the region who advise the board of directors on Metrobus, Metrorail and MetroAccess. The positions are unpaid and members can't work be employees or contractors who work for Metro or be elected officials.

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 12:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Metro, MetroAccess, Metrobus
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Cash payment machines out at BWI

The Maryland Transit Administration says a storm knocked out the communications on the cash payment machines at the Baltimore-Washington International Marshall parking garage. Riders can pay at the machines with credit cards or at the exit with cash. Officials said...

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 11:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuter Rail, MARC, Maryland
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Maryland warns distracted drivers

Maryland transportation and safety officials unveiled a new warning sign, one of several dozen that will be on display along highways at the state's borders starting Friday, when a new law banning hand-held cell phone use by drivers takes effect. Also, drivers will see warnings about the new law on the highways' variable message signs.

By Robert Thomson | October 1, 2010; 11:40 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Driving, Highways, Maryland, Traffic Safety | Tags: Dr. Gridlock
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Transportation plan to be discussed

Maryland officials are scheduled to discuss the state's six-year transportation plan with Montgomery County officials and residents on Thursday.

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 11:31 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Maryland, Montgomery County, Transportation Politics
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Report power, road problems

The rains may be gone but many of us are still facing waterlogged roads, debris and sporadic power outages. Here are some resources to help you with those problems. Report problems Utilities -- BGE outages: 877-778-2222; downed wires: 800-685-0123;...

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 9:02 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: District, Driving, Maryland, Metro, Virginia
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Pr. George's taxi expansion blocked

A Prince George's County judge has temporarily blocked a new law from going into effect that would expand the number of taxis in the county. The Department of Environmental Resources, which handles the registrations for the lottery for 390 taxicab...

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 8:51 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Prince George's County
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NTSB bus probe to take months

Six investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board will probe the crash of a tour bus that tumbled down an embankment off the Interstate 270 Spur Wednesday. Investigators began looking into the crash Wednesday night, but were expected to begin their examination "in earnest" at 6:30 a.m. Thursday, said Robert L. Sumwalt, a board member of NTSB.

By Michael Bolden | October 1, 2010; 8:21 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: NTSB
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Ramp repairs completed

Good morning all, Last night's thunderstorms have left us with slick roads, flooding and power outages through out the region. Let's see how the morning commute is being affected: 9:15 AM Repairs have been completed on the 295 ramp to...

By Kafia Hosh | October 1, 2010; 8:15 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, Congestion, Virginia
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MARC cancellation and delays

On the Brunswick Line: Train 880, departing at 7:40 a.m., is canceled. Train 878 will hold at the Brunswick station to operate on Train 880's schedule making all stops. Expect delays between 12 to 15 minutes between Germantown to Washington...

By Kafia Hosh | October 1, 2010; 6:40 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: MARC, Maryland
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Metro's other Columbus weekend work

A reader noted that we've been making a big deal of Metro's heavy maintenance schedule for Columbus Day weekend, which will split the Blue and Orange lines downtown. She said we shouldn't fail to point out that maintenance work will disrupt the Red and Yellow lines, as well. Here are the details.

By Robert Thomson | September 30, 2010; 4:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Metro | Tags: Dr. Gridlock
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Tips for afternoon driving

Most drivers seem to be handling the heavy rain fine, but not all of them. Here are some suggestions for your afternoon drive, based on what I just saw on the roads.

By Robert Thomson | September 30, 2010; 12:58 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Advisories, Driving | Tags: Dr. Gridlock
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Cancellations on VRE

Virginia Railway Express officials said two trains will be cancelled tonight and flood restrictions remain in place, causing more delays for evening commuters.

By Luke Rosiak | September 30, 2010; 12:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuter Rail, Virginia, Virginia Railway Express
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Some roads closed in PG

Governor Bridge Road, south of Route 50, and Brock Bridge Road, near the Anne Arundel County border, are closed, Prince George's County officials said. Both roads are in low-lying areas prone to flooding.

By Luke Rosiak | September 30, 2010; 12:13 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Prince George's County, Traffic Safety
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Cleveland Park station reopened

Cleveland Park was closed due to reports of a suspicious package.

By Luke Rosiak | September 30, 2010; 11:16 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Metro, Red Line
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Weekend bridge closure canceled

Drivers getting used to the recurring weekend closures of Chain Bridge while it undergoes repairs will get a reprieve this weekend, as officials said the construction won't require a full closure this week as they had planned.

By Luke Rosiak | September 30, 2010; 11:06 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Construction, Virginia
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Rain snarls A.M. commute

A roundup of the morning traffic woes

By Mark Berman | September 30, 2010; 8:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories, Commuting, Driving
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Expect ART delays

Delays on ART routes.

By Mark Berman | September 30, 2010; 8:24 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories
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Speed restrictions for VRE trains

VRE delays

By Mark Berman | September 30, 2010; 8:23 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories, Virginia Railway Express
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Major MARC issues

MARC Penn Line train 401 has stopped with mechanical problems just north of Union Station, according to the Maryland Transit Administration.

By Mark Berman | September 30, 2010; 6:04 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories, MARC
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Flooding, hazardous travel likely

The Capital Weather Gang says Washington will experience "a very significant rainmaker." The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood watch for the region that lasts until Thursday evening. Rainfall totals will range from 2 to 4 inches, with up to six inches possible. Be alert for possible flooding during your travels Thursday. You may also have to contend with darkened intersections due to power outages -- remember to treat those as four-way stops.

By Michael Bolden | September 30, 2010; 1:07 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, District, Driving, Northern Virginia, Virginia
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Delta warns of flight delays

Delta Airlines warned passengers who might be flying to or from the Washington and New York City regions Wednesday night and Thursday that flight delays and cancellations are likely as heavy rains move up the Eastern Seaboard.

By Michael Bolden | September 29, 2010; 5:57 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines, Airports, Aviation
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NTSB to investigate bus crash

Authorities say one person has died after a commercial charter bus carrying parents and children fell 45 feet off a skyramp of the Washington beltway and landed below along Interstate 270. The National Transportation Safety Board said it is sending a team to investigate the bus accident.

By Michael Bolden | September 29, 2010; 4:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Commuting, Driving, Maryland
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Bay Bridge delays likely

Maryland officials will not be implementing two-way operations on the Bay Bridge for the Wednesday afternoon commute, according to statement from the Maryland Transportation Authority. Officials said the decision was made due to the storms that are moving through the...

By Michael Bolden | September 29, 2010; 4:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Driving, Maryland
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Metro's platform sign problem

For several weeks, Metro riders have been telling me they think there's something wrong with the platform signs that display train arrival times. I've been getting complaints about the electronic signs for years. The most common complaint is that the sign says the next train will be eight cars long and it turns out to be six. But the new complaints are different. First of all, there have been a lot of them. Second, they focus on errors in the arrival times. They say the signs show a train boarding when it left several of minutes earlier, or that the signs show a train three minutes away when it already is at the platform.

By Robert Thomson | September 29, 2010; 3:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Metro | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail
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VRE warns of storm delays

Virginia Railway Express officials said riders could face delays Thursday due to Tropical Storm Nicole.

By Michael Bolden | September 29, 2010; 2:32 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuter Rail, Commuting, Metro, Virginia, Virginia Railway Express
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Clara Barton Pkwy. closed

Clara Barton Parkway between the Glen Echo turnaround and Chain Bridge closed at noon for emergency road repairs, according to the District Department of Transportation. DDOT reports that the Park Police say the work could take several hours....

By Michael Bolden | September 29, 2010; 10:53 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Commuting, District
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Metro opening early Saturday

Metro has announced more detailed plans for extra service during Saturday's One Nation rally on the National Mall. The train system will open an hour early, at 6 a.m., and will provide extra trains on the Blue Line to accommodate the crowd.

By Robert Thomson | September 29, 2010; 10:15 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Metro | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail
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Thomas Circle reopens to traffic

(Photos by Michael D. Bolden/The Washington Post) 11:20 a.m. Update: DDOT reports that roads around Thomas Circle have reopened. 11:10 a.m. Update: Authorities at the scene are releasing no details about the nature of the threat, staff writer Nathan Rott...

By Michael Bolden | September 29, 2010; 9:29 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, District
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I-95 North jammed in Springfield

A roundup of the morning traffic woes

By Mark Berman | September 29, 2010; 7:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Advisories, Congestion, Driving
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16th St blocked in NW

16th Street NW is blocked during the morning rush due to an overnight fire.

By Mark Berman | September 29, 2010; 6:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories, Commuting, Congestion, Driving
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U Street NW reopens

8:10 p.m. Update: U Street NW has been reopened. 7:50 p.m. Update: 12th Street has been entirely re-opened, police say. Photo by Aaron Davis/The Washington Post Updates on the shooting on Crime Scene 6:33 p.m. Update: Metro says the entrance...

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 8:24 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Commuting, District
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I-66 West closing overnight

Westbound Interstate 66 at the Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) will be closed overnight for work on the Dulles Metrorail extension. The closing is scheduled to begin at midnight and end by 5 a.m. Wednesday. This work was planned for last weekend, but was delayed.

By Robert Thomson | September 28, 2010; 6:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Dulles Metrorail
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Power restored in Va.

4:55 p.m. Update: Dominion Power has resolved the power outages that plagued about 4,000 customers this afternoon. The outages are now affecting about 55 customers. Original post: A power outage in northern Arlington County has darkened traffic lights along Lee...

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 4:49 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, Driving, Virginia
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MARC trains 1 car short

6:20 p.m. Update: MARC Train 874 on the Brunswick Line will be one car short on Wednesday morning. 5:25 p.m. Update: MARC Train 850 will also be a car short, the MTA said. Commuters will not be able to ride...

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 4:42 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuter Rail, MARC, Maryland, Metro
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Massive traffic delays in Va.

5 p.m. Update: Transportation officials are reporting several problem areas in Northern Virginia this afternoon as drivers head home. -- Backups on 395 in Arlington extend about four miles due to congestion. -- Traffic on Interstate 66 west is backed...

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 4:06 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Commuting, Driving, Northern Virginia, Virginia
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VRE to test 10-car trains

Virginia Railway Express will deploy two10-car trains on Wednesday as the commuter rail service tests whether a new engine can handle the load, officials said.

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 2:31 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuter Rail, Metro, Northern Virginia, Virginia, Virginia Railway Express
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Amtrak unveils high-speed rail vision

Amtrak is unveiling a $117 billion, 30-year vision for high-speed rail on the East Coast that would drastically reduce travel times along the congested corridor.

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 2:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Amtrak
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Crystal City plan to be reviewed

The Arlington County Board is expected to discuss and pass the Crystal City Sector Plan at their board meeting this evening. The redevelopment plans, created in response to the loss of about 17,000 jobs and millions of square feet of empty office space because of BRAC relocations, allow more density, include future designs and guide policy for the next 40 years.

By Christy Goodman | September 28, 2010; 12:25 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: BRAC, Northern Virginia
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When to run extra trains?

Many thousands of people enjoyed Saturday's annual book festival on the National Mall, but some didn't have such a great time getting there and wondered why there wasn't more transit service. Dear Dr. Gridlock: I was very disappointed in Metro's performance on Saturday. When a Nationals game is on (stadium capacity 41,000), Metro will run extra trains. But when 130,000 people were expected on the Mall for the National Book Festival, Metro did not seem to be running any extra trains.

By Robert Thomson | September 28, 2010; 10:40 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Events, Metro, National Mall | Tags: Dr. Gridlock
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NTSB cites fatigue in Okla. crash

Watch the hearing live Federal safety investigators say a tractor-trailer truck driver who slammed his rig into a line of cars stopped on a stretch of Oklahoma highway last year, killing 10 people, was likely suffering from fatigue....

By Michael Bolden | September 28, 2010; 10:19 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Driving
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Metro's Columbus Day disruption

Metro today is announcing the details of its plan to cut the Blue and Orange lines in the middle of downtown Washington over the entire Columbus Day weekend. The shutdown at Farragut West and McPherson Square and on the Blue/Orange Line level at Metro Center will create the work space for transit workers to replace four track switches at McPherson Square and to install new track fasteners, new track and new tunnel safety lights.

By Robert Thomson | September 28, 2010; 7:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (9)
Categories: Metro, Transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail
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Inner Loop lanes reopen

A roundup of the morning traffic woes.

By Mark Berman | September 28, 2010; 5:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories, Commuting
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Navy Yard entrance reopens

7:12 p.m. Update: Metro says the entrance has reopened. Emergency officials said it turns out the package wasn't a hazard. Original post: The New Jersey Navy Yard Metro station entrance is closed as authorities investigate a suspicious package. The emergency...

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 7:04 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: District, Metro
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Storms causing flight delays

Airports throughout the Northeast are experiencing both arrival and departure delays due to thunderstorms. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, delays are increasing for flights bound for airports stretching from Philadelphia to Boston.

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 5:56 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines, Airports, Aviation
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Flooding possible for commute

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for eastern Montgomery and western Howard counties until 4:30 p.m. today.

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 4:45 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Commuting, Driving, Metro
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Douglass Bridge closings this week

The District Department of Transportation continues its overnight closings of the Frederick Douglass Bridge near Nationals Park this week. The District's long-term goal is to replace the bridge, but since 2007, the transportation department has worked on lengthening the span's...

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 4:34 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: District, Driving, Maryland, Prince George's County
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Accident causing U.S. 50 delays

An earlier exit on U.S. 50 in Maryland is causing delays in the area of the Bay Bridge. According to state officials, the accident occurred at Exit 28 (Bay Dale Drive) in the westbound lanes. Delays currently extend from Bay...

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 4:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, Maryland
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Fairfax looks at bike plan

Fairfax County hopes to redevelop Tysons Corner into a walkable, transit-oriented city. But what about a cycling-friendly city? The county's transportation department has scheduled a public meeting for Thursday to discuss recommendations on how bike-friendly design should become part of road and transit projects and private developments in Tysons.

By Robert Thomson | September 27, 2010; 3:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Biking | Tags: Dr. Gridlock
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Pr. George's bus strike continues

The contractor who operates TheBus in Prince George's County is scheduled to return to the negotiating table Wednesday with the union that represents bus drivers and maintenance workers, said a spokeswoman for the company.

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 2:50 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Commuting, Maryland, Metro
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Southwest deal could mean lower fares

Southwest Airlines' purchase of AirTran for about $1.4 billion could mean lower fares for travelers in the Washington region and across the country.

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 11:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Airlines, Airports, Aviation
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Frederick airport to get control tower

Federal officials say the Frederick Municipal Airport is getting an air traffic control tower. Maryland Democratic Sens. Benjamin Cardin and Barbara Mikulski said Monday the Federal Aviation Administration has granted final approval to the project. It will be funded with $4.8 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Federal officials said in a statement that construction of the tower "is expected to begin almost immediately," and should be completed in 18 months.

By Michael Bolden | September 27, 2010; 10:57 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Airports, Aviation
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The week ahead in traffic, transit

Today, Tuesday and Thursday probably will be the rainy days of the commuting week. but travelers will find the temperatures more moderate, topping out around 80. This evening's rain may be heavy enough to affect the game at Nationals Park, where the Nats are scheduled to play their final home games of the year each evening through Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Rain may also interfere with some road construction programs in the D.c. area, but here are some highlights of what's on schedule.Today, Tuesday and Thursday probably will be the rainy days of the commuting week. but travelers will find the temperatures more moderate, topping out around 80. This evening's rain may be heavy enough to affect the game at Nationals Park, where the Nats are scheduled to play their final home games of the year each evening through Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. Rain may also interfere with some road construction programs in the D.c. area, but here are some highlights of what's on schedule.

By Robert Thomson | September 27, 2010; 8:50 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, The week ahead
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Network News

Dr. Gridlock: September 26, 2010 - October 2, 2010