Dr. Gridlock: February 27, 2011 - March 5, 2011

The weekend and beyond

It's your last weekend to test drive Maryland's new Intercounty Connector for free. Transit riders should review Metro's plan to shut parts of the Orange and Blue lines starting at 10 p.m. Friday. History buffs might go see President Lincoln's inauguration reenacted by Sam Waterson at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Capitol Hill Visitor Center Auditorium.

By Robert Thomson  | March 4, 2011; 6:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  Congestion, Construction, Driving, Metro, Transit, Weekend Work  | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock  
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Don't miss last Metro train

Metro has released a more detailed schedule of train operations during this weekend's disruption on the Orange and Blue lines. Also available now are the exact locations of the stops for the shuttle buses that will bridge the gaps in train service.

By Robert Thomson  | March 4, 2011; 5:59 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (2)
Categories:  Blue Line, Metro, Orange Line  | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail  
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More time to upgrade driver's licenses

The U.S. Homeland Security Department is giving states an extra 20 months to upgrade their systems to improve the security of driver's licenses to better identify illegal immigrants and thwart possible terrorists.

By Bloomberg News  | March 4, 2011; 5:39 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  Driving, Transportation News  
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Gas odor reported in Petworth Metro

Firefighters are responding to reports of the odor of gas in the Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metro station, reported by transit police.

By Luke Rosiak  | March 4, 2011; 2:27 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Green Line, Yellow Line  
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Person struck by train at Rockville

A person has been struck by a train at Rockville Station, according to Metro. Trains are single-tracking between Shady Grove and Twinbrook.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 4, 2011; 12:31 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (12)
Categories:  Metro  
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Union Station could add stairs

A Metro study of ways to relieve congestion at Union Station has been completed, with two possible solutions under consideration. The more extensive one would take a simple step that has increasingly been clamored for by riders: Adding stairs where currently there are very short and often broken-down escalators.

By Luke Rosiak  | March 4, 2011; 9:58 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (10)
Categories:  Commuter Rail, Metro, Red Line  | Tags:  Escalators  
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Red Line delays due to malfunction

10:10 a.m. Update: Metro says the problem on the Red Line has been resolved. 9:30 a.m. Update: Metro spokesman Steven Taubenkibel says the problem is actually a switch malfunction near New York Avenue. Crews are on site making repairs, he...

By Washington Post Editors  | March 4, 2011; 9:23 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  Metro, Red Line  
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Today's transportation roundup

Rail work is the top story of the weekend and beyond, with a major shutdown on the eastern ends of the Orange and Blue lines, and traffic tie-ups in Northern Virginia due to the advance of the subway extension into Loudoun County. Dr. Gridlock has details on what you should watch out for.

By Michael D. Bolden  | March 4, 2011; 8:52 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Blue Line, Metro, Orange Line  
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I-395 N, I-66 E congested

We'll be regularly updating this blog about the morning commute, so keep checking back with us to learn what's going on before you hit the roads, rails and sidewalks. Make sure to let us know what you see, either in the comments section below or on Twitter

By Mark Berman  | March 4, 2011; 5:45 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuting, Congestion  
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Interstate closures canceled

Lane closures on Interstate 495 northbound at Route 123 in Northern Virginia scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Sunday nights have been canceled, according to officials with the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 3, 2011; 7:38 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Construction, Driving, Northern Virginia, Silver Line  
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309 red-light fines in Falls Church

New red-light cameras in Falls Church have led to more than 300 citations being sent to drivers over the last five weeks.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 3, 2011; 7:02 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (14)
Categories:  Driving  
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Damaged switch delays MARC trains

The Metro option is now open on the Green Line for MARC riders. Passengers should show their tickets to station managers for access.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 3, 2011; 6:13 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  MARC, Maryland  
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Carry-on luggage costs TSA millions

Carry-on luggage is costing the federal government an estimated quarter-billion dollars a year.

By Associated Press  | March 3, 2011; 4:20 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (14)
Categories:  Airports, Aviation  
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Chrysler recalls 250,000 vehicles

Chrysler is recalling about 250,000 vehicles to fix potential engine stalling.

By Associated Press  | March 3, 2011; 2:41 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Transportation News  
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Va. transit workers, Veolia make deal

After months of tense negotiations, a contract agreement was reached late Wednesday between Loudoun County Transit workers and Veolia Transportation, which manages public transportation for Loudoun County and other jurisdictions across the country.

By Caitlin Gibson  | March 3, 2011; 2:10 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Northern Virginia, Virginia  
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Today's transportation roundup

The story of the day -- at least for me -- is potholes.

I hit a massive one last night driving home on Route 450. It was late and I was tired and close to home, so I kept driving. I ended up shredding the tire but thankfully the rim wasn't damaged.

By Michael D. Bolden  | March 3, 2011; 9:08 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airports, Aviation, Biking, Metro, NTSB  
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Beltway lane blocked in VA

We'll be regularly updating this blog about the morning commute, so keep checking back with us to learn what's going on before you hit the roads, rails and sidewalks.

By Mark Berman  | March 3, 2011; 8:10 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuting, Congestion  
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MARC Brunswick Line delays

MARC Brunswick Line train 890 is running 15 to 18 minutes late due to a signal problem between the Monocacy and Dickerson stations. Trains 892 and 894 are expected to be delayed for 15 to 18 minutes in the same area.

By Mark Berman  | March 3, 2011; 6:06 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  MARC  
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Man takes box cutters on JetBlue flight

The Transportation Security Administration is sending three screeners for remedial training after a passenger carried three box cutters onto a JetBlue plane at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport.

By Associated Press  | March 2, 2011; 6:51 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  Airlines, Airports  
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Tech. problems plague Southwest

Southwest Airlines says it has been dealing with technology problems that led to delayed flights and snarled its revamped frequent-flier program.

By Associated Press  | March 2, 2011; 6:47 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airlines  
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Input on Circulator sought

The District Department of Transportation's Progressive Transportation Services Administration will hold a public input session on the DC Circulator on Thursday, March 17.

By Luke Rosiak  | March 2, 2011; 4:51 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  District  
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Buses collide in N.E. Washington

A school bus and a Metro bus have collided in Northeast Washington, according to D.C. Fire/EMS officials. Authorities say there are no serious injuries.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 2, 2011; 4:33 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  District, Driving, Metro, Metrobus  
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MARC train will be 1 car short

MARC Train 852, an express to Camden Yards, will have one less car than usual. The Maryland Transit Administration says the shortage is due to the earlier train malfunction that left equipment out of position.

By Michael Bolden  | March 2, 2011; 3:57 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  MARC, Maryland  
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MARC trains canceled, late

MARC 422 and 431 are canceled. Passengers from 422 will transfer to MARC 424. Also, two MARC trains on the Brunswick Line are being delayed due to a disabled freight train in the Rockville area. The MTA says MARC 873 and 891 are holding and may operate 40 to 45 minutes late.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 2, 2011; 2:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  MARC, Maryland  
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Car-centric L.A. approves bike plan

Los Angeles officials approved a plan Tuesday that aims to get residents of the notoriously auto-centric city out of their cars and onto bicycles by linking its sprawling communities with an extensive network of bicycle lanes and trails.

By Associated Press  | March 2, 2011; 2:33 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Biking, Transportation News  
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Airport board split over CEO candidate

The governing board of the Washington area's two main airports and the project to extend Metrorail to Dulles International remained divided Wednesday, taking no action to name a new chief executive.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 2, 2011; 2:04 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airports, Aviation, Silver Line  
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Traffic delays on 395 after crash

A U.S. Park Police motorcycle officer was injured Wednesday morning in a traffic accident on the Southwest Freeway near Seventh Street SW, authorities said. The officer's condition was not immediately clear, but a helicopter had been summoned to airlift him to a hospital.

By Mark Berman  | March 2, 2011; 10:55 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (3)
Categories:  Commuting, Congestion  
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Today's transportation roundup

Traffic tie-ups, high-speed rail and the future of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority are some of the issues in transportation today. Read on for the headlines.

By Michael D. Bolden  | March 2, 2011; 8:48 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Metro  
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It's pothole season in Washington

The annual arrival of pothole season in Washington is just as predictable as congestion around the Beltway. As temperatures fluctuate drivers are beginning to see plenty of the ruts and chasms on the region's roads.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 2, 2011; 8:00 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (4)
Categories:  District, Maryland, Northern Virginia  
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Road re-striping in Northern Va.

Crews will be re-striping main roads along the path of the Metrorail extension to Dulles through Friday this week. Expect some additional traffic delays.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 1, 2011; 6:47 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Silver Line  
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Richmond-VRE buses to be cut

The bus service that currently connects Richmond-area residents with Virginia Railway Express trains will be discontinued, VRE officials said Tuesday.

By Jennifer Buske  | March 1, 2011; 5:09 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuter Bus, Transit, Virginia Railway Express  | Tags:  virginia railway express, vre  
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20-minute delay for MARC trains

The Maryland Transit Administration reports that there is a 20-minute delay for MARC trains heading north from the BWI Rail Station due to a medical emergency....

By Washington Post Editors  | March 1, 2011; 4:37 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  MARC, Maryland  
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Beltway closure canceled

A closure of the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia planned for Wednesday has been canceled, according to officials with the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Project. The closure of the outer loop had been scheduled for the early morning hours so that...

By Washington Post Editors  | March 1, 2011; 3:10 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Capital Beltway, Northern Virginia  
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Senators seek high-speed rail funds

Maryland Democratic Senators Benjamin L. Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski and several other members of Congress are asking federal transportation officials to redirect $2.4 billion in high-speed rail funds to projects on the Northeast Corridor.

By Associated Press and Staff Reports  | March 1, 2011; 1:23 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (4)
Categories:  Maryland, Passenger Rail  
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American Airlines to cut 2011 flights

DALLAS -- Facing higher fuel prices, American Airlines says it's going to fly a little less than it expected this year. American parent AMR Corp. still plans to grow in 2011 as travel demand rebounds, but not as quickly.

By Associated Press  | March 1, 2011; 1:12 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airports, Aviation  
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Paving project on University Blvd.

A $2.4 million paving and safety project is underway on University Boulevard between Arcola Avenue and Colesville Road in Montgomery County.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 1, 2011; 1:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Construction, Driving, Maryland  | Tags:  Maryland State Highway Administration  
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Guardian Angels to increase Metro patrols

The Washington D.C. Guardian Angels plan to patrol Metro's trains and buses with more frequency following reports of teen fights and attacks on some portions of the transit network.

By Washington Post Editors  | March 1, 2011; 12:56 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (33)
Categories:  Metro  | Tags:  Metro, wmata  
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Today's transportation roundup

Gas taxes, potholes and cycling are just some of the topics making news in transportation this Tuesday. Here's a look at some headlines:

By Michael D. Bolden  | March 1, 2011; 10:52 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Aviation, Driving, Metro, NTSB  
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GAO: Taxpayers pay for trucking

Moving freight via truck shifts far more of the costs onto taxpayers than does other modes of shipping, according to an analysis by the government's financial watchdog.

By Luke Rosiak  | March 1, 2011; 9:36 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (9)
Categories:  Transportation News, Transportation Politics  
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Lasers aimed at planes targeted

People who knowingly aim laser pointers at aircraft would be committing a federal crime subject to up to five years in prison under legislation passed by both the House and the Senate.

By Jim Abrams, Associated Press  | March 1, 2011; 6:30 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  Airports, Aviation  
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I-66 blocked at Glebe Rd

We'll be keeping tabs on the commute, so check back with us throughout the morning for updates on what's going on out there

By Mark Berman  | March 1, 2011; 5:50 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  Advisories, Commuting, Congestion  
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Escalator problem at Dupont

Riders from around the Metro system are reporting delays and bag checks. There is a line to get in to Foggy Bottom Station and a switch problem outside Stadium-Armory is causing backups. Users are also reporting bag checks at Archives-Navy Memorial, Franconia-Springfield and Huntington stations.

By Washington Post Editors  | February 28, 2011; 5:34 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (3)
Categories:  Metro  
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Hybrids can stay in HOV lanes

The Virginia General Assembly may have just approved Gov. Robert F. McDonnell's plan for spending $3 billion to advance 900 transportation projects, but the legislative action I get asked about is the same as it is every year: Yes, the assembly voted to extend the exemption that allows solo drivers in carpool lanes as long as their driving a hybrid with Virginia's clean fuel tags.

By Robert Thomson  | February 28, 2011; 4:25 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuting, Transportation Politics, Virginia  | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, hybrids  
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ICC buses start Tuesday

Two bus routes on the initial segment of the Intercounty Connector will begin running Tuesday between Gaithersburg and Fort Meade and BWI.

By Luke Rosiak  | February 28, 2011; 4:14 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (1)
Categories:  BRAC, Commuter Bus, Maryland  | Tags:  Intercounty Connector  
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Storms causing huge flight delays

The storms pushing through Washington and the Northeast Monday afternoon could cause flight delays. @DeltaAssist warned this morning that weather may cause problems for arrivals and departures in Atlanta, Memphis, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, the Washington region and the New York City area.

By Washington Post Editors  | February 28, 2011; 3:00 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airlines, Airports, Aviation  
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Possible measles exposure at Dulles

Loudoun County health officials said people at Dulles International Airport on Feb. 20 may have been exposed to a person with measles.

By Maria Glod  | February 28, 2011; 2:44 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airports  | Tags:  Dulles Airport  
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Transit group seeks MARC changes

Transit advocates are seeking an overhaul to the commuter train service offered by the Maryland Transit Administration from Washington to Frederick and Brunswick, Md.

By Washington Post Editors  | February 28, 2011; 1:45 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (3)
Categories:  MARC, Maryland  | Tags:  MARC, MARC Brunswick Line  
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DOT fines American over flight vouchers

DALLAS -- The government fined American Airlines for failing to tell passengers it costs up to $30 to redeem vouchers they get for giving up seats on oversold flights.

By Associated Press and Staff Reports  | February 28, 2011; 12:18 PM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (2)
Categories:  Airlines, Aviation  
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14th Street NW reopens

12:20 p.m. Update: Fourteenth Street NW reopened after crews completed work for today on the segment between Colorado Avenue and Longfellow Street. However, D.C. officials said work may resume Tuesday after rush hour. Original post: Fourteenth Street NW is closed...

By Washington Post Editors  | February 28, 2011; 11:46 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  District  
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Roadwork a buzzkill for Adams Morgan?

A reconstruction project intended to make over 18th Street NW between Florida Avenue and Columbia Road is scheduled to begin this week in Adams Morgan.

By Washington Post Editors  | February 28, 2011; 11:09 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (4)
Categories:  Construction, District  
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Today's transportation roundup

Distracted driving, Metro shutdowns and rifts at the airports are some of the headlines making news this week. Here's a sampling.

By Michael D. Bolden  | February 28, 2011; 10:13 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Airports, Aviation, Driving, MARC, Maryland, Metro  
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Storms may make travel dangerous

Fierce storms may rip through the Washington region today, according to The Post's Capital Weather Gang, bring hail, wind gusts of up to 70 mph, flash flooding and even tornadoes, making driving conditions dangerous. A tornado watch is in effect from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

By Washington Post Editors  | February 28, 2011; 9:19 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuter Bus, Commuter Rail, Driving, Metro, MetroAccess, Metrobus  
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The week ahead for traffic, transit

The Capital Weather Gang warns travelers there's a risk of severe storms later today. But then conditions get quite calm and mild through Friday. Maryland's new Intercounty Connector is still free this week. See some driving tips below. Interstate 66 drivers should note the off-peak opening of two HOV ramps to all traffic. Homebound slugs in D.C. need to remember their new pickup point. Metro riders should check the transit authority's plan for another big weekend shutdown.

By Robert Thomson  | February 28, 2011; 8:45 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuting, Congestion, Construction, Metro  | Tags:  Dr. Gridlock, The week ahead  
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Emergency landing at Dulles

A Continental Airlines flight that took off from Washington's Reagan National Airport has been diverted to Washington Dulles International Airport after a mechanical problem.

By Kafia Hosh  | February 28, 2011; 8:31 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (2)
Categories:  Airlines, Airports  | Tags:  Dulles Airport, MWAA  
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BW Pkwy lane reopens

Good morning all, Washington woke up to a wet morning with high winds expected today. Let's see how the morning commute is being affected so far: 8:15 AM: An accident is being reported in the southbound lanes of Route 3...

By Kafia Hosh  | February 28, 2011; 8:15 AM ET  |  Permalink  |  Comments (0)
Categories:  Commuting, Congestion, Traffic Safety  | Tags:  Key Bridge, driving, i-66  
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