Get There - The D.C. area traffic and transportation blog - February 14, 2010

The weekend and beyond

How long will it take us to dig out from the snowstorms? As long as it took to dig the Panama Canal, only without the mosquitoes? Expect to see both heavy and light construction equipment on main roads and side streets this weekend.

By Robert Thomson | February 19, 2010; 12:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (7)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Construction , Driving , Metro , transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, The weekend and beyond
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Surcharge for Fairfax Connector

The Fairfax Connector buses will start charging a fare surcharge the same day Metro adds its surcharge. As of Sunday, Feb. 28, a Connector ride will cost an extra 10 cents.

By Robert Thomson | February 19, 2010; 10:35 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Fairfax Connector
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Mechanic injured at Congress Heights

A mechanic at the Congress Heights Metro station fell down steps and was taken to the hospital with minor injuries.

By Mark Berman | February 19, 2010; 8:50 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Advisories
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Ramp closed to 11th St Bridge

The 8th Street ramp off of the 11th Street Bridge in the District has been closed

By Mark Berman | February 19, 2010; 7:39 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting
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Metrobus routes still limited

Some Metrobus routes still face limited service due to the snow

By Mark Berman | February 19, 2010; 6:22 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Congestion
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Early traffic headaches

A few early accidents and incidents on the Washington area roads

By Mark Berman | February 19, 2010; 5:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Congestion
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Headaches on the horizon

Here are some spots to avoid overnight. Work on these projects is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. Thursday through 5 a.m. Friday.

By Robert Thomson | February 18, 2010; 7:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Headaches on the horizon
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Snow removal on Wisconsin Avenue

District snow crews are working in the 4600 to 4800 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue near Nebraska Avenue NW, the District Department of Transportation says. They are scheduled to be done and off the avenue by 5 p.m.

By Robert Thomson | February 18, 2010; 4:27 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (5)
Categories: Advisories , Weather
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Metro unveils station artwork

Metro officials unveil artwork for two stations Metro officials today released sketches of new artwork that will be installed at two Metrorail stations in 2011. The Takoma Park station will be graced with a brightly colored abstract mosaic tile mural by Washington-based artist Sam Gilliam. Gilliam is a renowned member of the Washington Color School of painters, who is known for his abstract expressionist painting and sculpture. His mural will be installed in the underpass of the station's entrance. The second piece, which will be installed at the 17th and I streets entrance of the Farragut West station, is by another Washington-based artist, Michael Sirvet. Sirvet's piece will be a series of "low-relief, botanically-inspired aluminum and light sculptures." Most of the materials Sirvet works with are recycled or reclaimed. If you're curious, DCist has illustrations of the artwork. Funding for the Takoma Park station's project comes from the D.C. Commission...

By Washington Post Editors | February 18, 2010; 4:08 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Metro
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Are Metro's safety moves working?

Is it time to review some of the decisions about Metrorail operations made after the June 22 Red Line crash?

By Robert Thomson | February 18, 2010; 3:41 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Metro , Safety , transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, metrorail
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New Hyattsville bus service starts

Prince George's County Council members Eric Olson (D-College Park), William A. Campos (D-Hyattsville) and Thomas E. Dernoga (D-Laurel) announced Thursday that bus service dedicated to the Route 1 corridor has begun. The bus runs between Mount Rainier, at the District line, to the Ikea store in College Park, making 35 stops along the way. According to a news release, the service is meant to better connect the communities and businesses along Route 1 as well as the University of Maryland. More information, including a schedule of stops as well as fare information, is available in pdf form....

By Washington Post Editors | February 18, 2010; 2:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Transportation Politics , transit
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Metro: Rail delays more frequent

What Metrorail riders have been saying for months is now backed up by Metrorail statistics: The on-time performance of the trains has declined.

By Robert Thomson | February 18, 2010; 2:07 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (6)
Categories: Metro , Safety , transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail
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Metro garage parkers, sound off

There are still reports coming in from commuters about snow blocking spots at Metro parking garages. If you want to share your experience, especially if you park in the Glenmont lot, please contact Nicole Norfleet at 202-334-9617 or via email at norfleetn@washpost.com....

By Washington Post Editors | February 18, 2010; 1:35 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Commuting , Metro , transit
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Branch Avenue reopened after traffic fatality

An accident has closed Branch Avenue in both directions

By Mark Berman | February 18, 2010; 7:11 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting
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Incidents on early commute

Traffic is still dealing with piles of snow on the roadways.

By Mark Berman | February 18, 2010; 6:30 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Congestion
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Canal Road and Metrobus issues

Canal Road's lane configuration remains changed and Metrobus diversions remain in place.

By Mark Berman | February 18, 2010; 5:55 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Congestion
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Headaches on the horizon

Things must be getting better. Once again, there's roadwork to tell you about.

By Robert Thomson | February 17, 2010; 7:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Headaches on the horizon
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Metro officers injured in fracas

Two Metro Transit police officers were injured Wednesday after they were punched by an 18-year-old at the Addison Road Station, a Metro spokeswoman said. At about 4:30 p.m., Metro police were called to the station to quell a group of disorderly juveniles, said Cathy Asato, an agency spokeswoman. One person in the group began throwing punches and landed blows on two officers, she said. The man then took off running but was apprehended and subdued after a short foot chase, she said. Both officers were transported to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries, Asato said. The suspect, she said, was also hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries. The confrontation began at the entrance to the Metro station and spilled outside, Asato said. Asato declined to name the 18-year-old but said he will be charged with assault on a police officer. -- Matt Zapotosky...

By Washington Post Editors | February 17, 2010; 6:48 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (17)
Categories: Commuting , Metro , transit
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Ride home a challenge for some

The commutes over the last few days have been difficult at best. Here are some of the areas we're watching this afternoon: 4:55 p.m. Update: Georgia Avenue southbound at Aspen Hill Road: An accident blocks the right lane. Connecticut Avenue northbound between East-West Highway and Jones Bridge Road: Snow blocks the right lane. New York Avenue at Florida Avenue: Traffic signals working incorrectly. 3:50 p.m.: dcfireems just tweeted that the agency is assisting with the investigation of a suspicioous package in the 1300 block of I Street NW. Expect traffic delays in the area. I-95 northbound after BW Parkway: object in the roadway. Pennsylvania Avenue SE southbound after I-295: numerous potholes reported. East Capitol Street eastbound at Kenilworth Avenue: Only one lane gets by while snow plows are operating. Metrobus The latest from Metro on limited bus service on some routes, which is all subject to change:52: Bypassing 12th Street...

By Michael Bolden | February 17, 2010; 3:40 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting
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Big grant for D.C. area buses

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a big round of federal grants for transportation projects that includes $58.8 million to establish priority bus transit in the D.C. area.

By Robert Thomson | February 17, 2010; 12:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (8)
Categories: Metro , transit | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrobus
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Four Va. rest areas reopened

The Virginia Department of Transportation reopened four rest areas on Interstate 81 on Wednesday, as a first installment on the commitment by Gov. Robert F. McDonnell (R) to reopen all 19 closed last year.

By Robert Thomson | February 17, 2010; 12:00 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (20)
Categories: Driving , Transportation Politics , highways | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Virginia Department of Transportation
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What should Metro do next?

Tell me what one everyday thing you'd like to see the next Metro general manager fix.

By Robert Thomson | February 17, 2010; 11:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (44)
Categories: Metro | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrobus, Metrorail
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Searching for a place to park?

Metro's snow removal crews have been working since our recent snowstorms to clear the agency's lots and garages, but there still seems to be a lot of snow and ice out there. Nicole Norfleet reported on the issue on Wednesday. Now tell us what you are seeing. Are the lots getting better, or are you having a difficult time finding a space. Post a comment below or send us an e-mail....

By Michael Bolden | February 17, 2010; 10:38 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (7)

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Megabus to start Philly service

Travelers will soon be able to catch a bus from D.C. to the City of Brotherly Love for the starting price of a buck. Beginning March 21, Megabus will offer service to Philadelphia. Customers can start booking seats today. "Due to significant customer demand, we are delighted to add service between these two great cities," said Megabus President and Chief Operating Officer Dale Moser in a press release. Megabus currently has a route from Washington to New York City. It operates throughout the Northeast and Midwest. A spokeswoman for express bus competitor BoltBus said that she was unaware of any changes to its routes. It also has service from D.C. to New York. More to come on the availability of routes. -- Nicole Norfleet...

By Michael Bolden | February 17, 2010; 10:18 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (1)
Categories: Advisories , Weather
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Metro fares and service revisited

In this post-blizzard week -- before transit users start paying that extra dime for Metro rides, before they remember what regular service feels like -- Metro board members plan to begin discussing these questions:

By Robert Thomson | February 17, 2010; 9:00 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (23)
Categories: Metro , Transportation Politics | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metorail, Metrobus
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Problems plague a.m. commuters

The roads returned to normal after the snowstorms, with lane closures and traffic like usual.

By Mark Berman | February 17, 2010; 6:35 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (3)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Congestion
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Some twists in transit service

The area's transit systems returned to normal by Wednesday

By Mark Berman | February 17, 2010; 5:55 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Congestion
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When it snows, it pours ...

Even as politicians and government agencies took grief for inadequately plowed streets and shoveled sidewalks, others faced another repercussion of the region's unfamiliarity with such enormous quanties of snow. At the District's Department of Motor Vehicles offices at Judiciary Square, the line stretched around the corner and out the door of the offices of Adjudication Services Tuesday morning, where more than 100 were waiting to deal with parking tickets -- many of them whopping $250 parking tickets issued for leaving their cars along a posted snow emergency route.

By Michael Bolden | February 16, 2010; 5:43 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Weather
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Tough going for school buses

I heard from some parents whose children had difficulty getting to school on the buses Tuesday morning. Two have a similar theme about conditions along East-West Highway in Montgomery County.

By Robert Thomson | February 16, 2010; 4:20 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (4)
Categories: Weather | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, snowstorm
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Evening commute a problem, too

It's a perfectly awful way to bookend the day. This morning's difficult commute is being paired with a challenging evening rush hour. One of the major problems in the region continues to be the presence of snow in traffic lanes. District officials warned in a statement that delays this evening might be a problem and urged people to use public transit or to stagger their departure times.

By Michael Bolden | February 16, 2010; 4:16 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (12)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting
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Some Metrobus routes limited

Metro has restricted service on 22 bus routes Tuesday because of icy road conditions or snow on the roadways. In those locations, buses are operating on snow emergency routes or portions of their normal routes. The transit agency operates about 300 routes under normal conditions.

By Michael Bolden | February 16, 2010; 3:26 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , transit | Tags: metrobus
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Some roadwork resuming

Seems like it's been ages since I had any roadwork to warn you about. But as the pavement starts to peek through the snow, some activity is about to resume. Here's an example in Tysons Corner -- it's part of the Dulles Metrorail construction project.

By Robert Thomson | February 16, 2010; 3:15 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories , Construction , Driving | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Dulles Metrorail
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Amtrak's Train No. 93 canceled

Virginia Railway Express sent out a notice that Amtrak Train No. 93 on the Fredricksburg Line, which normally departs Union Station at 5:50 p.m., has been canceled for Tuesday. Commuters who normally board that train will have to take an alternate. Other options include VRE Train No. 309, which departs Union Station at 5:15 p.m., and VRE Train No. 311, which departs Union Station at 6 p.m.

By Michael Bolden | February 16, 2010; 1:38 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (0)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , transit | Tags: Amtrak, VRE
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Snow still causing trouble for transit

It's progress of a sort: The D.C. area's transit problems on Tuesday have little to do with the condition of the trains and buses. They have a lot more to do with the condition of the snow-covered streets and parking areas.

By Robert Thomson | February 16, 2010; 1:23 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (10)
Categories: Metro , Weather | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, snowstorm, tips for travelers
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Drivers find Metro garages crowded

Metro says that about three-quarters of the spaces in its garages and lots are available for parkers using the rail stations. As more and more commuters return to work, the shortage of spaces is becoming more and more of a problem at certain garages. These are some of the reports we received about the Tuesday morning commute.

By Robert Thomson | February 16, 2010; 10:45 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (30)
Categories: Metro , Weather | Tags: Dr. Gridlock, snowstorm, tips for travelers
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Snow emergency through rush hour

DDOTDC just tweeted that the snow emergency will be lifted after evening rush hour.

By Michael Bolden | February 16, 2010; 10:14 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (2)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting
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Problems still abound for commuters

What was expected to be a rocky commute Tuesday morning deteriorated before most motorists could even hit the roads. Near College Park an overturned tractor-trailer shut down the northbound lanes to I-95 just east of Riggs Road. Emergency crews on the scene were dealing with a fuel spill. U.S. 29 or BW Parkway were both better alternatives.

By Michael Bolden | February 16, 2010; 5:23 AM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Weather , highways
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Tuesday commute preview

Getting to work on Tuesday is expected to be a grind. Although local officials say most major roadways are clear, many will be constricted where snow hasn't totally been removed. Snow mounds will block parking lanes. Traffic watchers say many workers who have taken advantage of liberal leave policies in the past week will be pressing to get back to work Tuesday.

By Christopher Dean Hopkins | February 15, 2010; 6:52 PM ET | Permalink | Comments (18)
Categories: Advisories , Commuting , Weather
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Network News

Get There: February 14, 2010 - February 20, 2010