Get There: February 28, 2010 - March 6, 2010
Chain Bridge fix to take longer
The District Department of Transportation announced Friday that it will take almost three more months to get all lanes reopened on the Chain Bridge.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 5, 2010; 5:25 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (5)
Categories:
Commuting
,
Congestion
,
Construction
,
Driving
| Tags: Chain Bridge, Dr. Gridlock
Save & Share:
Pentagon Metro, bus center reopened
Bus restrictions at the Pentagon Transit Center will continue through Sunday, according to a Metro statement. Officials said the upper level is expected to remain closed until then while authorities conduct their investigation. Friday
By
Mark Berman
|
March 5, 2010; 3:55 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (4)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Metro
Save & Share:
Route 29 reopens
Route 29 at Fairland Road in Montgomery County is closed this afternoon because of a fire in a work zone. Washington Gas is working to shut off a gas line that is apparently on fire, the Maryland State Highway Administration reports.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 5, 2010; 1:35 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
Save & Share:
The weekend and beyond
The Capital Weather Gang forecasts a sunny weekend with temperatures in the 50s, but as you get out to enjoy it, watch for these traffic and transit delays. I've also included a few travel updates for the next two weeks.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 5, 2010; 12:10 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, The weekend and beyond
Save & Share:
I-495 North lane closure til noon
A roundup of traffic in the Washington area
By
Mark Berman
|
March 5, 2010; 6:00 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (1)
Categories:
Airports
,
Commuting
,
Congestion
Save & Share:
Pentagon Station closed into Friday
The Pentagon Metrorail station is closed while Pentagon officials investigate a shooting outside the station, and suspicious packages outside the station. A Metro statement said trains are passing through the rail station without stopping.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 4, 2010; 7:51 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (4)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
| Tags: Metro
Save & Share:
Federal reports slams Metrorail safety
The Federal Transit Administration issued an audit Thursday that identifies widespread shortcomings in safety practices at Metro. FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff is presenting the audit to members of the Washintgon region's congressional delegation. The probe was requested by Maryland Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 4, 2010; 4:37 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (3)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Safety
| Tags: metro, metro safety
Save & Share:
Metro names interim boss
The Metro board this afternoon appointed former New Jersey Transit chief Richard Sarles as interim general manager. Considering his immediate challenges, he must act as though there were nothing "interim" about it.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 4, 2010; 12:45 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (9)
Categories:
Metro
Save & Share:
Metro board asks for help
The Metro board this morning turned over all of its budget-balancing proposals for fare increases and service cuts for public comment.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 4, 2010; 12:40 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (3)
Categories:
Metro
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrobus, Metrorail
Save & Share:
Hearing to examine Metro safety lapses
Maryland Sen. Barbara A. Mikulski and other members of the National Capital Region Delegation will receive a briefing today from the Federal Transit Administration, which conducted a safety audit of Metro and the Tri-State Oversight Committee, the body charged with monitoring safety at the agency. FTA Administrator Peter Rogoff will present the audit, which is scheduled for 4 p.m. on Capitol Hill.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 4, 2010; 10:15 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Safety
| Tags: metro, metro safety
Save & Share:
Accidents causes delays on Toll Road
According to Trafficland, the left lane of the Dulles Toll Road was blocked due to an accident near Hunter Mill Road. The lanes have reopened but there are delays throughout the area.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 4, 2010; 10:08 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
highways
Save & Share:
Route 123 lanes closing
All northbound lanes of Route 123 near the Dulles Connector Road (Route 267) between McLean and Tysons Corner will be shut down for 14 hours beginning at 8 p.m. Friday for work on the Metrorail extension. The lanes will reopen by 10 a.m. Saturday.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 4, 2010; 10:00 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Congestion
,
Construction
,
Driving
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Dulles Metrorail
Save & Share:
Metro board to consider fare plans
Metro riders often ask the transit authority's board to get them involved earlier when a fare increase or service cut is in the works. They don't want a public comment period over a take-it-or-leave-it proposal.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 4, 2010; 8:42 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (2)
Categories:
Metro
,
Transportation Politics
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrobus, Metrorail
Save & Share:
Metro expected to hire interim chief
Metro's board of directors is expected Thursday to hire former New Jersey transit chief Richard Sarles to serve as the interim general manager for the troubled transit agency.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 4, 2010; 7:14 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Metro
,
Safety
| Tags: Metro board, metro, metro safety
Save & Share:
I-395 North slow after accident
Morning commute roundup
By
Mark Berman
|
March 4, 2010; 6:00 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
Congestion
Save & Share:
Crystal City lanes reopen
Lanes of U.S. 1 in Crystal City have reopened.
By
Mark Berman
|
March 4, 2010; 5:50 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
Save & Share:
Headaches on the horizon
There's some major road work scheduled for Wednesday night. These projects are scheduled for 9:30 p.m. through 5 a.m.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 3, 2010; 7:00 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Congestion
,
Construction
,
Driving
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Headaches on the horizon
Save & Share:
D.C. to rebuild Northeast intersection
The District plans this month to begin a 17-month project to rebuild the busy intersection at Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue NE in the Fort Totten area. At times, the work will reduce the road to a single lane in each direction.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 3, 2010; 3:12 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
Congestion
,
Construction
,
Driving
| Tags: District Department of Transportation, Dr. Gridlock
Save & Share:
Metrorail highlights car numbers
Metro is in the midst of making the rail car numbers more prominent. That's a good safety move to help emergency responders and Metro personnel, but it also has several uses for riders.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 3, 2010; 2:10 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (14)
Categories:
Metro
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail
Save & Share:
Transcripts of crash testimony released
If you missed the recent National Transportation Safety Board hearing into the June 22 Red Line crash, transcripts are now available covering the three days of testimony. The NTSB is expected to release a formal finding into the cause of the crash prior to the first anniversary of the fatal accident. In the wake of the crash, the board is delving into broader issues of safety lapses at Metro and oversight of subway and light-rail systems nationwide.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 3, 2010; 12:05 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Metro
,
Safety
| Tags: metro, metro safety, metrorail
Save & Share:
Chain Bridge closing rescheduled
The District Department of Transportation plans to completely shut Chain Bridge on the weekend of March 13-14. The bridge is a popular route across the Potomac, and travelers often ask about the status of the rehabilitation project that began last spring.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 3, 2010; 11:52 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (1)
Tags: Chain Bridge, Dr. Gridlock
Save & Share:
One-way traffic to end on 15th St. NW
A three block stretch of 15th Street NW no longer will switch to one-way traffic during the afternoon rush hour starting March 15.
By
Ashley Halsey
|
March 3, 2010; 10:23 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (4)
Categories:
Commuting
,
Congestion
,
Driving
Save & Share:
Air traffic controller suspended
Now, there is a report that the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating an incident last month where a child apparently directed pilots last month from the air traffic control center JFK, one, one of the nation's busiest airports, according to audio clips.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 3, 2010; 9:57 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (11)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Airports
Save & Share:
N. Capitol St. reopens after probe
North Capitol Street between Massachusetts Avenue NW and E Street is closed while police and emergency crews investigate a suspicious package. Expect traffic delays throughout the area.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 3, 2010; 9:21 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (2)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
Save & Share:
Sound off to Metro's new (interim) chief
No one wants more crashes, delays or derailments, but we want the new chief, Richard Sarles, who is coming in from running New Jersey's commuter rail and bus system, to get a good sense of just what it is about the system's decline that most troubles riders. So here's your chance to speak truth to power: Come ahead with your letters to Richard Sarles--be specific about the problems you want him to fix and the agenda items that you want him to tackle.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 3, 2010; 9:00 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (1)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Metro
,
Safety
| Tags: Metro, Metro safety
Save & Share:
Morning commute watch
A roundup of the morning traffic
By
Mark Berman
|
March 3, 2010; 6:01 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (2)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
Congestion
Save & Share:
Detours in Arlington
Water main breaks in Arlington are going to cause big problems for commuters this morning
By
Mark Berman
|
March 3, 2010; 5:40 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
Metro
Save & Share:
Breaks could cause commute problems
Arlington County officials warn that repair work to two water-main breaks in Crystal City likely will snarl the Wednesday morning rush hour. They advise commuters to seek alternative routes and avoid the area.
By
Terri Rupar
|
March 3, 2010; 12:52 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Tags: Crystal City, water main break
Save & Share:
Headaches on the horizon
There are some transit delays tonight.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 2, 2010; 9:55 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Headaches on the horizon
Save & Share:
Affected by the DOT furloughs?
The Post's Ashley Halsey III and William Branigan reported today on the impact of a move by Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) to block legislation that would fund $10 billion in federal programs. Hundreds of thousands of unemployed workers faced an end to their jobless benefits Monday, and the Department of Transportation furloughed about 2,000 employees without pay. If you or someone you know is impacted by the furlough please let us know via e-mail. Please include your full name, real e-mail address, hometown and the agency....
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 2, 2010; 6:48 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (4)
Categories:
Advisories
,
highways
Save & Share:
Streets reopen as investigation ends
District police have closed the 700 block of First Street NE while they investigate a report of a suspicious package. An envelope containing a white powder was discovered in a high rise building at 750 First St. NE about 1:35 p.m., D.C. Fire and EMS spokesman Pete Piringer said. The building was evacuated as a precaution. No injuries or illnesses have been reported.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 2, 2010; 3:13 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
Save & Share:
Yet another pothole ...
As The Washington Post's Ashley Halsey reported in February, there are potholes popping up everywhere. The latest location for a mammoth pothole appears to be in the right lane of the northbound ramp for I-95 at the Springfield Interchange. Trafficland urges motorists to use caution driving through the area.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 2, 2010; 12:01 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (1)
Categories:
Advisories
,
highways
Save & Share:
Morning commute watch
A roundup of the morning's commuting issues.
By
Mark Berman
|
March 2, 2010; 6:09 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
Congestion
Save & Share:
MARC delays
MARC delays on the Camden Line and Brunswick Line.
By
Mark Berman
|
March 2, 2010; 5:35 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
Save & Share:
Headaches on the horizon
This work may slow your travels on Monday night.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 1, 2010; 7:00 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Headaches on the horizon
Save & Share:
Pr. William area bus drivers might strike
Bus operators for the Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission could strike Wednesday if they fail to reach a new contract agreement by midnight March 2. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, the union representing the roughly 150 bus operators, is negotiating a new contract with First Transit, the agency PRTC uses to operate the local and commuter buses that serve the Prince William region. PRTC officials said that they are not privy to the details of the negotiation, but that a plan is in place to maintain bus service Wednesday if operators strike. First Transit has outlined a contingency plan that would include using any operator who decides not to strike, newly recruited operators who have just completed the First Transit's training program and supervisors of the transit agency who are licensed to operate buses. PRTC officials said First Transit would also recruit operators from other bus...
By
Washington Post Editors
|
March 1, 2010; 6:18 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (2)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
highways
,
intercounty connector
Save & Share:
Flying to JFK? Delays likely.
Starting Monday, the main runway at New York's JFK is shutting down for repairs for four months. That means more air travel delays, which could spread throughout the United States. For passengers coming in and out of JFK, the shutdown also means higher ticket prices. iArlines aren't going to add more flights in April and May like they normally do when travel picks up. JetBlue, Delta and American are all holding their winter schedules for JFK until July. For JetBlue, the biggest carrier at the airport, that means an average of 150 departures compared with a normal summer schedule of 180.
By
Michael Bolden
|
March 1, 2010; 1:31 PM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (3)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Airports
Save & Share:
Join in noon discussion
Concerned about higher transit fares or road conditions around the D.C. area? Join me at noon for our regular weekly discussion of all our local transportation issues.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 1, 2010; 11:23 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Tags: Dr. Gridlock
Save & Share:
Free WiFi for D.C.-Boston Acela trains
Amtrak has rolled out wireless Internet access on all 20 of its Acela Express trains between Washington and Boston and in six major stations along the Northeast corridor. The service is free for now, though the railroad says that policy will be reviewed after an introductory period. Wireless is now available inside the gate areas of Washington Union Station, Baltimore Penn Station, Philadelphia 30th Street Station, New York Penn Station, Providence Station and Route 128 Station in Boston, as well as on board the Acela. Amtrak says Wilmington Station will be WiFi-equipped once station renovations are completed in 2011....
By
Washington Post editors
|
March 1, 2010; 11:07 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Commuting
,
Getaway
Save & Share:
5 escalators out at Gallery Place
As of Monday morning, five escalators are out of service at Gallery Place. It's a big rail transfer point with many escalators taking passengers to many platforms and levels, including three street entrances, but five is still a lot for one station. Gallery Place is the seventh busiest in the transit system.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 1, 2010; 10:56 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (13)
Categories:
Metro
,
Safety
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, Metrorail
Save & Share:
The week ahead for traffic and transit
Here are some things travelers should know about traffic and transit in the D.C. area as they being the work week.
By
Robert Thomson
|
March 1, 2010; 8:53 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (3)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
,
Congestion
,
Construction
,
Driving
| Tags: Dr. Gridlock, The week ahead
Save & Share:
Morning commute watch
A roundup of the morning traffic news.
By
Mark Berman
|
March 1, 2010; 5:37 AM ET |
Permalink |
Comments (0)
Categories:
Advisories
,
Commuting
Save & Share:
