BRAC shifts may create gridlock
The Post's Miranda S. Spivack reports that Northern Virginia officials are concerned that job shifts from a 2011 military base realignment will lead to traffic nightmares.
At least 13,000 jobs are slated to relocate from Crystal City, two Metro stops from the Pentagon, to areas mostly dependent on cars.
The changes are likely to create choke points near Fort Belvoir in Fairfax County and near Seminary Road in Alexandria.
Rep. James Moran, who represents much of the affected area, is predicting car commutes of up to five hours per day.
State transportation officials have been working for years on improvements near Fort Belvoir. But closer to Alexandria, an environmental dispute stalled plans for a key exit ramp. And no one is sure that they can do enough, soon enough to make a difference.
Spivack's full report is here.
By
Michael Bolden
|
May 10, 2010; 7:30 AM ET
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Commuting
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Transportation Politics
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Posted by: member8 | May 10, 2010 9:27 AM | Report abuse
What I really don't understand is why they aren't adding a simple ramp from the existing HOV facility to the existing Seminary Road interchange (that is, to be used as an offramp in the morning and an onramp in the afternoon). The ramp would basically mirror the existing HOV ramp on the north side of that interchange. Seems like a no-brainer.
Posted by: 1995hoo | May 10, 2010 9:33 AM | Report abuse
Eliminate Rush Hour?
Area rush hour congestion and its heavy pollution can be reduced readily IF Federal, states and local governments and their contractors:
1. Switch to four-day workweek.
2. Open offices from 6 AM – 9 PM and on Saturdays.
3. Allow extensive flextime and expanded work at home.
These will provide both workers and customers the means to shift from the most congested hours just as malls and restaurants hours permit.
For example, serious rush hour problems in the Bethesda Medical Center area will soon by worsened the addition of Walter Reed Medical Center unless the medical centers and NIH adopt these measures. Northern Virginia faces a similar situation.
Paul Seder, Ph.D. Former NIH Planning Officer
pseder@verizon.net
Posted by: pseder | May 10, 2010 12:05 PM | Report abuse
Eliminate Rush Hour?
Area rush hour congestion and its heavy pollution can be reduced readily IF Federal, states and local governments and their contractors:
1. Switch to four-day workweek.
2. Open offices from 6 AM – 9 PM and on Saturdays.
3. Allow extensive flextime and expanded work at home.
These will provide both workers and customers the means to shift from the most congested hours just as malls and restaurants hours permit.
For example, serious rush hour problems in the Bethesda Medical Center area will soon by worsened the addition of Walter Reed Medical Center unless the medical centers and NIH adopt these measures. Northern Virginia faces a similar situation.
Paul Seder, Ph.D. Former NIH Planning Officer
pseder@verizon.net
Posted by: pseder | May 10, 2010 12:09 PM | Report abuse
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What qualification does James Moran have to make that estimate? He's just a slimy politician.
Also, the "key" ramp goes through a nature preserve. More than a mere "environmental" dispute.