News & Events

Read about what’s happening in today’s news that affects your daily commute. We’ve consolidated a collection of the latest articles about transportation and commuter related trends and challenges faced by Washington area commuters. Be sure to check back on a regular basis to keep tabs on the most up to date news.

Visit our construction projects section and learn about upcoming road improvements taking place around the Washington region. Anticipate roadwork delays and avoid the snarls to stay ahead of the construction curve.

Find out about upcoming events that pertain to commuting in the Washington metropolitan region and read recent Commuter Connections press releases.

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Forum on Economic Impacts of Transportation Investments

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is pairing up with the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance to host a forum on “The Economic Impacts of Transportation Investments.” Experts in transportation, real estate, heavy construction, and business will convene on February 6th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am to discuss how transportation factors into business decisions, as well as take a look at a recent Northern Virginia Transportation Authority study on the economic benefits of the Authority’s $3 billion in regional funding of transportation projects aimed at tackling congestion across NoVa.

Key takeaways from the study’s findings include:

1) 26,000 jobs created through NVTA project funding;

2) NVTA’s projects are expected to save Virginians 209 million hours of travel time, or $3.1 billion in monetary savings, giving taxpayers more than 100% return on the taxes they entrust to NVTA; and

3) NVTA’s funding of $1.9 billion in 95 multimodal regional projects has triggered another $3.8 billion in additional investments = $5.7 billion in critical transportation projects to NoVa.

Additional details are in the invitation below. If you’d like to attend, please visit our registration page to RSVP by clicking here. We hope to see you soon!

REGISTER TODAY

Rock Creek East I Livability Study - Public Event #1

When: Wednesday, February 6, 2019 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Where: Juanita E. Thornton/Shepherd Park Neighborhood Library - 7420 Georgia Ave. NW (SPK Meeting Room 2)
Washington, DC 20012

Meeting Information
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) will host its first public event for the Rock Creek East I Livability Study on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The purpose of this neighborhood study is to identify opportunities to enhance community quality of life through transportation safety and access improvements for all modes within the study area. At the first public event, DDOT will introduce the project, share data collection, and provide opportunities for participants to share existing concerns.

Project Background
DDOT is undertaking the Rock Creek East I Livability Study to evaluate the transportation network in the study area from a system perspective, and look for opportunities for a safer and more accessible multimodal network. This study will be led with a data-driven approach, using existing and future conditions to understand transportation challenges and opportunities and to recommend specific implementable actions. The study will be supported with robust public outreach throughout the process. You can find out more about the study by visiting www.rceast1.com.

Study Area
The study area is defined by Rock Creek and the Maryland border to the West, Eastern Avenue to the North, New Hampshire Avenue NE and the Red Line Metrorail tracks to the East, and Military Road NW, Missouri Avenue NW, and Riggs Road NE to the South.

The express version

Starting August 6, the 95 Express Lanes morning reversal will change to 10:30 a.m.
The 95 Express Lanes revert back to the regular reversal hours starting the Tuesday after Labor Day (September 4)

Change is coming to the 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule

We heard you. Our customers gave us feedback about the northbound reversal time and now the 95 Express Lanes reversal schedule will shift starting Monday, August 6 until the Tuesday after Labor Day (September 4). The Lanes will stay pointed northbound for an extra 30 minutes until 10:30 a.m. This is the only change to the summer reversal schedule.

Always be in the know about any Express Lanes updates. Check lane directions, traffic patterns, and real-time toll prices on our website.

GIVE INPUT ON TYSONS/OLD MEADOW ROAD BIKE/PED IMPROVEMENTS
Design public hearing is June 14 at George C. Marshall High School

FALLS CHURCH – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a design public hearing Thursday, June 14 on plans to build a pedestrian and bicycle bridge and shared-use path in the vicinity of Route 123 and I-495, to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity in the Tysons area.

Improvements include a new 10-foot shared-use path (shown in blue on map) from near Tysons One Place and Fashion Boulevard to Route 123 and Old Meadow Road via a new pedestrian and bicycle bridge over I-495; the path will mostly follow Old Meadow Road.

Stop by between 7 and 9 p.m. at George C. Marshall High School, 7731 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22043 to learn more about the project, review proposed plans and provide input. VDOT staff will be available to answer questions. A presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m.

Provide comments at the meeting, or send them to VDOT by June 29, 2018. Email or mail comments to Mr. Abi Lerner, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit the project page for more details.

I-495 EXPRESS LANES NORTHERN EXTENSION STUDY PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON JUNE 11

Learn More About Environmental Study for Proposed Extension

WHAT:	The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will host a Public Information Meeting about the environmental study of plans to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the I-495 and Dulles Toll Road interchange to the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge and Maryland line. Project staff will be on hand to answer one-on-one questions before and after the presentation.
WHEN:	Monday, June 11, 2018 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presentation at 7 p.m.
WHERE:	Cooper Middle School 977 Balls Hill Road McLean, VA 22101
RSVP:	All interested media should contact Justin McNaull at 202-253-6136 orjustin.mcnaull@vdot.virginia.gov to confirm attendance or for more information

I-66 INSIDE THE BELTWAY EASTBOUND WIDENING MEETING TUESDAY, JUNE 5

Pardon Our Dust meeting at Yorktown High School in Arlington

WHAT:	The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is holding a Pardon Our Dust meeting to discuss upcoming construction that will: Add an additional travel lane on a four-mile stretch of eastbound I-66 between the Dulles Connector Road and Fairfax Drive (Exit 71) Connect two existing ramps at the I-66 and Route 7 interchange to allow direct access from eastbound I-66 to the West Falls Church Metro Station Build a bridge for the Washington & Old Dominion (W&OD) Trail over Route 29 (Lee Highway) Construction is getting underway and the new eastbound lane is scheduled to open in Fall 2020. Meeting attendees can view project plans and talk with project team staff.
WHEN:	Tuesday, June 5, 2018 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presentation at 7 p.m.
WHERE:	Yorktown High School 5200 Yorktown Blvd, Arlington, VA 22207

Click here for a printable flyer with meeting details. Visit www.inside.transform66.org for project information.