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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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PROVIDE COMMENTS ON I-395 SHIRLINGTON IMPROVEMENTS STUDY
Public information meeting is June 12 at Drew Model Elementary School

ARLINGTON – Join the Virginia Department of Transportation on Wednesday, June 12 to learn about and give input on alternatives identified by a study assessing the safety and operational improvements at the I-395 Shirlington interchange (Exit 6), as well as at the following:

·         The ramp from South Glebe Road (Route 120) to southbound I-395

·         The intersection of South Shirlington Road and South Arlington Mill Drive

·         The intersection of Gunston Road and Martha Custis Drive

The study has collected data on traffic volumes and vehicle movements and identified safety and operational issues. Learn more about the study’s identified alternatives, which aim to reduce congestion and crashes as well as boost the interchange’s overall performance. The study is being financed with federal funds and is expected to be finalized in fall 2019.

Residents are invited to stop by Drew Model Elementary School, 3500 23rd Street South, Arlington, VA 22206 between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. to view displays and learn more about the study. A presentation will begin at 7:30 p.m. VDOT staff will be on hand to answer questions.

Give comments at the meeting, or e-mail or mail them by June 24, 2019, to Ms. Olivia Daniszewski, EIT, Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit the study page for more details.

 

Giant National Capital Barbecue Battle - Washington, DC

June 22nd & 23rd, Pennsylvania Ave between 3rd & 7th Sts, NW

Enjoy BBQ perfection at Washington’s tastiest summer celebration bringing together delicious BBQ, delectable summer specialties, nationally-recognized BBQ contests, popular bands, celebrity chefs & more.  Visit “The Drive” tent, 94.7 FM home to D.C.'s greatest hits, featuring a blend of top rock, pop, and R&B from the '70s, '80s, and '90s.

 

GIVE FEEDBACK ON ROUTE 29 WIDENING IN FAIRFAX 
Design public hearing is June 10 at the VDOT Northern Virginia District Building

FAIRFAX – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a design public hearing Monday, June 10 on plans to reconstruct and widen 1.5 miles of Route 29 (Lee Highway) from four lanes to six between Union Mill Road (Route 659) and Buckleys Gate Drive to relieve congestion and improve safety and operations.

The project will also add and improve shared-use paths along both sides of Route 29 to provide better bicyclist and pedestrian access to the trails at the Fairfax County Parkway/West Ox Road interchange.

The project is being financed with state (including Smart Scale) funding and the I-66 concession fee.

Stop by between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. in the Potomac Conference Room of the VDOT Northern Virginia District Building, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030 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 p.m.

Provide comments at the meeting, or send them to VDOT by June 20, 2019. Email or mail comments to Ms. Hong Ha, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit the project page for more details.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK ON I-495 EXPRESS LANES NORTHERN EXTENSION STUDY AT MAY 20 PUBLIC MEETING

Join VDOT for open house and presentation to learn more about environmental study underway of plans to extend I-495 Express Lanes from 

WHAT: 

The public is invited to learn more about and provide input on a Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) study of plans to extend the I-495 Express Lanes by two and a half miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. This study, which kicked off in May 2018, is proposed to help address one of the worst bottlenecks in the region and reduce cut-through traffic in local neighborhoods. VDOT will provide updates on:

  • The Environmental Assessment being prepared by VDOT in compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), to include traffic, noise, and environmental studies
  • Project delivery and implementation plans
  • Preliminary design concepts to extend the Express Lanes including concepts for pedestrian and bicycle improvements along the corridor

WHEN: 

Monday, May 20, 2019

6:30-8:30 p.m.

Open House: 6:30 – 7 p.m.

Presentation: 7 – 8 p.m.

Questions and Answers: 8 – 8:30 p.m

WHERE:

Cooper Middle School

977 Balls Hill Road

McLean, VA 22101

WHY:

Public input and understanding are important parts of VDOT’s project planning and development. Written comments can be submitted at the May 20 meeting or by mail, email or online. Comments received by June 10, 2019, will be included in the meeting summary. Visit 495NorthernExtension.org for more information.

A public hearing on the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension Study will be held later this year.

ATTEND ONE OF TWO MEETINGS ON ROUTE 7 CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS

FAIRFAX – The Virginia Department of Transportation is holding two public information meetings in May on the latest design and construction plans to improve about seven miles of Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) between Reston Avenue and Jarrett Valley Drive in Fairfax County.

The project includes widening the road from four to six lanes, adding shared-use paths along both sides, replacing the bridge over Difficult Run, and making substantial intersection and other improvements along the corridor. These improvements aim to enhance safety, decrease congestion, increase capacity, and expand mobility for all users, as part of Fairfax County’s Comprehensive Plan.

Meetings will take place on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 7
Forestville Elementary School
1085 Utterback Store Road, Great Falls, VA 22066

Tuesday, May 14
Colvin Run Elementary School
1400 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182

Each meeting will be from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a presentation at 7:30 p.m.

At the meetings, the team will share information on the design-build phase of the project, including the latest design and schedule, and the transition to construction work coming in 2019. Staff will also be available to answer questions on stormwater management, right of way, environmental topics, traffic engineering, and noise walls.

This project includes federal, state (including Smart Scale), Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and Fairfax County funds.

Provide comments at the meeting or send to VDOT by May 26, 2019. E-mail or mail comments to Mr. Arifur Rahman, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit ConnectRoute7.org for more details.

On Friday, May 17, 2019 Commuter Connections and the Washington Area Bicyclist Association invite you to celebrate bicycling as a clean, fun, and healthy way to get to work. Be one of the first 20,000 to register and attend this FREE EVENT, then bike to your choice of 115 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA and receive a free T-shirt, refreshments, and be entered into a raffle for a new bicycle.

COMMENT ON RICHMOND HIGHWAY CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS 

Design Public Hearing is March 26 at Mount Vernon High School  

ALEXANDRIA – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a design public hearing Tuesday, March 26 on plans to improve about three miles of Richmond Highway (Route 1) from Jeff Todd Way to Sherwood Hall Lane in Fairfax County.

The recommended design will widen the road from four to six lanes, provide bike paths and sidewalks on both sides of the road, and reserve the median width necessary to accommodateFairfax County's future Bus Rapid Transit plans for dedicated bus-only lanes.

Preliminary engineering and right of way have been fully funded by federal, state, and county sources, as well as the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority.

The public is invited to stop by between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. in the auditorium/cafeteria (use entrance 4) at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road, Alexandria, VA 22039 to learn more about the project, as well as review and provide input on the preferred design plans. VDOT staff will be available to answer questions. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

If canceled due to inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the same time on Thursday, April 11.

The project team is particularly seeking feedback on proposed underpasses for bicyclists and pedestrians at Dogue Creek and Little Hunting Creek. Comments may be provided at the meeting or sent to VDOT by April 26, 2019. Email or mail comments to Mr. Dan Reinhard, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit www.virginiadot.org/richmondhighway for more information and to review materials before the meeting.

 

GIVE INPUT ON ROUTE 29 BICYCLE AND PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS
Public information meeting is March 5 at Fairhill Elementary School 

FAIRFAX – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a public information meeting Tuesday, March 5 on plans to construct missing segments of the shared-use path along northbound Route 29 (Lee Highway) between Vaden Drive and Nutley Street (Route 243) to improve safety and accessibility for bicyclists and pedestrians. The project will also extend the Route 29 culvert over the tributary of Accotink Creek just west of Nutley Street to accommodate the shared-use path.

The project is being funded by part of the concession fee provided under the Transform 66 Outside the Beltway Project Comprehensive Agreement.

Stop by between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m. at Fairhill Elementary School, 3001 Chichester Lane, Fairfax, VA 22031 to learn more about the project and review proposed plans. VDOT staff will be available to answer questions. A presentation will begin at 7 p.m.

If canceled due to inclement weather, the meeting will be held at the same time on Tuesday, March 19.

Provide comments at the meeting, or send them to VDOT by March 15, 2019. Email or mail comments to Ms. Hong Ha, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Visit the project page for more details.

 

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.

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