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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Shift into Gear: Bike to Work Day 2022 Nearly Here

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Bike to Work Day

Join the Washington, DC region’s FREE Bike to Work Day event on Friday, May 20, 2022 at 100 pit stops in DC, MD, and VA for a fun, healthy, and green way to start your day. The first 15,000 who register and attend a pit stop will receive a FREE T-shirt. FREE giveaways, food, and beverages while supplies last. Registrants will also be automatically entered into a FREE raffle for a chance to win one of many bikes. To register, and for a complete listing of 2022 Bike to Work Day pit stop locations and times, visit www.biketoworkmetrodc.org.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING NEXT MONDAY,

DEC. 6 ON 395 EXPRESS LANES/SEMINARY ROAD HOV RAMP PROJECT

Learn about and provide input on plans to convert Seminary Road HOV-only ramp to express lanes ramp

ALEXANDRIA – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public information meeting Monday night, December 6, on plans to convert the 395 Express Lanes/Seminary Road Ramp from a High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) ramp to a High Occupancy Toll (or express lanes) ramp. This meeting is a follow-up to VDOT’s previous public meeting for the project held on December 9, 2019, and will include a project overview and status update. VDOT will also present and seek input on draft design plans for the ramp conversion.

This south-facing reversible ramp at I-395 and Seminary Road falls within the limits of and provides access to the 395 Express Lanes. Currently, this ramp operates as an HOV-only ramp, providing access to the 395 Express Lanes at all times for carpools and buses. VDOT’s private operator of the 395 Express Lanes, Transurban, is proposing to convert this ramp from an HOV-only ramp to an express lanes ramp. This ramp would provide access to the 395 Express Lanes for vehicles with fewer than three occupants who pay a toll, and would continue to be available toll-free for HOV vehicles with three or more occupants.

The 395 Express Lanes/Seminary Road HOV Ramp Conversion Project would be implemented by VDOT, in partnership with Transurban. VDOT would maintain oversight, while Transurban would design, implement needed changes, and maintain the project.

Virtual Public Information Meeting Details:

Monday, December 6, 2021 6:30-8:30 p.m. (presentation at 6:30 p.m., followed by comments, and question and answer period)

· Join the meeting via WebEx (link and details at https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/i-395-seminary_road_hov_ramp-virtual_public_information_meeting.asp;

· Participate in listen-only mode, call 866-692-4530 (use access code 2424-608-4393); or

· Watch via VDOT’s Live You Tube Channel (find link at https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/i-395-seminary_road_hov_ramp-virtual_public_information_meeting.asp

Ways to Provide Your Input:

The public can provide their comments during the December 6 virtual meeting, or following the meeting until December 16, 2021, via the online comment form, email to meetingcomments@VDOT.Virginia.gov, or mail to Mr. Abi Lerner, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030. Please reference “I-395/Seminary Road HOV Ramp” in the subject line of all related correspondence.

Meeting information, materials and the presentation will be available online at https://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northern_virginia/i-395-seminary_road_hov_ramp-virtual_public_information_meeting.asp, including the recorded presentation after the meeting. Individuals can also contact VDOT staff at 703-691-6715 for more information.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING NOV. 30 ON

RICHMOND HIGHWAY (ROUTE 1) SPEED LIMIT STUDY

Participate and give feedback online; learn more atvirginiadot.org/Route1SpeedLimitStudy

FAIRFAX – The Virginia Department of Transportation will hold a virtual public information meeting Tuesday, Nov. 30 on a study assessing the speed limit on about eight miles of Richmond Highway (Route 1) between Belvoir Road/Meade Road and I-95/I-495 (Capital Beltway) to improve safety for all users, including pedestrians, bicyclists, drivers, and transit users.

Richmond Highway (Route 1) averages about 55,000 vehicles a day within the study limits based on 2019 data, and the existing posted speed limit is 45 MPH.

Get Involved

In lieu of an in-person meeting, VDOT invites residents and travelers to learn more, participate in the virtual meeting and give feedback in the following ways through Friday, Dec. 10:

· Attend the Tuesday, Nov. 30 online meeting. Register atvirginiadot.org/Route1SpeedLimitStudyor to participate without registering in listen-only mode, call 866-952-8437 (use access code 840-652-473). The study team will make a short presentation beginning at 7 p.m. and answer questions for about an hour after the presentation. In case an alternate date is needed, the meeting will be held Thursday, Dec. 16.

· Provide comments via the online survey or by email to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov.

· Mail comments to Ms. Tien-Jung “Tina” Ho, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

A draft report and recommendations are scheduled to be presented at a second public information meeting in spring 2022, with the final report scheduled to be completed in the summer.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need more information or special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.

Extended comment deadline for Managed Lanes Study

In an effort to keep you informed of the status of I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) and your opportunities to comment, I am pleased to share an update regarding the public comment period. The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) today announced a 15-day extension of the public comment period for the SDEIS.

The Managed Lanes Study will accept comments through 11:59 p.m. on November 30, 2021.

I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are reminding the public that two virtual public hearing sessions will be held on Monday, November 1, for the I-495 & I-270 Managed Lanes Study Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS). The Study considers ways to relieve congestion and improve trip reliability, mobility and connectivity for modes of travel, including transit, in the National Capital Region.

Individuals are invited to provide verbal testimony via phone during the virtual public hearing sessions scheduled from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Please register in advance to testify by phone by visiting OpLanesMD.com/SDEIS, dialing 833-858-5960 or clicking on the following link:

Register for Virtual Public Hearing Sessions

Members of the public will be allotted three minutes and elected officials will be allotted five minutes, per person, for verbal testimony. Responses to questions will not be given at the hearing.

In addition to providing live verbal testimony, stakeholders also may leave a single voicemail message limited to three minutes with their verbal testimony during the virtual hearing sessions by dialing 855-432-1483.

The public can watch the livestream at OpLanesMD.com/SDEIS or listen by telephone by dialing 855-432-1483.

Prior to attending a public hearing session or providing verbal or written comments, the public is encouraged to review the presentation and the SDEIS online. Hard copies of the SDEIS and electronic copies of the SDEIS technical reports also are available for review at multiple library locations in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, as well as one in Fairfax County, Virginia and one in Washington, D.C.

In addition to the virtual public hearing sessions and call-in voicemail testimony, written comments will be accepted for the official record through 11:59 PM November 15, 2021.

Those interested may:

· submit an electronic comment form

· email at oplanesMLS@mdot.maryland.gov

· send a written letter about the SDEIS to:

Jeffrey T. Folden, P.E, DBIA

Director, I-495 & I-270 P3 Office

Maryland Department of Transportation

State Highway Administration

707 North Calvert Street

Mail Stop P-601

Baltimore, MD 21202

Phase 1 South Toll Rate Range Setting Process

American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370

Comments Accepted until 5 p.m.
October 28, 2021

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) today announced the opening of the second public comment period as part of the toll rate range setting process for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The announcement follows the MDTA Board vote that establishes a four-week public comment period for the recommended toll rate ranges presented by MDTA staff during today’s livestreamed MDTA Board meeting.

Starting today, September 30, public comment is being accepted on the recommended action, which is available for review at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting. As part of the second comment period, written and voicemail comments will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. October 28. Those wishing to provide comments may:

submit an electronic comment form at maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting;
download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
print and mail a completed comment form to Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224; or
provide a single voicemail message 24/7, limited to three minutes, by calling 855-701-1977.

As a result of comments received during the first public comment period, which ran May 20 to August 14 and included in-person and virtual call-in public hearings, the recommended toll rate ranges reflect a new base minimum per-mile toll rate of 17 cents per mile, which is lower than the 20 cents per mile proposed in May. The 17 cents per mile recommendation is consistent with the base off-peak minimum per-mile toll rate for the MDTA’s Intercounty Connector (ICC)/MD 200.

Elements of the recommended toll rate ranges for public comment include:

Minimum and Maximum Toll Rate Ranges: This is the lowest and highest per-mile toll rates that may be charged within any tolling segment. The minimum toll rate also refers to the lowest total toll (not per mile) that may be charged, regardless of how far a vehicle travels, to ensure short HOT lanes trips are charged a flat minimum toll to cover toll collection costs. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the maximum per-mile toll rates nor to the minimum toll rate (not per mile).

Soft Rate Cap: A per-mile toll rate within each toll rate range that can only be exceeded if and when vehicle speed is reduced, or traffic volumes increase, to predetermined speed and throughput thresholds. The caps protect our customers by ensuring the Section Developer may only exceed a specific per-mile toll rate (within the approved ranges) for the impacted tolling segment as specified by predetermined thresholds. This will provide drivers choosing to use the HOT lanes a faster and more reliable trip. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the soft rate cap.
Discounts: To provide opportunities for faster, more reliable carpooling, vanpooling and transit options, free passage will be granted in the HOT lanes for High Occupancy Vehicles (HOV) 3+ (all vehicles carrying three or more passengers) and buses, as well as for motorcycles. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the discounts.
Escalation Factors: The approved toll rate ranges are intended for the duration of the Phase 1 South agreement. For the toll rates to effectively manage demand and ensure reliability for users of the HOT lanes into the future, the maximum toll rate range, soft rate cap and unregistered video surcharge will escalate over time to account for inflation, population employment and income growth. The minimum per-mile toll rate and minimum toll are subject to escalation for inflation only. There are no changes from the May 20 proposal to the escalation factors.

All comments received during the comment period will be given equal consideration. The MDTA encourages the public to review the toll rate range recommendation for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting prior to commenting.

More details on the new RPA can be found at https://oplanesmd.com/environmental/alternatives/rpa/.

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

SEPT. 29 FOR I-495 EXPRESS LANES

NORTHERN EXTENSION PROJECT

Get latest updates and information about efforts to

improve travel, bring relief and multimodal solutions

to I-495 and Capital Beltway area

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a Virtual Public Information Meeting on September 29, 2021, to present the latest updates and information related to the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project. The 495 NEXT project involves extending Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. This important project is advancing to the design and construction phase following more than three years of environmental study and traffic analysis. In June 2021, VDOT received a “Finding of No Significant Impact,” from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on its environmental assessment, and an approval from FHWA on its interchange justification report, setting the stage for the project to move to the implementation phase.

The Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration (MDOT SHA) will participate in this meeting to provide an update on their New American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-70 Traffic Relief Plan, with a focus on proposed project improvements in Virginia near the George Washington Memorial Parkway and across the American Legion Bridge into Maryland. Information on this project can be found at 495-270-p3.com.

Meeting details include: Virtual Public Information Meeting

Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Presentations at 6:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session)

Visit 495NorthernExtension.org for the meeting link and details on how to participate. Call 703-691-6715 with questions about joining the meeting.

Plan to join this virtual public information meeting for updates on these important projects and ongoing collaboration and coordination between Virginia and Maryland project teams to improve travel and bring relief and multimodal solutions to I-495 and the Capital Beltway area. Information about transit plans and commitments also will be provided.

VDOT ensures nondiscrimination and equal employment in all programs and activities in accordance with Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. If you need special assistance for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency, contact VDOT Civil Rights at 703-259-1775.

Walk Maryland Day

7th Annual Walk Maryland Day

Wednesday, October 6, 2021

Walk Maryland Day is a celebration of our state’s official exercise and a call to action to promote walking for physical activity and improved health. Walk Leaders are the change agents from different sectors of the community who see the health benefits of walking and encourage fellow Marylanders to take time out of their day to enjoy a walk within their community. “Sole Mates” are participants who sign up to join registered walks throughout the State. https://mdot.maryland.gov/tso/pages/Index.aspx?PageId=79

Take the Car Free Day 2021 pledge to reduce traffic congestion and enhance the air quality in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. It’s free! All who take the pledge will be sent a $30 promo code from Nift (Neighborhood Gift) to spend at local neighborhood businesses. Plus, you will be automatically eligible to win great prizes such as a Samsung tablet, gift cards to popular restaurants and stores, annual memberships, transit passes, and more! www.carfreemetrodc.org

VIRTUAL PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING

SEPT. 29 FOR I-495 EXPRESS LANES

NORTHERN EXTENSION PROJECT

Get the latest updates and information about efforts to

improve travel, bring relief and multimodal solutions

to I-495 and Capital Beltway area

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will hold a Virtual Public Information Meeting on September 29, 2021, to present the latest updates and information related to the I-495 Express Lanes Northern Extension (495 NEXT) project. The 495 NEXT project involves extending Virginia’s 495 Express Lanes by approximately three miles from the Dulles Toll Road interchange to the George Washington Memorial Parkway interchange in the vicinity of the American Legion Bridge. This important project is advancing to the design and construction phase following more than three years of environmental study and traffic analysis. In June 2021, VDOT received a “Finding of No Significant Impact,” from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on its environmental assessment, and approval from FHWA on its interchange justification report, setting the stage for the project to move to the implementation phase.

Meeting details include:

Virtual Public Information Meeting

Wednesday, September 29, 2021, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (Presentations at 6:30 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session)

Visit 495NorthernExtension.org for the meeting link and details on how to participate. Call 703-691-6715 with questions about joining the meeting.

ONE WEEK LEFT TO COMMENT ON PROPOSED HOT LANE TOLL RATE RANGES FOR PHASE 1 SOUTH: AMERICAN LEGION BRIDGE I-270 TO I-370

Public Comments Accepted Through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is reminding the public that one week remains in the comment period for the proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lane toll rate ranges for Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The public comment period opened May 20 and continues through 5 p.m. August 12. Staff will present the public comment period summary to the MDTA Board Members and post online at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting during the August 26 MDTA Board meeting.

Written comments and call-in testimony through voicemail will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12. Those interested may:

submit an electronic comment form at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting;
download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
print and mail a completed comment form to Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment, Maryland Transportation Authority, 2310 Broening Highway, Baltimore, MD 21224; or
provide call-in testimony at 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail that is limited to three minutes.

ALL COMMENTS received will be given EQUAL CONSIDERATION. The MDTA encourages the public to review all public hearing materials available in the Virtual Information Room at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting prior to commenting. MDTA’s toll rate range proposal is limited in focus to solely Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370. The elements of the MDTA staff tolling proposal for public comment are Minimum and Maximum Toll Rate Ranges, Soft Rate Caps, Escalation Factors and Discounts that are detailed in the public hearing materials.

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) is holding public hearings on July 12 and July 14 as part of the toll rate range setting process public comment period for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes within Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370.

Two in-person testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, at the Hilton Washington D.C./Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, and two call-in testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14. There will be no formal presentation during the public hearings and no responses to questions can be given. The public can listen live to the hearings via telephone (855-701-1977) or live stream at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting.

Phase 1 South Toll Rate Range Setting Process Public Hearings

The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) has scheduled public hearings on July 12 and July 14 as part of the toll rate range setting process public comment period for proposed High Occupancy Toll (HOT) lanes within Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge I-270 to I-370.

Two in-person testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 12, at the Hilton Washington D.C./Rockville Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Rockville, and two call-in testimony hearing sessions are being held from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 14. There will be no formal presentation during the public hearings, and no responses to questions will be given. The public can listen live to the hearings via telephone (855-701-1977) or livestream at mdta.maryland.gov/ALB270TollSetting.

In addition to the hearings, written comments and call-in testimony through voicemail will be accepted for the official record through 5 p.m. Thursday, August 12. Those interested may:

submit an electronic comment form;
download and email a completed comment form to ALB270TollSetting@mdta.maryland.gov;
print and mail a completed comment form to
Phase 1 South: American Legion Bridge
I-270 to I-370 Toll Rate Range Public Comment
Maryland Transportation Authority
2310 Broening Highway
Baltimore, MD 21224; or
provide call-in testimony at 855-701-1977 and leave a single voicemail that is limited to three minutes.

Click here to register or call 888-725-0174.

GIVE FEEDBACK ON STUDY OF ROUTE 1/123 INTERSECTION

View the presentation online and take the survey through May 24; learn more at virginiadot.org/WoodbridgeStars

WOODBRIDGE – The Virginia Department of Transportation is asking travelers in Woodbridge to give feedback on a study of potential improvements for the intersection of Route 1 and Route 123. While the recently completed widening, shared-use path, and sidewalk have improved conditions along Route 1, the intersection at Route 123 is expected to experience higher traffic volumes in the future.

The study alternatives are assessing connecting Route 123 and Belmont Bay Drive to reduce traffic at the Route 1 and Occoquan Road intersection, constructing a partial or full grade-separated interchange, and pedestrian, bicycle, and transit enhancements to improve traffic flow and safety. At the intersection, Route 123 currently averages 19,000 vehicles a day, and Route 1 averages 39,000.

In lieu of an in-person presentation, VDOT invites residents and travelers to learn more and share feedback from home. View the presentation online to learn about draft alternatives developed for the Route 1 and Route 123 intersection, and give input and comments by taking the online survey through May 24.

The presentation and survey (also available in Spanish) and more study details are available at virginiadot.org/WoodbridgeStars. Comments can also be sent to meetingcomments@vdot.virginia.gov or to Ms. Angel Tao, P.E., Virginia Department of Transportation, 4975 Alliance Drive, Fairfax, VA 22030.

Please note that these studies do not set construction dates for any improvements, but develop proposed improvements that localities can pursue for funding.

Other Area Studies

Potential safety and operational improvements are also being studied for the nearby intersection at Route 123 and Old Bridge Road, as well as the adjacent I-95 and Route 123 interchange. Opportunities to learn more and comment on the Route 123 and Old Bridge Road study will be announced later this month. For the study of the I-95 and Route 123 interchange, comments were invited earlier this spring, with the final study expected to be complete later this summer.

These studies are being completed through VDOT’s Strategically Targeted Affordable Roadway Solutions (STARS) program that aim to identify cost-effective measures to improve safety and reduce congestion. The final studies are expected to be complete and posted online this summer.

View this release online.

NEWS & EVENTS