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Dr. Gridlock: July, 2012

Posted at 09:26 AM ET, 07/31/2012

Woman goes into labor at Metro station

A 22-year-old woman went into labor on the platform at the Congress Heights station earlier Tuesday morning.

By Mark Berman  |  09:26 AM ET, 07/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Metro

Posted at 06:04 AM ET, 07/31/2012

Overturned tractor trailer spills cucumbers, blocks inner loop lanes

An overturned tractor trailer spilled cucumbers on the Beltway during the Tuesday morning commute, leading to lane closures and heavy delays.

By Mark Berman  |  06:04 AM ET, 07/31/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:01 PM ET, 07/30/2012

Amtrak accepting electronic tickets nationwide

Amtrak announced Monday that it will be accepting electronic tickets on all trains nationwide, including on the Northeast Corridor.

By Mark Berman  |  03:01 PM ET, 07/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Amtrak

Posted at 01:55 PM ET, 07/30/2012

11th Street Bridge, Beltway bottlenecks, Metro parking: the week ahead for traffic, transit

While commuter traffic is slipping into a mid-summer lull, several road projects in the D.C. region are scheduled to score major breakthroughs in the coming week.

By Robert Thomson  |  01:55 PM ET, 07/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Metro, Capital Beltway, Highways | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, District Department of Transportation, 11th Street Bridge, Virginia Department of Transportation, Wilson Bridge, Capital Beltway, Maryland Department of Transportation

Posted at 07:00 AM ET, 07/30/2012

Red Line delayed in both directions

The Red Line has delays in both directions due to a signal problem at Fort Totten. We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about any issues or delays that could slow your commute.

By Mark Berman  |  07:00 AM ET, 07/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:41 PM ET, 07/27/2012

Tell us about Metro’s ‘hot’ cars

You can report a hot car to a Metro train operator by using the intercom — and you can also let us know, by tweeting or by sending an e-mail to transportation@washpost.com.

By Lori Aratani  |  02:41 PM ET, 07/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  metro, metro cars, wmata

Posted at 12:09 PM ET, 07/27/2012

Metro adding pay-by-phone for parking spots at Fort Totten and Rockville stations

Beginning Monday, drivers parking at the Rockville and Fort Totten Metro stations will be able to pay for metered parking spots with their phones.

By Mark Berman  |  12:09 PM ET, 07/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Metro

Posted at 09:52 AM ET, 07/27/2012

Storms, Beltway widening, Metro delays, tennis and sharks: the weekend and beyond

Storms, Beltway paving and Metro maintenance are likely to be the biggest obstacles facing weekend travelers in the D.C. area.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:52 AM ET, 07/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Weekend Work, Metro, Events, Construction, Capital Beltway | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, District Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation

Posted at 05:55 AM ET, 07/27/2012

Westbound U.S. 50 reopens at Kenilworth Ave.

We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about any issues or delays that could slow your commute.

By Mark Berman  |  05:55 AM ET, 07/27/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:02 PM ET, 07/26/2012

New York Avenue Bridge closing for much of Saturday, Aug. 4

New York Avenue NE will be closed between Florida Avenue and Penn Street on Aug. 4 from 1 a.m. to 5 p.m., part of the bridge rehabilitation project.

By Mark Berman  |  04:02 PM ET, 07/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  The District

Posted at 12:05 PM ET, 07/26/2012

Mikulski demands updated audit of Metro

The Maryland senator demanded that the FTA update a 2010 safety audit of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority.

By Lori Aratani  |  12:05 PM ET, 07/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  metro, transportation, wmata, mikulski

Posted at 11:11 AM ET, 07/26/2012

Metro weekend work to affect all lines

It has become close to routine for weekend work to affect all five Metro lines, adding to riders’ concerns when they heard about the plan to set minimal standards on time between trains.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:11 AM ET, 07/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA

Posted at 05:55 AM ET, 07/26/2012

Overturned beer truck blocking I-270 North at Old Hundred Road

An overturned beer truck on I-270 North at Old Hundred Road/MD 109 is blocking northbound lanes and snarling traffic in both directions. We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about any issues or delays that could slow your commute.

By Mark Berman  |  05:55 AM ET, 07/26/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:09 PM ET, 07/25/2012

Fairfax, Montgomery leaders meet to talk traffic

Leaders from Fairfax and Montgomery counties met Wednesday to talk transportation and traffic and work jointly on solutions to help their residents spend less time on roads.

By Lori Aratani  |  05:09 PM ET, 07/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  traffic, transportation, dc region and transportation

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 07/25/2012

11th Street Bridge exit ramp to M Street SE closing overnight

The exit ramp from the westbound/inbound 11th Street Bridge to M Street SE and the Navy Yard will be closed at 10 p.m. to Thursday at 5 a.m.

By Mark Berman  |  02:31 PM ET, 07/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  District

Posted at 02:17 PM ET, 07/25/2012

DDOT closing lanes near Suitland Parkway and Firth Sterling Avenue intersection

DDOT is closing the roads Thursday to gather soil samples as part of the South Capitol Street Corridor Project.

By Mark Berman  |  02:17 PM ET, 07/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  District

Posted at 05:59 AM ET, 07/25/2012

Monitoring the Wednesday A.M. commute

We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about any issues or delays that could slow your commute.

By Mark Berman  |  05:59 AM ET, 07/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:48 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Storms could slow P.M. commute

Severe thunderstorms heading to the Washington area could lead to a slow, soggy commute home.

By Mark Berman  |  02:48 PM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Commuting

Posted at 02:41 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Montgomery, Fairfax to talk traffic, but solutions won’t come easily

Elected leaders from the two counties will consider the possibility of reviving express bus service, which failed in its most recent trial.

By Robert Thomson  |  02:41 PM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Capital Beltway, Commuter Bus, Metro, Maryland, Virginia, Tysons Corner | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, Montgomery County, Fairfax County, 495 Express Lanes, Capital Beltway, Virginia Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation

Posted at 01:37 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Wilson Bridge project revises schedule for Beltway paving near Telegraph Road

Last weekend’s storms pushed back the planned completion of the THRU and LOCAL lane paving along the Beltway in the Alexandria area.

By Robert Thomson  |  01:37 PM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Capital Beltway, Construction | Tags:  DC transportation, Wilson Bridge, Capital Beltway

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 07/24/2012

Track work could lead to MARC Camden Line delays

Track work beginning this week and lasting a month could lead to delays on MARC’s Camden Line.

By Mark Berman  |  01:14 PM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  MARC

Posted at 11:49 AM ET, 07/24/2012

Marches block streets, snarl downtown traffic

Multiple planned marches moving from the Convention Center to Lafayette Square are slowing traffic across downtown Washington, leading to street closures and heavy congestion.

By Mark Berman  |  11:49 AM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:13 AM ET, 07/24/2012

Freight train hits an SUV in Hyattsville

A freight train hit an SUV in Hyattsville on Tuesday morning, sending one woman to the hospital with serious injuries.

By Mark Berman  |  11:13 AM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Trains

Posted at 06:04 AM ET, 07/24/2012

Accident on Dulles Toll Road cleared

We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about any issues or delays that could slow your commute.

By Mark Berman  |  06:04 AM ET, 07/24/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 04:02 PM ET, 07/23/2012

Metro board to consider amended version of standard for gaps between trains

The latest draft says that under normal conditions, times between trains won’t exceed 15 minutes at peak service, 20 minutes off-peak, and 25 minutes after 10 p.m.

By Robert Thomson  |  04:02 PM ET, 07/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA

Posted at 02:53 PM ET, 07/23/2012

Lane closures, repairs set for Roosevelt Bridge

The District Department of Transportation will be repairing the Roosevelt Bridge for the next six weeks, which will lead to lane closures and potential delays.

By Mark Berman  |  02:53 PM ET, 07/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 09:33 AM ET, 07/23/2012

Hot cars, missing buses, road work delays: the week ahead for traffic, transit

The heat returns, and Metro riders will continue to have problems with hot rail cars. Road projects are causing congestion.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:33 AM ET, 07/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Metro, Construction | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, Hot cars, District Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, AIDS conference

Posted at 06:12 AM ET, 07/23/2012

MARC delays, water main break in Arlington

We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about any issues or delays that could slow your commute.

By Mark Berman  |  06:12 AM ET, 07/23/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:13 AM ET, 07/20/2012

Beltway work, Metro Red Line split: the weekend and beyond

The weather will improve for those getting around the D.C. area this weekend, but the rainy forecast did force postponement of Beltway paving in Virginia.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:13 AM ET, 07/20/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Weekend Work, Metro, Capital Beltway, Construction, Events | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, Maryland Department of Transportation, District Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation

Posted at 11:09 AM ET, 07/19/2012

Woman rescued by Metro Police after attempting to cross tracks

A 37-year-old woman briefly suspended Red line rail service Wednesday night while trying to cross from one platform to another.

By Margaret Ely  |  11:09 AM ET, 07/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:40 AM ET, 07/19/2012

Montgomery Ride On puts buses on reduced schedule after fire

The Montgomery County Ride On bus fleet is operating on a modified holiday schedule Thursday and Friday. Weekend service will be normal, the county said.

By Robert Thomson  |  07:40 AM ET, 07/19/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Transit, Montgomery County | Tags:  DC transportation, Montgomery County, Ride On, Isiah Leggett

Posted at 11:55 AM ET, 07/18/2012

Metro: Train computer problem fixed, but heat precautions could affect service

Metro said it has repaired the computer problem that forced it to halt trains twice last weekend. However, riders may find the trains slowed above ground because of the high heat.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:55 AM ET, 07/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA

Posted at 06:35 AM ET, 07/18/2012

A.M. commute: Georgetown Pike partially closed due after tree kills driver; Metro may impose heat restrictions

Georgetown Pike partially closed after fallen tree kills driver; Metro may impose heat restrictions.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard  |  06:35 AM ET, 07/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:14 PM ET, 07/17/2012

Metro revises extreme heat policy

If rail temperatures reach 135 degress, train operators may be asked to slow down.

By Lori Aratani  |  01:14 PM ET, 07/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  metro, wmata, metro and safety, metro and heat

Posted at 06:18 AM ET, 07/17/2012

A.M. commute: Red Line delays on Metro

Tuesday kicks off with more delays on Metro’s Red Line as well as scheduled closures on I-295 and I-495.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard  |  06:18 AM ET, 07/17/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:22 PM ET, 07/16/2012

Metro response to breakdown at Dupont Circle reflected safety plan

Red Line riders complained about the extent of this morning’s disruption, but Metro was carrying out a plan to prevent dangerous crowding on the Dupont Circle platform.

By Robert Thomson  |  03:22 PM ET, 07/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA:

Posted at 09:42 AM ET, 07/16/2012

Red Line delays after train problems briefly close Dupont Circle station

Two separate incidents forced Metro to briefly close Dupont Circle Station. The station has reopened but severe crowding and delays continue.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard  |  09:42 AM ET, 07/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:04 AM ET, 07/16/2012

Extra Metro employees on hand after system-wide shutdowns

Trains are running normally Monday morning, but Metro remains on alert after a computer glitch forced two shutdowns over the weekend.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard  |  07:04 AM ET, 07/16/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:16 PM ET, 07/14/2012

Computer glitch causes Metro service delay

Metro service was briefly stopped on all five lines after a computer glitch created a safety issue.

By Lori Aratani  |  03:16 PM ET, 07/14/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  wmata, service delays and wmata, metro delays

Posted at 03:24 PM ET, 07/13/2012

Metro Idol? Metro holds talent auditions

Metro is holding tryouts for MetroPerforms! part of the authority’s Art in Transit program.

By Lori Aratani  |  03:24 PM ET, 07/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 07/13/2012

Metro delays, bridge work, Beltway and parkway lane closings: The weekend and beyond

The weekend weather forecast for the D.C. area suggests we should be lazy, but road and transit work crews will be very active.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:52 AM ET, 07/13/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Weekend Work, Metro, Capital Beltway, Events | Tags:  DC Transportation, Metro, WMATA, Virginia Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation, District Department of Transportation, National Park Service, Silver Line

Posted at 09:41 AM ET, 07/12/2012

Metro board to discuss Green Line derailment, station names on Thursday

By Maggie Fazeli Fard  |  09:41 AM ET, 07/12/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:07 AM ET, 07/11/2012

Beach Drive NW closed in the District due to flooding

Commuter route closed for morning rush; Park Police say they don’t know when it will reopen.

By Malu Banuelos  |  07:07 AM ET, 07/11/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:53 AM ET, 07/10/2012

Metro to resume maintenance this weekend, affecting all rail lines

To Metrorail riders, a disruption is a disruption, no matter what the style.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:53 AM ET, 07/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA

Posted at 08:05 AM ET, 07/10/2012

Victim in fatal hit-and-run near Pentagon was veteran

The pedestrian killed in a fatal hit-and-run accident Tuesday morning in Arlington is a 62-year-old veteran from the Boston area, police said.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard and Allison Klein  |  08:05 AM ET, 07/10/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 07:52 PM ET, 07/09/2012

Virginia decides to impose E-ZPass account fees

The new fees start on Sept. 1, but the Virginia Department of Transportation announced breaks for drivers who already hold accounts and for carpoolers who plan to use the new express lanes.

By Robert Thomson  |  07:52 PM ET, 07/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Driving, Virginia | Tags:  DC transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, E-ZPass

Posted at 05:33 PM ET, 07/09/2012

Beltway paving continues on inner loop in Virginia

Lane closings on the Beltway’s inner loop in the Alexandria area will continue this week.

By Robert Thomson  |  05:33 PM ET, 07/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Capital Beltway | Tags:  DC transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Capital Beltway, Wilson Bridge

Posted at 03:36 PM ET, 07/09/2012

Metro failed riders during Green Line stranding

While Friday’s evacuation from a derailed Green Line train went relatively smoothly, the same can’t be said of Tuesday’s stranding and Metro’s response.

By Robert Thomson  |  03:36 PM ET, 07/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, Green Line

Posted at 09:31 AM ET, 07/09/2012

Heat wave gone, Green Line back: the week ahead for traffic, transit

Temperatures should be near normal this week. Same for Metrorail service, we hope. But some significant delays remain on the highways in the D.C. area.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:31 AM ET, 07/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Metro, Capital Beltway | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, District Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation, Capital Beltway

Posted at 06:17 AM ET, 07/09/2012

What to expect on your Monday morning commute

We’re keeping tabs on the morning rush hour, letting you know about the major issues and delays.

By Maggie Fazeli Fard  |  06:17 AM ET, 07/09/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 01:45 PM ET, 07/07/2012

Metro: ‘Heat kink’ in rail likely caused derailment

A section of rail that expanded and warped in the hot weather could have knocked the cars off-track.

By Ted Trautman  |  01:45 PM ET, 07/07/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 05:27 PM ET, 07/06/2012

Green Line Metro train derails in Prince George’s

A Green Line train derailed, shutting down service on a stretch of the line and causing delays system-wide.

By Clarence Williams and Lori Aratani  |  05:27 PM ET, 07/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 11:35 AM ET, 07/06/2012

Heat, Metro disruptions, Beltway paving: The weekend and beyond

Metro cancelled its extensive track work plan for this weekend after Friday’s Green Line derailment, but drivers face slowdowns for many paving projects.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:35 AM ET, 07/06/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Weekend Work, Metro, Capital Beltway | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, Virginia Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation, Extreme weather

Posted at 03:07 PM ET, 07/03/2012

July 4th transit, transportation changes

The holiday will bring altered Metro service as well as parking restrictions, canceled or limited commuter buses and changes to parking enforcement.

By Mark Berman  |  03:07 PM ET, 07/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 02:36 PM ET, 07/03/2012

Silver Line will add challenges to already stressed Metro service

Many regional leaders applaud Loudoun’s endorsement of the Silver Line, but someday it will be a real commuter line with everyday problems, like the Rush Plus adjustments.

By Robert Thomson  |  02:36 PM ET, 07/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro, Silver Line | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, Silver Line, Rush Plus

Posted at 06:08 AM ET, 07/03/2012

What to expect on your Tuesday morning commute

The Tuesday morning commute is likely to be difficult throughout the region, as travelers encounter delays and detours due to the storm’s lingering effects.

By Mark Berman  |  06:08 AM ET, 07/03/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 03:03 PM ET, 07/02/2012

I-66 H.O.V. rules lifted for Tuesday

The Virginia Department of Transportation has lifted the H.O.V. requirement for Interstate 66 inside the Beltway on Tuesday

By Mark Berman  |  03:03 PM ET, 07/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Virginia

Posted at 02:09 PM ET, 07/02/2012

Heat restrictions for VRE, MARC trains

VRE and MARC trains will operate under heat restrictions Monday afternoon and evening, which could lead to delays.

By Mark Berman  |  02:09 PM ET, 07/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  MARC, VRE

Posted at 11:47 AM ET, 07/02/2012

Heat, dark lights and a holiday: The week ahead for D.C. area traffic, transit

Darkened traffic signals remain a problem, but traffic volume is down before the mid-week July 4 holiday.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:47 AM ET, 07/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Metro | Tags:  DC transportation, Metro, WMATA, July 4, DC storm, District Department of Transportation, Maryland Department of Transportation, Virginia Department of Transportation

Posted at 11:32 AM ET, 07/02/2012

I-66 HOV rules lifted for Monday’s evening commute

The HOV restrictions will be lifted on westbound I-66 inside the Beltway for Monday evening’s commute.

By Mark Berman  |  11:32 AM ET, 07/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Tags:  Virginia

Posted at 09:21 AM ET, 07/02/2012

Chat with Dr. Gridlock at noon Monday

Dr. Gridlock will be chatting with readers at noon Monday, tackling everything from the weekend’s power outages and related traffic issues to Sunday’s Metro fare increase.

By Mark Berman  |  09:21 AM ET, 07/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

Posted at 12:00 AM ET, 07/02/2012

After the storm: What to expect on your Monday morning commute

The commute is likely to be difficult throughout the region, as travelers encounter delays and detours.

By Mark Berman  |  12:00 AM ET, 07/02/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)

 

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