JoAnne Kukoda
Reston
Let's let them speak. I believe using Dulles Toll Road revenue to help expand Metrorail in the same area is a suitable use, because it should alleviate some congestion on the Dulles Toll Road.
I've been against using toll revenues for other purposes, such as having Interstate 95 tolls in Maryland go to Port of Baltimore improvements. But that is not the case here.
There are still more financing questions, but as it stands now, the extension of the Orange Line from a point near the West Falls Church Metro station through Tysons Corner to Wiehle Avenue in Reston would be ready by 2011 (with groundbreaking next year), and the portion to Dulles International Airport and Route 772 in Loudoun County would be ready in 2015. Those dates seem optimistic to me.
I think a good number of commuters from western Fairfax and Loudoun County would love to trade their arduous commutes and exorbitant parking fees for riding Metro. But let's hear from them.
Show the Way on 295
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I live in Arlington and travel on Interstate 395, the Sousa Bridge and Route 295 in the District to get to Baltimore. But I cannot figure out how to replicate that route to return home.
Specifically, what do I do as I'm traveling south on Route 295? Can you tell me how to do that?
John Phillips
Arlington
Join the club. You have to know someone to make this secret maneuver, as there are no signs to help you. Take D.C. Route 295 south to the next exit beyond Pennsylvania Avenue. The sign will read: "Howard Road, Downtown."
At the base of the exit ramp, take a right onto Howard Road. Go one block to the next stop light. Turn right and follow the ramps onto the South Capitol Street Bridge. Continue on South Capitol Street, heading straight for the U.S. Capitol, and you will see overhead signs directing you onto the ramp for "I-395, Richmond."
It would help a number of confused motorists, as judged by my mail over the years, if the D.C. Department of Transportation (DDOT) would put up a sign on southbound D.C. Route 295 directing motorists to use the Howard Road exit for "South Capitol Street Bridge; I-395 South." Then follow that up with signs along the route to the bridge.
