How about it, DDOT director Dan Tangherlini?
An Emergency Access
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
When there is an accident or bad weather that ties up traffic on the Dulles Toll Road, the powers that be should open up the Dulles Access Road to all commuters. We paid for it and should be able to use it if needed.
Two lanes for traffic each way on the access road is too much; you hardly see enough traffic on it to warrant even one lane each way.
Maria J. Verdon
Sterling
You raise two questions: How about opening the access road during accident or weather congestion, and why isn't there more public access to what seems to be an under-used access road?
The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, which owns the access road, does allow all vehicles to use the road if the Virginia State Police request it, according to Tara Hamilton, authority spokeswoman. If you see an incident where the access road should be opened for emergency traffic -- but isn't -- send me the details and I'll inquire.
Over the years many residents and legislators have proposed opening the access road for commuter traffic, at least during rush hours. The authority's answer is always the same: No. The road was built for convenient, quick travel to and from Dulles International Airport. Allowances for general public use would impinge on that mission. I support that position.
For those new to the area, the Dulles Toll Road is open to all vehicles, while the parallel, four-lane Dulles Access Road is restricted to motorists with business at the airport.
A Developing Squeeze
Dear Dr. Gridlock:
I ride Metro's Orange Line to work from the Vienna station. Since Vienna is an end of the line, I'm able to get a seat. The train is often too full to pick up passengers waiting at stations closer to Washington.
Heading home from Foggy Bottom in the evenings, I'm one of many left standing on the platform, hopelessly watching packed trains leave without me.
Recently, I had to wait 35 minutes on a platform, watching full train after full train pass until I was finally able to squeeze onto one.
