Dr. Gridlock's Traffic FAQ

Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William counties: call the Virginia Department of Transportation at 703-383-VDOT or report a problem online.

How do I report a highway problem?

In the District, call 202-727-1000.

In Maryland, call the district office of the State Highway Administration serving your area to request maintenance for any road identified by a route number. To report a signal problem, call 410-787-7650 during business hours or 410-582-5650 at other times.

The Baltimore-Washington Parkway is maintained by the National Park Service. Call 301-344-3948.

In Virginia, call VDOT at 703-383-VDOT.

How do I avoid I-95 on the way to New York or Boston?

From east of Washington, take the Baltimore-Washington Parkway to the Baltimore Beltway (Interstate 695) north and get off at Interstate 83 north to Harrisburg, Pa., then pick up Interstate 81 north. From west of Washington, take Interstate 270 (or Route 15) north to Frederick, then Route 15 to Harrisburg, then Route 581 east to I-83 north to I-81 north.

To New York, pick up Interstate 78 just past Harrisburg and continue east across Pennsylvania and New Jersey all the way to the Holland Tunnel. To Boston, continue on I-81 to Scranton, then take Interstate 84 east across New York and Connecticut, connecting with Interstate 90 east (Massachusetts Turnpike) at Sturbridge, Mass. Continue east into Boston, or connect with Interstate 495 or Interstate 95 around Boston to continue on I-95 to Maine.

What emergency numbers should I program into my cell phone?

Use 911 as a general emergency number. Dialing #77 in Maryland or Virginia will connect you directly to state police, who can respond to highway emergencies. Have the numbers of your local mechanic and your automobile club on hand in case your car needs roadside service.