Other Ways to Come Out a Winner at the Ballpark

Mr. Trew said he uses the New Jersey Avenue route: "People can walk up Half Street with the crowd, and then cut over at M Street or go up another block and then cut over. Also, just after you cross over the railroad tracks on New Jersey, there is a little stairway that cuts down to Garfield Park on the right, and you can walk up First Street. I do that myself."

Some readers, many of whom haven't visited this area in a while, have expressed concern about the safety of a walking route.

"This area is changing fast," Trew said in an e-mail. "You've seen all the construction. There are loads of police around, too, and more than a few fans use this route already, so people shouldn't worry."

I think the New Jersey Avenue route is a fine choice, not only for the 20 minutes of exercise but also to avoid the congestion at Navy Yard Station or at the L'Enfant Plaza and Gallery Place Metrorail transfer points.

A little walk might be just the thing for baseball fans June 7 and 8, the last of four weekends for Metrorail's switch replacement project at Mount Vernon Square. Delays on the Green and Yellow lines will be extensive, and the transit authority is advising riders to add 30 to 45 minutes to their travel times through downtown Washington.

If you're not inclined to walk, look for the free Metrobus shuttles to Eastern Market, Union Station or Federal Center Southwest that will be operating after the seventh inning from New Jersey Avenue and M Street.

Headlight Reminders

Dear Dr. Gridlock: