Dr. Gridlock: BRAC


Posted at 09:25 AM ET, 03/08/2012

Road work starting near Bethesda medical center
By Robert Thomson
Commuters along the Route 355 corridor in Bethesda may notice the start today of the two-week closing of Elmhirst Drive, north of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:25 AM ET, 03/08/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Commuting, Maryland, Montgomery County | Tags:  DC transportation, Maryland transportation, BRAC, Metro, WMATA

Posted at 09:20 AM ET, 01/30/2012

The week ahead for traffic, transit
By Robert Thomson
Travel highlights: the closing of a Dupont Circle Metro entrance and some changes affecting Capital Beltway traffic.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:20 AM ET, 01/30/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Metro, Capital Beltway, BRAC

Posted at 12:43 PM ET, 01/25/2012

Meeting tonight on Mark Center HOV ramp
By Robert Thomson
Travelers can review plans for the ramp, a key feature in plans to ease the impact of the federal base realignment.

By Robert Thomson  |  12:43 PM ET, 01/25/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC

Posted at 01:53 PM ET, 01/18/2012

Is Mark Center traffic as bad as you expected?
By Robert Thomson
A driver writes to Dr. Gridlock wondering why the traffic on I-395 around the Mark Center isn’t as bad as he expected.

By Robert Thomson  |  01:53 PM ET, 01/18/2012 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC

Posted at 11:10 AM ET, 11/02/2011

New BRAC money, but still no new transportation plan
By Robert Thomson
The announcement that the federal government will provide funding to ease the transportation problems it created through its base realignment decisions was welcome news. But it doesn’t create a new plan to address those problems.

By Robert Thomson  |  11:10 AM ET, 11/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC

Posted at 06:14 PM ET, 09/28/2011

Lawmakers ask Pentagon to slow move of employees to Mark Center
By Ashley Halsey III
Northern Virginia’s congressional delegation has written Defense Secretary Leon Panetta asking that he slow the transfer of thousands of defense workers to an Alexandria office complex until road improvements can be made to accommodate the traffic.

By Ashley Halsey III  |  06:14 PM ET, 09/28/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC | Tags:  BRAC

Posted at 10:37 AM ET, 09/06/2011

Where will September’s traffic shocks be worst?
By Robert Thomson
As this month evolves, the collective impacts of having everyone back at work will generate the tension we refer to as September Shock.

By Robert Thomson  |  10:37 AM ET, 09/06/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Driving

Posted at 09:06 AM ET, 08/08/2011

The week ahead for traffic, transit
By Robert Thomson
Bridges are reopening, Metro is starting new bus service in Northern Virginia and Maryland state police plan a crackdown on HOV lane violators.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:06 AM ET, 08/08/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro, BRAC, Commuting

Posted at 02:31 PM ET, 08/03/2011

Bethesda bridge set to reopen Friday
By Robert Thomson
The Cedar Lane bridge over Rock Creek, an important link in the road network that will have to absorb the extra traffic created by the military base consolidation at Bethesda Naval Medical Center, is scheduled to reopen Friday.

By Robert Thomson  |  02:31 PM ET, 08/03/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Construction

Posted at 09:48 AM ET, 07/27/2011

New light signals BRAC traffic changes in Bethesda
By Robert Thomson
The traffic signal now flashing yellow for drivers on Rockville Pike outside the Bethesda medical center is scheduled to become active on Thursday afternoon.

By Robert Thomson  |  09:48 AM ET, 07/27/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC

Posted at 06:37 PM ET, 07/25/2011

Meeting on Bethesda Naval BRAC expansion
By Brian M. Rosenthal
Residents seeking an update on how the expansion of the National Naval Medical Center will affect their lives can get one Tuesday night at the monthly meeting of the Montgomery County BRAC Implementation Committee.

By Brian M. Rosenthal  |  06:37 PM ET, 07/25/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC | Tags:  BRAC

Posted at 02:23 PM ET, 06/21/2011

New Fairfax parkway ramp opening
By Robert Thomson
Drivers in the Newington community off Interstate 95 in Virginia are about to see an additional benefit from the project that has extended the eastern side of the Fairfax County Parkway.

By Robert Thomson  |  02:23 PM ET, 06/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Construction, Virginia

Posted at 12:16 PM ET, 06/13/2011

The week ahead in traffic and transit
By Robert Thomson
Road work and special events may delay your travels this week. Here is a look at some of the activities that may slow you down.

By Robert Thomson  |  12:16 PM ET, 06/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Commuting, Congestion, BRAC

Posted at 01:37 PM ET, 05/30/2011

Fairfax considers bus changes for BRAC
By Michael D. Bolden
Fairfax County plans to hold three public meetings beginning this week to discuss proposed changes to bus service to accommodate the increase in personnel at Fort Belvoir as a result of Base Realignment and Closure moves.

By Michael D. Bolden  |  01:37 PM ET, 05/30/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC

Posted at 03:15 PM ET, 04/21/2011

Bracing for BRAC in Alexandria
By Washington Post Editors
Fairfax County Supervisor Jeff McKay released the following statement on a recent report on BRAC from the Defense Department’s inspector general’s office. The report finds fault with a 2008 Pentagon study that minimized the traffic impact of military personnel moves to the Mark Center in Alexandria,

By Washington Post Editors  |  03:15 PM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC

Posted at 10:04 AM ET, 04/21/2011

Today’s transportation roundup
By Washington Post Editors
Planes, trains and automobiles: The stories of the day offer something for everyone. Here’s a look at some of the latest.

By Washington Post Editors  |  10:04 AM ET, 04/21/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Amtrak, BRAC, Aviation, Commuting

Posted at 02:10 PM ET, 04/18/2011

Today’s transportation roundup
By Washington Post Editors
Officials overseeing the construction of Metrorail to Dulles International Airport have invited local and state officials to discuss their recent decision to locate a station at the airport underground, Post writer Jenna Johnson reports. That rail stop is more expensive than an aboveground option that was on the table. Read on for more updates on what’s happening in transportation.

By Washington Post Editors  |  02:10 PM ET, 04/18/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Metro, Silver Line

Posted at 11:45 AM ET, 04/13/2011

Today’s transportation roundup
By Washington Post Editors
Good morning, travelers. There’s lots of transportation news today.

By Washington Post Editors  |  11:45 AM ET, 04/13/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Aviation, Congestion, Metro

Posted at 10:41 AM ET, 04/12/2011

Today’s transportation roundup
By Washington Post Editors
The U.S. budget is still dominating the discussion, as pundits analyze the cuts agreed to in the 2011 budget compromise.

By Washington Post Editors  |  10:41 AM ET, 04/12/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  Metro, Passenger Rail, BRAC

Posted at 01:50 PM ET, 04/11/2011

HOV ramp to Mark Center delayed
By Christy Goodman
The ramp from I-395 HOV lanes to the Mark Center is being delayed because the Federal Highway Administration is requiring the Virginia Department of Transportation to do a more in-depth environmental review.

By Christy Goodman  |  01:50 PM ET, 04/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, Northern Virginia

Posted at 06:32 PM ET, 02/02/2011

Va. cancels plans for I-395 HOT lanes
By Rosalind S. Helderman
Virginia Secretary of Transportation Sean Connaughton will announce Thursday that the state no longer plans to build High Occupancy Toll lanes on a six-mile stretch of I-395 inside the Capital Beltway, the subject of a contentious lawsuit filed by Arlington County against the state.

By Rosalind S. Helderman  |  06:32 PM ET, 02/02/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 01:56 PM ET, 01/20/2011

Va. congressmen send letter on BRAC
By Washington Post Editors
Virginia's top Democrats -- U.S. Reps. James P. Moran Jr. and Gerald E. Connolly and Sens. James Webb and Mark Warner -- sent a letter to Defense Secretary Robert Gates outlining road and transit improvements the U.S. Army should consider in Alexandria.

By Washington Post Editors  |  01:56 PM ET, 01/20/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 07:53 PM ET, 01/11/2011

Alexandria approves express buses
By Christy Goodman
The Alexandria City Council approved $600,000 to rehabilitate four city DASH buses that will be used for express bus service between the King Street Metro station and Mark Center. The express service is the first transit improvement put in place...

By Christy Goodman  |  07:53 PM ET, 01/11/2011 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 02:09 PM ET, 12/21/2010

BRAC-133 parking plan trimmed
By Christy Goodman
The Secretary of the Army is required to submit transportation plans and identify funding for traffic improvements surrounding the new Washington Headquarters Service building at Mark Center in Alexandria. The legislation authored by Rep. James P. Moran Jr. (D-Va.) capping...

By Christy Goodman  |  02:09 PM ET, 12/21/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 02:27 PM ET, 12/14/2010

Dems seek VDOT funds for BRAC
By Washington Post Editors
Christy Goodman reports on the Virginia Politics blog that the state's top Democrats -- U.S. Reps. James P. Moran and Gerald E. Connolly and Sens. Mark R. Warner and James Webb -- sent a letter Tuesday to Gov. Robert McDonnell requesting uncommitted state transportation funds be used for Base Closure and Realignment (BRAC) improvements.

By Washington Post Editors  |  02:27 PM ET, 12/14/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 03:05 PM ET, 11/18/2010

Mark Center roadwork proposed
By Christy Goodman
New turning lanes, dedicated ramps to I-395 and a pedestrian bridge are being recommended by Virginia Department of Transportation officials to help improve traffic around the Mark Center in Alexandria. However, there is currently no funding for them. Michael Snare,...

By Christy Goodman  |  03:05 PM ET, 11/18/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 01:17 PM ET, 11/17/2010

DOD to probe Mark Center move
By Christy Goodman
The Defense Department Inspector General's office is investigating the plan to move 6,400 defense employees to the Mark Center, at I-395 and Seminary Road in Alexandria, according to U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.). "This is potentially the worst transportation crisis...

By Christy Goodman  |  01:17 PM ET, 11/17/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 09:58 AM ET, 11/04/2010

Leaders tout BRAC plans at Ft. Belvoir
By Luke Rosiak
Military leaders gathered at Fort Belvoir early Thursday for the base's annual community breakfast, a post-election tradition that in recent years has turned into a pulpit for officials to tout, and defend, the Defense Department's costly and complicated plans for next year's base closures and changes.

By Luke Rosiak  |  09:58 AM ET, 11/04/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 07:48 PM ET, 10/21/2010

Mark Center traffic fixes reviewed
By Michael Bolden
Eighteen months and $750,000 in studies later, Alexandria's BRAC-133 Advisory Group had the chance Wednesday night to see several new short- and mid-term roadway improvement possibilities for the area around the Mark Center. The group has been working to determine how to get some 6,400 new federal employees from the Washington Headquarters Services and other Department of Defense agencies into the already traffic-tied west end. </p

By Michael Bolden  |  07:48 PM ET, 10/21/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 12:25 PM ET, 09/28/2010

Crystal City plan to be reviewed
By Christy Goodman
The Arlington County Board is expected to discuss and pass the Crystal City Sector Plan at their board meeting this evening. The redevelopment plans, created in response to the loss of about 17,000 jobs and millions of square feet of empty office space because of BRAC relocations, allow more density, include future designs and guide policy for the next 40 years.

By Christy Goodman  |  12:25 PM ET, 09/28/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 09:35 PM ET, 09/16/2010

Hundreds cry foul at BRAC town hall
By Derek Kravitz
Hundreds of Fairfax County residents, worried about increased traffic congestion near the Defense Department's new facility set to open next year in Alexandria, pleaded with federal and local officials Thursday night to delay the move. About 6,400 people are slated...

By Derek Kravitz  |  09:35 PM ET, 09/16/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 10:52 AM ET, 09/16/2010

BRAC town hall tonight
By Michael Bolden
A year from now, thousands of military jobs in Northern Virginia are slated to shift locations as part of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan), including 6,400 at the Mark Center site in Alexandria. Rep. Jim Moran (D.-Va.) will hold a town hall tonight to discuss the issue.

By Michael Bolden  |  10:52 AM ET, 09/16/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC, BRAC, BRAC, BRAC

Posted at 11:44 AM ET, 08/13/2010

$10M in federal money for BRAC roads
By Luke Rosiak
Maryland's senators say nearly $10 million in federal money will help fund intersection improvements near three military facilities. Three military facilities will soon see increased traffic as tens of thousands of jobs are relocated due to base closings and realignments.

By Luke Rosiak  |  11:44 AM ET, 08/13/2010 |  Permalink  |  Comments ( 0)
Categories:  BRAC