With the upcoming rehabilitation of the 14th Street bridge, now is the time to start to think about options to using it during construction. DDOT has a handy web page (www.ddot.dc.gov/14thstreetbridge) that is full of information about the construction and traffic routing changes. You can even get Twitter alerts sent to you. What's important to know is that no work is occurring on the HOV bridge so carpools and commuter buses won't be inconvenienced. And the bike lanes will remain open too! Another important point is that DDOT will maintain four lanes of traffic into the city during the morning commute. Even so, with narrower lanes, no shoulders and changing traffic patterns, things could get congested.
What can you do if you drive in the regular lanes?
Well, now might be a good time to consider an option to driving and try it out. Visit www.CommuterPage.com and learn how you can share the ride, take Metrorail or Metrobus (many routes go directly downtown), VRE, or commuter buses, bike or even telework. If everyone driving over the bridge tried one of these option even just one day a week we could relieve a lot of the congestion that may occur. Need personal help with finding just the right option? Come to one of our Commuter Stores. Want to know how much money you'll save, how many calories you'll burn and how much less carbon you'll put into the air by using these options on one or five days a week? Then use the CarFreeDiet Calculator. And ask your employer for some help too. If your in Arlington there's help for your employer here, and if you work in DC or elsewhere go here.
If you have to drive through the City, consider using the Wilson Bridge or other alternate routes (PDF map) to get to your destination. Otherwise, keep your cool, relax and realize your drive may take a little longer. We still recommend trying a new option to driving.
Links:
WTOP Radio story (audio, mp3)
"14th Street Bridge work delayed" from WTOP.com
Chris Hamilton is the Commuter ServicesChief for Arlington County in the Transportation Division of the Department of Environmental Services, manager of CommuterPageBlog and a Metro/biking commuter from Rosemont in Alexandria.
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