Ride The Bus? County Wants to Hear From You

According to the cover story from today's Fairfax Extra, county transportation officials are busy collecting detailed information from riders of Fairfax Connector buses to find out where improvements can be made to better serve current riders and to attract new ones. Read the story and then let the county know what you think here....

By Focus on Fairfax | May 8, 2008; 12:55 PM ET | Comments (0)

UPDATE 5/2: Federal Approval of Dulles Rail Funds Comes With Conditions

Updated 5/2 Further analysis of what yet has to happen to for the project to go forward is in this morning's Metro section. Check it out here. Updated 5/1 Check out this article from today's Metro section for information on what federal transportation officials say has to happen for them to help make the rail extension reality. Updated 4/30 The breaking news is the lead story in this morning's Washington Post. Updated 2/11 Yesterday's Metro section featured this article about those critics of the project who are glad to see it floundering; seeing in the possible demise of Metrorail to Dulles opportunities for other transportation solutions. Updated 2/6 From today's Metro section: A Federal Transit Administration report issued yesterday left unrated the proposed rail line to Dulles International Airport, which supporters viewed as a sign that the $5 billion project might win federal approval. The FTA's annual report assessed various...

By Focus on Fairfax | May 2, 2008; 09:43 AM ET | Comments (5)

UPDATE 2/29: Army Narrows BRAC Alternatives

Updated 2/29 Two Alexandria locations and the General Services location in Springfield are still in the running to get the jobs moving from Fort Belvoir. Read the latest in this article from this week's Fairfax Extra. Updated 12/17 An article on with more details and analysis of what local and regional changes can be expected be of BRAC shuffles was in yesterday's Metro section. Updated 11/30 The latest on the increasingly stiff competition to lure the jobs originally planned for Fort Belvoir is in this story from today's Metro section. Updated 10/11 The plan to shift some BRAC jobs from Fort Belvoir jobs to Springfield is facing a challenge from a private property owner of 16 acres along Eisenhower Avenue in Alexandria. Lee District Supervisor T. Dana Kauffman (D) calls the Alexandria proposal a "rigged deal." Read about it in this article from today's front page. Updated 8/27 The neighborhoods...

By Focus on Fairfax | February 29, 2008; 09:35 AM ET | Comments (3)

Ice Plays Havoc on Springfield Interchange

Icy roads at the Springfield Interchange during Tuesday's evening rush hour led to snarled traffic and accidents like this one on the Franconia road overpass next to Springfield Mall. (JOHN MCDONNELL - THE WASHINGTON POST) Of all the areas where traffic was affected by Tuesday's winter storm, none was more so than the Springfield Interchange where there were numerous accidents and traffic was at a virtual standstill for hours. Read this article from today's Metro section. Were you stuck in the traffic? Share your stories and impressions of the situation. If this problem can be prevented from happening again for half a million dollars, will it be money well spent?...

By Focus on Fairfax | February 14, 2008; 10:36 AM ET | Comments (0)

Money Set For New Turn Lane on Route 7

Plans are moving forward to build a second turn left turn from eastbound Route 7 on to Georgetown Pike, to keep traffic from backing up on Leesburg Pike. But not everyone is convinced the fix will be a good thing; local residents along Georgetown Pike fear that means more traffic for them. Read about it in today's Fairfax Extra....

By Focus on Fairfax | January 24, 2008; 12:30 PM ET | Comments (0)

UPDATE: Commuters Should Prepare for 'Dynamic Tolling'

Updated 1/10 That's bureacratese for the practice of charging more to use the soon-to-come HOT lanes on the Capital Beltway when traffic is heavier. Read more about how the system will work in today's Fairfax Extra. Updated 9/20 Local drivers offer their opinions about the merits of the new toll lanes and whether they would be likely to use them in this article from today's Fairfax Extra. Originally published 9/10 Getting used to the now-opened Mixing Bowl? Well, there's more. A formal announcement about the construction and operation of the express toll lanes scheduled to begin construction next spring on the Beltway near Tysons Corner is coming today. This article from this morning's paper has the details. And there will be more public money involved in the project, whose price tag is growing. Thoughts?...

By Focus on Fairfax | January 10, 2008; 11:06 AM ET | Comments (1)

Tysons May Get Trolley or Monorail to Connect Metro Stops

Reinventing Tysons Corner will require more than just a Metrorail line say planners. It will require a "circulator," a dedicated, fareless method of moving people from the furthest reaches of Tysons to the rail stations while remaining out of the general traffic patterns. Read more about the idea in today's Fairfax Extra....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 20, 2007; 11:18 AM ET | Email a Comment

UPDATE 12/13: Transportation Funding Tax Finds Mixed Results

Updated 12/13 More on the growing concern about the state's transportation funding package is in today's Metro section. Originally posted 12/4 In the struggle to generate income for state road projects, Fairfax and Arlington counties might tax commercial property at a lower rate than initially planned. Prince William and Loudoun counties have already decided to reject the tax spelling possible trouble for the transportation funding agreement. Read about it in this story from today's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 13, 2007; 09:36 AM ET | Comments (1)

UPDATE 12/03: Tysons Landowners Getting Behind Rail Plan

Updated 12/3 According to this article from Sunday's Metro section, support for rebooting the Tysons rail plan to put the rail line underground appears to be dwindling. Updated 11/29 From yesterday's Metro section: Opponents of an elevated rail line through Tysons Corner have sued the U.S. Department of Transportation, contending that the agency violated federal law by failing to seriously consider the idea of placing the track underground. The Tysons segment is part of the planned 23-mile Metrorail extension from Falls Church to Dulles International Airport, currently under review by DOT to determine whether it qualifies for federal funding. Tysons Tunnel Inc., a McLean-based group of Tysons property owners, civic groups and homeowner associations, filed the suit Monday in U.S. District Court in Alexandria. It was joined as a plaintiff by Ratner Cos., a firm at Route 7 and Spring Hill Road, adjacent to a portion of the proposed elevated...

By Focus on Fairfax | December 3, 2007; 10:04 AM ET | Comments (4)

UPDATE 9/11: Supervisors Vote For Commercial Tax Increase

Updated 9/11 The Board of Supervisors yesterday voted unanimously for the tax increase, the first step to securing the new funding. The news is in today's Metro section. Originally published 8/8 The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors will vote next month on whether to make the county the first Northern Virginia County to take advantage of a provision in the transportation agreement passed in the General Assembly in April and raise taxes on commercial property to fund transportation projects. Today's Metro section has the details....

By Focus on Fairfax | September 11, 2007; 09:17 AM ET | Comments (1)

Electric Commuter Cars in Fairfax's Future?

Braddock District Supervisor Sharon Bulova (D) is asking transportation officials to study whether a small electric commuter car currently being developed at MIT could help solve local transportation woes. The idea is that the cars would be parked near rail transportation and borrowed and returned by commuters and tourists to get to and from other close-by destinations. Details were in yesterday's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | August 13, 2007; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (8)

UPDATE 7/19: It's Done!

Updated 7/19 Governor Kaine and VDOT want the the success of the Springfield Interchange Project to be replicated in other current and future construction efforts. Coverage of yesterday's dedication ceremony is here. Originally posted 7/18 The Springfield Interchange is complete and a dedication ceremony is set for today. Coverage is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | July 18, 2007; 07:16 AM ET | Email a Comment

Court Backing Asked on New Taxes for Transportation

The Northern Virginia Transportation Authority is asking a judge to quickly rule on the legality of the authority's plan to impose new taxes and fees in January that would help to fund projects like a new interchange on the Fairfax County Parkway. More information is in in this article from Saturday's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | July 16, 2007; 10:32 AM ET | Email a Comment

Rail Plan May Quash Potential to Remake Tysons

Critics of the overhead rail plan in Tysons Corner have long said that building the Metrorail extension on elevated tracks may ruin any chance to create a walkable, bikeable downtown for the area. According to this story from today's Metro Section, that's entirely likely since the plan will eliminate any chance of remaking the cloverleaf interchange where routes 7 and 123 come together, effectively dividing Tysons Corner....

By Focus on Fairfax | June 27, 2007; 10:21 AM ET | Comments (3)

Fairfax Board Approves $1 Per Trip for Rising Fuel Costs

From today's Metro section: Starting today, taxicab customers will pay an additional $1 a trip in Fairfax County to help taxi companies bear the rising cost of fuel. The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors approved the surcharge yesterday on an emergency basis and made it effective through Aug. 6. The board agreed to hold a public hearing Aug. 6 on whether to extend the surcharge through January. The supervisors enacted the surcharge at the request of Murphy Brothers Inc., owner of Falls Church Yellow Cab and Red Top Cab. -- Amy Gardner...

By Focus on Fairfax | June 19, 2007; 10:22 AM ET | Email a Comment

Supervisors Vote To Fund Metro Extension

The news from today's Fairfax County Board of Supervisors meeting is here. A rendering from the state of what one of the rail stations at Tysons will look like under the elevated plan. (Courtesy diDomenico and Partners, LLP, New York)...

By Focus on Fairfax | June 18, 2007; 03:05 PM ET | Comments (1)

Springfield GOP Candidates on the Issues

The Republican candidates for the Springfield seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, Pat S. Herrity and Stan L. Reid, have similar positions on issues of development but differ on the continued existence of the Fairfax County Development Authority; Herrity likes it, Reid doesn't. Read more on the candidates platforms in this article from yesterday's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | June 4, 2007; 10:24 AM ET | Comments (2)

And The Green Grass Grew All Around, All Around

Tall grass in medians and along public roadways in Fairfax County is generating many complaints to county supervisors' offices. But mowing is the responsibility of the Virginia Department of Transportation, not the county. Tall grass, un-mowed on the median strip along Braddock Road blocks a clear view of the west bound traffic wishing to turn left off Braddock Road into a subdivision. (Photo by Richard A. Lipski ) But it's an election year and being seen as responsive is important, so local leaders are adding their voices to the hue and cry. The news from the Post's Metro section is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | May 29, 2007; 10:50 AM ET | Comments (1)

Dulles International Opens USO Lounge

A new welcome center designed for the 300,000 men and women in uniform who pass annually through Dulles International Airport is finally open. Read about it in today's Military Matters column....

By Focus on Fairfax | May 3, 2007; 11:00 AM ET | Email a Comment

Local Road Fixes on the Way

Small local road fixes are being planned throughout the Northern Virginia over the next few years as state transportation officials begin to shift their focus away from nearly completed large projects such as the Springfield Interchange and the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. The cumulative effect of many small fixes may have a big impact, officials say. The news is in this morning's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | April 30, 2007; 10:13 AM ET | Email a Comment

Two-Wheeling in Tysons: Is There a Future for It?

One of the things local officials want to know as they prepare to remake Tysons Corner is, how can they make it easier for bicyclists to get around? To that end a group of cyclists took to the streets in Tysons on Saturday to find out just how bad it is and how much will have to be done to make the corridor bike-friendly. The story was in yesterday's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | April 23, 2007; 10:43 AM ET | Comments (2)

HOT Lane Operators Promise to Keep Traffic Moving

The private companies planning to build and operate high-occupancy toll lanes on Interstates 395 and 95 say they will take the necessary steps to keep the lanes moving at a minimum of 55 miles per hour, even during the morning and evening rush hours. The story is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | April 18, 2007; 10:16 AM ET | Email a Comment

Tysons Traffic Unfunded for Upcoming Construction

According to this article from today's Metro section, despite two major construction projects set to begin within a year, state transportation officials have yet to set aside any cash for the management of traffic through Tysons Corner during that time....

By Focus on Fairfax | April 10, 2007; 08:42 AM ET | Email a Comment

Arlington, PW Residents Question Road Project Benefits

Fairfax County is smack dab in the middle of two potential showdowns over long-planned road projects: Building high-occupancy toll lanes along Interstate 95/395 and widening Interstate 66 inside the Capital Beltway. Read about the opposition to the plans by people in Prince William and Arlington Counties in today's Fairfax Extra....

By Focus on Fairfax | April 5, 2007; 04:49 PM ET | Email a Comment

Metro Trains to Dulles Is A Go

An agreement between officials in Virginia and the private group tasked with building the rail line extension was reached this morning. Read about it here....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 30, 2007; 04:08 PM ET | Email a Comment

UPDATE 3/23: Details of Any Dulles Rail Deal Likely To Remain Secret

Updated 3/23 A state law governing road and rail projects likely will afford the players in a Dulles rail project a large degree of secrecy with regard to the details of any plan they work out to move thee project forward, according to the latest in today's Metro section. Updated 3/9 According to this article from today's Metro section, Gov. Kaine's opposition to the tunnel is likely to be fortified by the results of a new state study. Other officials say that they are preparing to move ahead without the tunnel and that, "the planning phase of this project is closed." Updated 2/15 Congressman Tom Davis (R) has come out in favor of the tunnel. The news story is in today's Metro section. Updated 2/12 Even as the local cry against overhead tracks becomes stronger, Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D), has not changed his mind to favor the tunnel option....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 23, 2007; 09:40 AM ET | Comments (4)

Politics: Local Pols Debate Transportation; Other Items

Today's Fairfax Politics column focuses on what's going on behind the scenes and behind closed doors as local leaders discuss transportation issues. Read about it and tell us what you think; what more could leaders at the county and city level of government be doing to help the state fix our transportation woes?...

By Focus on Fairfax | March 22, 2007; 02:47 PM ET | Comments (1)

Supervisors Define, Endorse Transit-Oriented Development

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors yesterday formally approved a policy which will encourage high-density, pedestrian-friendly development within a half mile of transit stations. The news is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 13, 2007; 08:46 AM ET | Comments (2)

Tysons Tunnel Pits Chamber Against Chamber

The Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce last week sent a letter to Gov. Kaine expressing concern about the support it's sister chamber in McLean is throwing behind the effort to get the Metrorail through Tysons Corner going underground instead of over head. At the the root of the Reston business community's concerns is the danger of higher tolls for those using the Dulles Toll Road should the pursuit of the tunnel option destroy hopes of federal funding assistance for the project. The news story is in this morning's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 12, 2007; 09:41 AM ET | Email a Comment

Veto of Red-Light Cameras Urged

From today's Metro section: The Fairfax County Privacy Council is urging Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) to veto legislation that would allow communities with 10,000 or more residents to install cameras to catch drivers who run red lights. A red light camera in use at Chainbridge Rd and Lee Highway during the 2005 pilot program. (Larry Morris) The red-light camera program would replace an experiment that ended in 2005 in Alexandria, Fairfax City, Falls Church, Vienna and Virginia Beach and Arlington and Fairfax counties. Safety advocates say red light cameras reduce accidents and aggressive driving, but privacy groups have raised concerns about personal liberties. In an e-mail alert sent to members and supporters yesterday, the Fairfax privacy group said red-light cameras violate the rights of drivers and contribute to rear-end collisions. -- Eric M. Weiss...

By Focus on Fairfax | March 9, 2007; 10:08 AM ET | Comments (2)

Jet Noise Riles McLean Residents

Members of the McLean Citizen's Association say that noise from planes flying in and out of Reagan National Airport is getting worse and are seeking help from Rep. Frank Wolf (R) and the FAA. Read about it in today's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 2, 2007; 11:00 AM ET | Comments (2)

For Restonians, A Plate of Their Own

Here is news on the selection of a design for a proposed Reston vehicle license plate that celebrates the country's first modern planned community....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 1, 2007; 11:38 AM ET | Email a Comment

Route 1 Detours Set For This Weekend

Woodrow Wilson Bridge project officials say drivers should try to steer clear of the Route 1 interchange this weekend, particularly on Richmond Highway itself as crew finish work on a Beltway-spanning bridge. Details are in today's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | March 1, 2007; 10:35 AM ET | Email a Comment

Local Governments Don't Want Responsibilities For Roads

According to the news in this morning's Metro section, local governments in Northern Virginia will likely be required to take on some responsibilities for new local roads if they are going to take full advantage of the transportation package that was passed by the General Assembly in Richmond last week....

By Focus on Fairfax | February 28, 2007; 11:01 AM ET | Comments (3)

Blogging The Tunnel

The ongoing saga of the proposed Tysons Metro tunnel is of interest to other bloggers too. Check out today's Fairfax Politics column for that story, as well as a news on recent decisions that effect gun laws and a look at another GOP hopeful for the Springfield supervisor's seat....

By Focus on Fairfax | February 22, 2007; 11:24 AM ET | Comments (1)

Proposal To Widen I-66 Draws Fire

The first of three public forums on changes proposed for a portion of Interstate 66 inside the Beltway took place last week. Based on the reporting from this Fairfax Extra article, many people remain skeptical of the idea....

By Focus on Fairfax | February 1, 2007; 03:56 PM ET | Comments (1)

What's More Fun Than A Barrell Of Studies?

What isn't? That's the likely answer from 60 recipients -- mostly elected officials and government appointees -- who received deliveries of giant cardboard cylinders filled to the brim with the 40 pounds of documents that make up the preliminary engineering design for a Tysons Corner Metrorail Tunnel. The packages we're sent at a cost of about $15,000 by the coalition of businesses and residents trying to get the tunnel option reconsidered now that officials are preparing to move ahead with an over head design for the rail line. Read about it in the Fairfax Extra's politics column....

By Focus on Fairfax | February 1, 2007; 03:27 PM ET | Email a Comment

Richmond Lawmakers Richmond Offer Transpo Plan

Republican legislators in the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates have drafted a multibillion-dollar transportation plan that they say could ease some of Northern Virginia's traffic problems. This story from the today's front page has the details....

By Focus on Fairfax | January 19, 2007; 09:48 AM ET | Email a Comment

No Snow Means Big Savings for Roadwork

It may be bad news for skiers but the lack of wintry weather could be great for VDOT's coffers. The agency budgeted $82 million for snow removal this winter which, so far, it hasn't needed to tap. Read about the how the lack of snowfall may lead to a windfall, here....

By Focus on Fairfax | January 11, 2007; 02:25 PM ET | Email a Comment

Draft Guidelines for "Transit-Oriented Development"

It's long been a sticking point for Fairfax County leaders who say they want to encourage "transit-oriented development;" no one has been able to agree on exactly what the term means. Now a set of draft guidelines from the county Planning Commission is being offered for public comment at a hearing scheduled for 8:15 p.m. on Jan. 17 at the Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Pkwy. The Fairfax Extra has a news article here. So check out the guidelines Focus on Fairfax readers, and tell us, has the Planning Commission got it right?...

By Focus on Fairfax | January 4, 2007; 11:02 AM ET | Email a Comment

Va. House: County Supes at Fault for Transpo Probs

Republican lawmakers in the Virginia House of Delegates are laying a large part of the blame for the Commonwealth's transportation problems at the feet of county supervisors from Northern Virginia. Read about it here....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 29, 2006; 10:48 AM ET | Comments (2)

Report: School Bus System Taxed to Limit

According to a consultant's report, officials with Fairfax County schools need to make changes soon to the way the school bus system is run if the system is to handle increasing traffic congestion . Read about it in today's Fairfax Extra....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 21, 2006; 11:53 AM ET | Comments (1)

Airports Authority Control of Toll Road, Metrorail Extension

According to articles published today in the Metro section and in the Fairfax Extra, The Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority will be given control over the Dulles Toll road, as well as the planned Metrorail expansion to Dulles International Airport,sometime next week. This comes as some residents and businesses are still fighting for design changes to the plan....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 21, 2006; 11:44 AM ET | Comments (1)

Three New Beltway Exits to Tysons?

Under the latest plan created by the private group building toll lanes on the Capital Beltway, the number of direct connections to Tysons Corner would triple, according to this article from this morning's Metro section....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 14, 2006; 09:46 AM ET | Email a Comment

Former Gov: More Transportation Funding Needed

Former Virginia governor Gerald L. Baliles last week added his voice to the growing chorus of political and business leaders who are demanding more state money to repair Northern Virginia's transportation woes. The report is in today's Fairfax Extra....

By Focus on Fairfax | December 7, 2006; 10:08 AM ET | Email a Comment

Performing Artists in Metro Stations' Future?

According to this story, Metro's board of directors are considering a proposal to allow local arts councils to select and pay performing artists to offer entertainment outside Metro station entrances between April and October each year. What do Focus on Fairfax readers think? Is this a good idea?...

By Focus on Fairfax | December 5, 2006; 10:58 AM ET | Comments (1)

County Officials Urge Higher VRE Fares

Virginia Railway Express faces nearly $8 million in budget deficit and local officials see a fare increase as part of a solution. The story is in today's Metro section...

By Focus on Fairfax | December 5, 2006; 10:44 AM ET | Email a Comment

Fort Belvoir Commander on BRAC challenges

Col. Brian W. Lauritzen, the installation commander at Fort Belvoir takes charge of this week's Voices of Fairfax guest column and, using another challenge, offers his thoughts on the ones presented by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission's recommendations for the post....

By Focus on Fairfax | November 30, 2006; 01:22 PM ET | Email a Comment

New Mixing Bowl Ramp Opens Next Week

Experienced Capital Beltway travelers know it well--the long back-up in the right lanes of the outer loop of I-495 leading to the ramp to I-95 south. Some approach the ramp with dread. According to this article in today's Metro section the latest phase of the Springfield interchange project to be completed is expected to have a dramatic positive effect at reducing afternoon congestion and accidents at the location....

By Focus on Fairfax | November 29, 2006; 10:19 AM ET | Email a Comment

Kaine in Fairfax to Kick Off Transportation Fund Rally

Gov. Tim Kaine is renewing his effort to get money for transportation fixes and growth controls when the General Assembly reconvenes in January. Yesterday he spent the day touring Northern Virginia to promote his plan. The details are here....

By Focus on Fairfax | November 28, 2006; 10:05 AM ET | Comments (4)

Fairfax, Other Area Counties Tire of Waiting for Road Funds

Fairfax County isn't alone in deciding that we might all grow old waiting for long-promised state funds for transportation projects. The solution: Pay for it locally, even if that means going into debt. The story is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | November 7, 2006; 02:53 PM ET | Comments (3)

County Wants Trucks Banned From 193

Citing safety concerns on a winding eight-mile stretch of Route 193 through Great Falls, the county Board of Supervisors is asking VDOT to ban heavy trucks fro using the road. The Post's article is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | November 3, 2006; 10:59 AM ET | Comments (1)

Beltway HOT Lanes Could Require $100 Million in Public Funds

Rising cost estimates for the plan to build express toll lanes on a 14 mile stretch of the Beltway now has the plan's private backers saying they won't be able to do it alone. Read about it in this front page article from today's Washington Post....

By Focus on Fairfax | October 23, 2006; 09:15 AM ET | Comments (7)

Poll Results Show Northern Virginians Support Local Taxes For Roads

The results of a Washington Post transportation survey show that 76 percent of Northern Virginians would support a plan that included local taxes to solve local transportation problems. Read about it here....

By Focus on Fairfax | October 19, 2006; 11:09 AM ET | Comments (7)

Metrorail to Dulles Pushed Back a Year

A story in today's Metro section reports that officials with the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation have decided to delay the start of construction of the rail line through Tysons corner until late next year or possibly early in 2008. The project manager cited a five month study of the tunnel option for the rail line as one reason for the delay....

By Focus on Fairfax | October 19, 2006; 10:51 AM ET | Comments (2)

Update 9/28: Democrats and Senate Leaders Critical of GOP Transportation Plan

Updated 9/28 An article in today's Metro details the arguments for and the $2.4 million dollar proposal which its critics say would divert necessary funds from schools, public safety and human services. Updated 9/27 According to this article, the plan was shot down by the House of Delegates Finance Committee. Originally posted 9/18 Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerry Connolly (D) said on Friday, "Local government is mad as a hornet" about the lack of funds in the state's spending bill to fix Northern Virginia's transportation problems. But according to this article, given the lack of state funds, there is little consensus on how to get the needed money for fixes....

By Focus on Fairfax | September 27, 2006; 09:53 AM ET | Comments (11)

Supes Want Competitive Bidding for Dulles Rail

Saying that the current contractors have stripped crucial features from the plan but kept excessive profits in it, the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors yesterday asked the state to consider competitive bidding for the construction of a Metrorail extension through Tysons Corner. The Posts' story is here....

By Focus on Fairfax | September 26, 2006; 10:20 AM ET | Comments (4)

Same Old Arguments Threaten Plan for New Roads

According to this article from today's Metro section, the unlikeliness of support from the General Assembly for new taxes and other fees to help fix Northern Virginia's transportation problems may doom the newest $417 million plan from Northern Virginia's GOP delegation....

By Focus on Fairfax | September 15, 2006; 09:59 AM ET | Comments (3)

720 Apartments for Dunn Loring Metro Area?

About 720 new apartment units would be built on what is currently a 15 acre parking lot according to this article. The proposal comes before the county planning commission this fall....

By Focus on Fairfax | September 11, 2006; 10:55 AM ET | Comments (1)

UPDATE 9/12: Kaine Backs Overhead Rail in Tysons

Updated 9/12 From today's Metro section: Kaine Urged to Reconsider Route Rejection WestGroup, the biggest landowner at Tysons Corner, has urged Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) to reconsider his rejection of an underground rail route through Tysons, saying a tunnel should be explored further at the same time as plans for an elevated track proceed. In a letter to Kaine, WestGroup chairman and chief executive Gerald T. Halpin said he was "extremely disappointed" by Kaine's "stunning reversal of direction" against a tunnel. On Wednesday, Kaine ruled out a tunnel for the four-mile Tysons stretch of the Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport, after federal officials made it clear that switching to a tunnel would imperil the entire 23-mile, $4 billion project. Two weeks ago, many had been expecting Kaine to choose an underground route, which supporters say would contribute more to Fairfax County's vision of Tysons as a walkable urban...

By Focus on Fairfax | September 7, 2006; 07:04 AM ET | Comments (15)

UPDATE 9/1: Why Is That Section of Faifax Parkway Unfinished?

Updated 9/1 In this article from today's Metro section a top U.S. Army official is quoted as saying that the parkway will be completed by 2011. Originally posted 8/28 So just when will the final piece of the Fairfax County Parkway, the section that runs through Fort Belvoir, be finished? Not until the U.S. Army and the Commonwealth of Virginia can decide who will pay for it. Read the news story here....

By | September 1, 2006; 07:17 AM ET | Comments (1)

Fairfax 2nd Richest County in Nation; Loudoun 1st

Our neighbors in Loudoun. Together with Howard, Montgomery and Prince William counties, Loudoun and Fairfax combine to make the Washington suburbs the wealthiest of any major metropolitan area in the U.S. And the federal money that has flowed into local economies for defense and homeland security in the wake of 9/11 plays a big part. The Post's front page story is here. But all those jobs come with a dark side according to this companion A1 article that says Washington's outer suburbs are home to commuters with the second-longest daily drives in the U.S....

By | August 30, 2006; 10:53 AM ET | Comments (2)

8/29 UPDATE: New Wrinkle for Tyson's Metro Tunnel?

Updated 8/29 According to this article some Tysons Corner neighborhood groups like the idea of the tunnel but are expressing serious concerns about the potential costs and the effects a tunnel might have. Updated 8/18 From today's Metro section: More Toll Road Money Coveted Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D) said that one possible source of additional funding for a rail tunnel at Tysons Corner would be the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority and the revenue it will collect from the Dulles Toll Road. Virginia officials are deciding whether the Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport should run above or below ground through Tysons. Most agree that a tunnel would be better, but it is unclear how to cover its extra costs, at least $200 million. Connolly's remarks in an interview Wednesday on Washington Post Radio represented one of the first public suggestions that extra money could...

By | August 29, 2006; 10:10 AM ET | Comments (16)

UPDATE 8/23: Mixing Bowl Nearly Unmixed

Updated 8/23 The lead story in today's Metro takes another look at the mixing bowl on this, the eve of the the project's last major bridge opening. Originally posted 8/17 With work on the Springfield Interchange entering its final year and the major work scheduled to be completed by next month, VDOT officials say that end is in sight. Fairfax Extra coverage is here....

By | August 23, 2006; 10:54 AM ET | Comments (1)

Bigger Questions on Tysons Redevelopment/Rail

With all of the the discussion about the specifics of extending Metrorail through Tysons Corner and redeveloping the area into a walkable downtown for Fairfax County, are some bigger questions getting overlooked? Is the plan to remake Tysons feasible? Is it even desirable? This article from yesterday's Metro section takes a closer look at the big questions local officials face as decision time on what to do draws near....

By | August 21, 2006; 10:13 AM ET | Comments (4)

Traffic Changes for Downtown Fairfax

Will converting two busy one way streets in the city's core to two way traffic.turn out well or contribute to congestion and confusion? City leaders and business owners disagree. While city planners say the change is an integral part of the ongoing downtown revitalization project, some merchants say they fear that changes will discourage customers who will be facing new traffic patterns and changing parking locations. Like it or not, changes are coming on or about Aug. 5. Read about what the two sides are saying and what the changes entail in today's Fairfax Extra....

By | July 20, 2006; 11:29 AM ET | Email a Comment

HOV Hybrid Exemption in the Rear View Mirror

This story from today's Fairfax Extra explains how Virginia's effort to get drivers to buy low-polluting cars by offering an exemption from HOV rules was undone by its own success. Hybrids purchased after June 30 are no longer exempt from HOV restrictions on Interstates 95 and 295. Next year the exemptions will be stripped for hybrids on other state highways....

By | July 20, 2006; 11:04 AM ET | Email a Comment

Fairfax to Hire Planning Consultant for Tysons Corner

From today's Metro section: Fairfax County will pay $1.2 million for a consultant to help a task force studying the future of Tysons Corner. The consultant will provide expertise in planning and modeling that county planners don't have, according to a request approved by the county Board of Supervisors. Supervisor Joan M. Dubois (R-Dranesville) said she was concerned about the cost of the consultant and asked whether private companies in Tysons Corner could provide the service. County staff told her that the companies could not. The task force is studying redevelopment of the Tysons area, site of four planned Metrorail stations that would link the commercial center with Washington as well as Dulles International Airport. -- Lisa Rein...

By | July 13, 2006; 09:52 AM ET | Comments (6)

Expert Says Tysons Tunnel Wouldn't Face Geologic Hitch

From today's Metro section: The head of an engineering panel advising the state said yesterday that the geologic makeup under Tysons Corner would allow for a tunnel for the proposed Metrorail extension to Dulles International Airport. Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce R. Homer has asked the panel to recommend to the state at the end of the month whether it should build the four-mile Tysons Corner section of the 23-mile extension above or below ground. Fairfax County officials, Tysons landowners and some Metro officials say a tunnel would be less disruptive for motorists during construction and would contribute more to the hoped-for transformation of Tysons into a walkable quasi-city....

By | July 11, 2006; 10:25 AM ET | Comments (5)

Employers Try to Ease Commute for Workers

Employers, such as George Mason University, wanting to help workers stave off the costs of commuting have gone as far as purchasing walking shoes and giving employees vans to drive home. Today's Fairfax Extra reports that employers are going beyond the usual subsidized transit pass, letting workers telecommute or from telecommuting work centers throughout the area. What are your tips for helping ease the commute?...

By | July 6, 2006; 12:02 PM ET | Email a Comment

New HOV and Hybrid Rules In Effect July 1

Traveling the HOV lanes in Virginia...remember, two new wrinkles as of July 1. Fines for HOV violators go up--first time offense costs $125 and a second $250. Also, hybrid and other clean fuel vehicles not registered will not be allowed on the I-95 HOV lanes from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. or from 3:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. They can still use other HOV lanes. FYI, according to VDOT, the following vehicles qualify for a clean special fuel license plate: Toyota Prius, Honda Insight, Honda Civic, 2005 Ford Escape, 2006 Ford Escape, 2006 Toyota Highlander, 2006 Lexus RX400, 2006 Mercury Mariner, 2007 Camry Hybrid and the 2007 Lexus GS450H....

By | June 22, 2006; 01:08 PM ET | Comments (1)

Weekend Metro Track Work = Delays

Riding Metrorail's Orange Line this weekend? Trains will share one track between Ballston-MU and East Falls Church-VT/UVA because of track maintenance. Those traveling on this part of the Orange Line should add 15 to 20 minutes to their trip....

By | June 22, 2006; 12:58 PM ET | Email a Comment

New Wilson Bridge Span = Traffic Backups

Today's Fairfax Extra, reports motorists find the new Wilson Bridge span causes more traffic tie-ups than the old one. Is that possible? To those traveling to and from Virginia and Maryland over the Potomac River, the new bridge is in stark contrast to the old one. But looks aren't everythign. Traffic may get worse beforeit gets better. The next "stay away" weekend is from 8 p.m. Friday, July 14, to 5 a.m. Monday, July 17, when I-95 south traffic is scheduled to be switched to the new bridge....

By | June 22, 2006; 12:19 PM ET | Email a Comment

More Drilling Urged in Tunnel Study

From today's Metro section: Additional underground boring needs to be done to determine whether a Metro tunnel underneath Tysons Corner would be feasible, said the head of a panel convened to assist Virginia officials in deciding whether the planned Metro extension to Dulles International Airport should run above or below ground in Tysons. Panel chairman Robert S. O'Neil, an engineering consultant based in Potomac, said in a conference call with reporters yesterday that the additional soil analysis could be completed in time for the panel's report to the state, which is due in late July. Virginia Secretary of Transportation Pierce R. Homer asked a national engineering group to convene the panel to help him settle a deep disagreement among members of the Dulles rail project over how to build the four-mile Tysons portion. The contractors for the project say a tunnel would be prohibitively expensive. Fairfax County leaders, Tysons landowners...

By | June 13, 2006; 02:34 PM ET | Email a Comment

Parkway Widening, Carpool Lanes Proposed

From Saturday's Metro section: The Fairfax County Parkway would be widened from four lanes to six between Route 50 and the Dulles Toll Road under a proposal made by county officials that also calls for the possibility of restricting the additional lane to carpools. Fairfax officials said funds are available for design and environmental studies, but not construction. County officials will discuss the proposal from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Oak Hill Elementary School, 3210 Kinross Cir. in Herndon. A presentation by county staff at 6 p.m. will be followed by questions and answers. -- Bill Turque...

By | June 5, 2006; 11:54 AM ET | Comments (7)

Tunnel Under Tysons a Danger to Federal Funds?

Updated 5/16 According to this story in this morning's Metro section, a decision regarding the tunnel will be postponed for 60 days while a panel of engineers study the various proposals in order to advise Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce R. Homer on a course of action. Originally posted 5/8 According to this article in this morning's Washington Post, federal rules that depend on a favorable analysis of a project's cost-effectiveness could result in loss of almost a billion dollars in funding for a Metro extension to Dulles International Airport if a tunnel is included and adds too much to the cost....

By | May 16, 2006; 12:27 PM ET | Comments (7)

Gala for New Wilson Bridge Span Set Next Week

Updated 5/19 Coverage of the gala opening is here. Updated 5/15 A look at the bridge project's future and past was the lead story in yesterday's Metro section. A graphic and photos were included. Originally posted 5/11 Officials are readying a celebration next week for the completion of the first span of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. Read about it here....

By | May 11, 2006; 10:58 AM ET | Email a Comment

No Free Rides for Seniors and Disabled?

Yellow Cab, a subsidiary of the Red Top Cab Co. of Arlington will no longer offer free rides to senior and disabled citizens because of a pay dispute with MV Transportation, which operates the MetroAccess service that reimburses the cab company. The story is here....

By | May 8, 2006; 09:55 AM ET | Comments (1)

Speed Control or Optical Illusion on Lee Chapel Rd?

A narrow bend on Lee Chapel Road where drivers routinely speed is a test site for new system of speed control based on creating an optical illusion that makes speeding drivers think they are travelling even faster than they are. Read about how it works here. Video is here....

By | May 4, 2006; 09:16 AM ET | Email a Comment

Streetcars on Columbia Pike Line?

The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors today will debate the merits of a proposal for $120 million dollar cross-jurisdictional streetcar line along Columbia Pike. An article was in yesterday's Metro section....

By | May 1, 2006; 11:20 AM ET | Comments (2)

Fairfax: The 2006 Guide

An Introduction To The Guide Trying to make sense of Fairfax? Join our club. To help newcomers learn and old-timers discover new possibilities, here's The Guide for 2006. We know how easy it is to get confused here, because there are about a million people -- more people than seven states have -- and trying to make sense of the governing machinery can be tricky. The local governments include those of the county and two cities, the City of Fairfax and the City of Falls Church, each with its own idiosyncrasies and treasures. What you'll find in these pages is our attempt to lead you to old favorites you had not thought of for a while or to what might become favorites. There's golfing and fishing and biking and walking, just to name a few leisure pursuits. If you have students in the family, there's a place within the county...

By | April 28, 2006; 09:51 AM ET | Email a Comment

Tysons Rail Tunnel Resurfaces, May Delay Project

Updated 4/28 Metro Tunnel Favored at Tysons A survey of Fairfax County residents found that a majority would like to see the Metro extension to Dulles International Airport built below Tysons Corner instead of aboveground, and a quarter of everyone polled said they would be willing to pay almost any price for a tunnel. The online, unscientific survey of 409 residents was done by Qorvis Communications, a local public relations firm that said it was not commissioned to do the poll but was curious about residents' opinions on the tunnel. The results arrive in the middle of a debate over whether the new line should cross the four-mile stretch through Tysons Corner by tunnel or elevated track. The builders say a tunnel would cost too much; others, including Metro and Fairfax officials, say it would cost only slightly more and be worth it. The poll found that 50 percent of...

By | April 26, 2006; 10:19 AM ET | Comments (19)

Reston Transit Station To Open

A new Reston Town Center transit station is set to open Sunday....

By | April 12, 2006; 10:37 AM ET | Comments (6)

Local Input on Dulles Toll Road

Governor Timothy M. Kaine (D) announced an advisory committee to offer recommendations to the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority on oversight of the Dulles Toll Road. The committee would include representatives from Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Read about it here....

By | April 10, 2006; 10:43 AM ET | Email a Comment

Control of Dulles/Metro, Toll Road Goes to Airport Authority

Updated 4/3Virginia House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) said he will try to undo this deal. Meanwhile, county officials are expressing concern that the airports authority's control over the toll road will interfere with plans to remake Tysons Corner. Originally posted 3/28The chairman of the Fairfax board of supervisors threatened to pull the county's money out after control of the Metro-Dulles line and the Dulles Toll Road went to the Washington Metropolitan Airports Authority. The Metro section article is here....

By | April 3, 2006; 11:20 AM ET | Comments (20)

Warner: Va Could Lose Transpo Funding if No Budget Deal

Sen. John W. Warner (R-Va.) yesterday said that the state could lose federal transportation funding unless lawmakers can resolve a budget impasse. The Post's report from Richmond is here. ...

By | March 28, 2006; 10:58 AM ET | Comments (5)

Price Torpedos Metro Tunnel at Tysons

Yesterday the proposed rail tunnel through Tysons Corner was rejected by project managers who said the price for digging deep was simply too prohibitive. The Metro article is here....

By | March 24, 2006; 09:19 AM ET | Comments (8)

More Money For Dulles Rail Extenson?

A Metro section article today looks at proposals to scale back certain aspects of the planned rail extension to Dulles International Airport in the face of a projected rise in the project's cost....

By | March 23, 2006; 10:57 AM ET | Comments (6)

Survey: Northern Virginia's Elderly Need More Transportation Options

Officials at the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission say that their survey of more than 1,600 Northern Virginians 75 and older shows a need for expanded services and to encourage seniors to live within walking distance of services and transit. A detailed article in this week's Fairfax Extra....

By | March 17, 2006; 11:35 AM ET | Comments (2)

Road Projects Imperiled by Lack of Budget?

About $750 million dollars would have to be cut from Virginia's six-year program for road construction according to Pierce R. Homer, because lawmakers have been unable to approve a budget. Details in this article from today's Metro section....

By | March 17, 2006; 10:30 AM ET | Email a Comment

A Tale of Two Properties

   Fairfax County officials have been inconsistent in their approach to development around the Vienna Metro station, as the people of the Poplar Terrace neighborhood will tell you....

By Steve Fehr | March 5, 2006; 02:57 PM ET | Comments (23)

Comments Sought on Metro Extension

From today's Metro section: A public hearing will be held next month to get comment on design changes for the first half of the planned Metrorail extension through Tysons Corner to Dulles International Airport. Project managers released a report on the effect of the changes. The hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m. March 28 at Kilmer Middle School, 8100 Wolftrap Rd., Vienna. Comments may also be submitted to eacomments@dullesmetro.com . Those changes include shortening the underground portion of the line in Tysons Corner, which would enable the Tysons station to be at ground level instead of below ground as initially planned....

By | February 28, 2006; 11:37 AM ET | Comments (15)

Plum Seeks Opinions On Transportation Plans

From today's Fairfax Extra: Del. Kenneth R. Plum (D-Fairfax) is asking constituents about their views on the transportation plans under consideration by the General Assembly. Those without access to the Internet can call 703-758-9733 to request a written copy of the survey. Gov. Timothy M. Kaine (D) has introduced a plan, Senate Republicans have a proposal, and House Republicans made a recommendation last week.Constituents can take the survey at Plum's Web site, http://www.kenplum.com , by clicking on the link under "Transportation Survey."...

By | February 23, 2006; 01:50 PM ET | Email a Comment

Public Input Sought On Bus Route Changes

From today's Fairfax Extra: The county bus system will hold a public meeting next month to hear from residents about proposed changes to Fairfax Connector's Route 989 service. The route operates weekdays from Reston East at Wiehle Avenue park-and-ride lot to the Pentagon Metro station and Crystal City. Because of street direction changes in Pentagon City and Crystal City, some passengers have requested that the route be streamlined. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. March 1 at McNair Elementary School, 2499 Thomas Jefferson Dr., Herndon. For more information, call 703-339-7200 or visit http://www.fairfaxconnector.com ....

By | February 23, 2006; 01:45 PM ET | Email a Comment

Kaine Appoints Hill Acting Rail and Public Director

The governor has named Corey W. Hill to head the state agency responsible for rail and public transportation. The news release is here....

By | February 21, 2006; 05:22 PM ET | Email a Comment

Please Read: Rules Issued for Commenting on Fairfax Focus Blog

Some readers of this blog have recently raised questions about the role of The Washington Post in policing Fairfax Focus. I have deleted a few blog posts because they did not meet The Post's standards for fairness. For more clarity about how to play by the rules, Jim Brady, the executive editor of washingtonpost.com has posted a message explaining the rules for readers participating in the site's Live Online discussions, discussion forums and for posting comments on the company's blogs. The complete list of rules is here. --Steve Fehr, Fairfax Extra Editor...

By | February 17, 2006; 01:06 PM ET | Comments (2)

Walking May Be Hazardous To Your Health

Today's Fairfax Extra cover story looks at the perils of being a pedestrian in Fairfax County and what the government, planners and neighborhood leaders would like to do about them....

By | February 16, 2006; 11:50 AM ET | Comments (1)

Nighttime Beltway Delays Expected For Route 7 Bridge Repair

The following news release was issued today by VDOT: VDOT Begins Work on Route 7 Bridge over BeltwayNighttime detour begins mid-MarchOn February 17, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) will begin site preparation for the rehabilitation of the Route 7 bridge over the Capital Beltway (I-495) in Fairfax County.  During the seven-month repair project, motorists should expect delays between 9 p.m. and 4:30 a.m. Once construction swings into high-gear in mid-March, Beltway motorists heading to Route 7 towards Tysons Corner or Falls Church will be detoured to Route 123.   The I-495 northbound ramp to westbound Route 7 and the southbound I-495 ramp to eastbound Route 7 will be closed from 9 p.m. to 4:30 a.m....

By | February 15, 2006; 04:31 PM ET | Email a Comment

Get Road Updates By E-Mail

From today's Metro section: Motorists stuck in traffic can get real-time e-mail updates about road conditions from the Virginia Department of Transportation, the agency announced yesterday. The e-mail alerts are part of the state's 511 travel service, which provides up-to-the-minute information on weather conditions, road construction and traffic incidents as well as on lodging, food and gas. Drivers can sign up for the free service by going to http://www.511Virginia.org ....

By | February 14, 2006; 12:40 PM ET | Email a Comment

Connolly Proposes End to Auto Decal Tax

In his annual state of the county address tonight, Gerald E. Connolly said he wants to eliminate the decals and tax forever. Here is the text of a news release just issued:...

By Steve Fehr | February 13, 2006; 08:00 PM ET | Comments (13)

Discussion to Cover Senior Citizens Issues

Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth (D-Providence) and the Mantua Civic Association are sponsoring a meeting on issues involving senior citizens, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Feb. 25. The meeting will include a series of panels on topics such as transportation, affordable housing, Medicare and community-based senior services. The meeting is at Mantua Elementary School, 9107 Horner Ct., Fairfax. For more information, call 703-560-6946....

By | February 13, 2006; 02:54 AM ET | Comments (1)

VDOT Suspends Evaluation of Dulles Toll Road Proposals

The suspension will last for 45 days while transportation secretary Pierce R. Homer reviews an alternate proposal from the Metropolitan Airports Authority. VDOT's news release is here....

By | February 8, 2006; 05:04 PM ET | Email a Comment

Kaine's Growth Control Plan Suffers Setback in Richmond

Kaine's proposal to give local governments more authority to slow growth if the roads are inadequate was rejected by a vote of 9-2 in a subcommittee of the Counties, Cities and Towns Committee today. The story is here....

By | February 8, 2006; 04:37 PM ET | Comments (5)

Kaine Announces More Transportation Forums

The governor's announcement came yesterday that he wants to continue the town hall style meetings that he began prior to his inauguration. The story is here....

By | February 8, 2006; 11:47 AM ET | Email a Comment

It's a Bus, It's a Room, It's a Mobile Lounge

You know those things you ride in to get from the terminal to your plane at Dulles? Today's Fairfax Extra takes a look at their history and at the people that drive them....

By | February 4, 2006; 02:26 AM ET | Email a Comment

Karen Rae Resigns

From a news release: Virginia Rail and Public Transportation Agency Director Karen J. Rae today announced that she will resign effective Feb. 22. She has served as the Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation since August 2002....

By Steve Fehr | February 3, 2006; 05:27 PM ET | Email a Comment

Governor Announces Nationwide Search For Transportation Commissioner

From Gov. Kaine's office: GOVERNOR KAINE LAUNCHES BIPARTISAN, NATIONWIDE SEARCH FOR TRANSPORTATION COMMISSIONER  RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the recruiting firm Korn/Ferry International of Washington D.C. has been selected to conduct a nationwide search for a transportation leader to serve as commissioner of the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT)....

By | February 2, 2006; 02:34 PM ET | Comments (1)

Metro Running Eight-Car Trains On Orange Line

Metrorail began running a test program with eight-car trains on its Orange Line yesterday. Focus on Fairfax wants to know, is it making a difference?...

By | January 31, 2006; 09:28 AM ET | Comments (5)

Pedestrian Task Force Offers Recommendations

From today's Fairfax Extra: The county's pedestrian task force has called for a series of broad changes in policy and infrastructure to improve the safety of the walking public. The report, which capped a year of work by the task force, proposed a 10-year capital spending plan in four areas: var technorati = new Technorati() ; technorati.setProperty('url','http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012500954_Technorati.html') ; technorati.article = new item('IN BRIEF','http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/25/AR2006012500954.html','The county\'s pedestrian task force has called for a series of broad changes in policy and infrastructure to improve the safety of the walking public.','') ; document.write( technorati.getDisplaySidebar() ); · Major pedestrian activity centers, transit access and intersection retrofits. · Neighborhood connections, arterial walkways and road diets (reducing the traffic lanes of a particular roadway). · Bus stops. · Retrofitting for the disabled and pedestrian bridges. The Board of Supervisors has identified about $11 million in federal, state and county funding for pedestrian improvements. "This document will not...

By | January 26, 2006; 11:23 AM ET | Comments (1)

Connolly: Fairfax Is At Build-Out

Board Chairman Gerald E. Connolly (D) told his colleagues today, "We're hardly doing any land use in Fairfax County." Connolly noted that there were only two public hearings scheduled today, the lowest he could remember in years. There was a time when there were 40 public hearings at a board meeting related to rezonings and other land use cases, he said. "We are at build out," Connolly said. Connolly generally was referring to the relative lack of land remaining for development. There are huge development projects underway or planned on existing land, especially the planned extension of rail to Dulles International Airport, one of the largest development projects in the county's history....

By Steve Fehr | January 23, 2006; 05:12 PM ET | Comments (15)

Less Traffic = More $

Yesterday's Metro section had an analysis of what the competing transportation plans in Richmond could mean for Northern Virginians. The bottom line: If you want relief, prepare to open your pocketbooks....

By | January 23, 2006; 12:39 PM ET | Comments (2)

MetroWest Meeting Set for Feb. 1

The Providence District Council will hold a meeting on the MetroWest project, south of the Vienna Metro station, from 7 p.m to 9:30 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 1 at Mosby Woods Elementary School. The meeting, which is open to the public, comes in advance of the rezoning hearing before the county Planning Commission on Feb. 8. Both the project in general and the large county staff report will be discussed. The school is at 9816 Five Oaks Road, Fairfax....

By Steve Fehr | January 21, 2006; 07:26 AM ET | Comments (3)

Fairfax GOP Officials Want $300 Million For Local Roads

Today's Metro section has an article about the legislation the lawmakers intend to submit today....

By | January 20, 2006; 02:55 PM ET | Comments (1)

Tunneling Under Tysons

Yesterday's Fairfax Extra cover story looks at whether a two-pronged attack, using both elevated tracks and tunnels, can cut costs enough to make Metrorail through Tysons Corner a reality....

By | January 20, 2006; 10:21 AM ET | Comments (3)

Kauffman Exits As WMATA Chairman

Metro's website has the text of the remarks Supervisor Dana Kauffman (D-Lee) made as he presided over his final meeting as the chairman of Metro's board of directors....

By | January 19, 2006; 03:52 PM ET | Comments (2)

Community Dialogues Set on Future of Tysons Corner

From the Fairfax County Office of Public Affairs: Tysons Corner Community Invited to Dialogue Sessions Residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations are invited to participate in a series of initial community dialogues in January and February to identify important issues regarding the future of Tysons Corner and how the introduction of rail stations will affect growth. The schedule of dialogue sessions, hosted by the Tysons Land Use Task Force, and more information on the Tysons planning study can be found at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/tysonscorner/.    To reserve a space in one of the dialogues, call the Tysons Community Dialogue Hotline at 703-324-1344, TTY 711, or e-mail tysonscornerspecialstudy@fairfaxcounty.gov. Since dialogue locations have different capacities, please sign up in advance so accommodations can be made for as many people as possible. Community members unable to attend a dialogue may provide comments online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dpz/tysonscorner/surveyform.htm. The results of the dialogues and comments submitted online will be...

By | January 19, 2006; 03:39 PM ET | Email a Comment

Meeting Scheduled On Vienna Metro Capacity Study

From the Office of Supervisor Linda Q. Smyth (D-Providence): Vienna Metro Transit Station Capacity Study Community Outreach Meeting Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. Oakton High School Cafeteria 2900 Sutton Road, Vienna The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Fairfax County Department of Transportation and Providence District Supervisor Linda Smyth are sponsoring a follow-up public information session for users of the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail station and residents adjacent to the station to discuss the existing and future capacity needs of the station. The community outreach meeting scheduled for Jan. 31, 2006, at 7:30 p.m. is a follow-up meeting to the initial public outreach meeting held on July 12, 2005, at Oakton High School. This upcoming community outreach meeting is intended to serve as an opportunity to both solicit additional community input and to share interim results of the initial outreach and analysis of the station's capacity needs. Since users and residents adjacent to...

By | January 19, 2006; 03:30 PM ET | Comments (2)

New Pedestrian Bridge Coming To Seven Corners

County Supervisor Penelope A. Gross (D-Mason) announced Sunday in a letter to the editor that a fix is on the way for one of the county's most dangerous intersections for pedestrians. The text is here....

By | January 18, 2006; 11:53 AM ET | Comments (1)

Arlington's New Trolley Would Extend Into Fairfax

The proposed trolley line would run from Pentagon City to the Skyline area or Baileys Crossroads along the Columbia Pike corridor according to an article in today's Virginia Extras....

By | January 12, 2006; 02:57 PM ET | Comments (1)

A Reader Urges Less Talk, More Action on Dulles Rail

The text of a letter to the editor from Sam Rosenberg of Centreville is here....

By | January 12, 2006; 02:40 PM ET | Comments (2)

Seniors' Taxicab Program Getting Changes

A county program designed to provide low-income senior citizens with  reduced cost taxi service has undergone a revision after a series of complaints from the program's users. Read about it here....

By | January 12, 2006; 02:21 PM ET | Email a Comment

Board Agrees on $6 Million For Huntington Garage

From today's Fairfax Extra: The county Board of Supervisors has approved spending up to $6 million to keep construction going on the expansion of the 1,400-space parking garage at the Huntington Metro station. Metro agreed with a developer to build a mixed-use project on the surface lot on the south side of the station. The developer, Stout and Teague, agreed to replace the 924 spaces with a parking garage. Metro later said it would add about 500 spaces to handle future growth at Huntington. The cost of the addition was $25.2 million but has grown to $31.2 million. The supervisors were asked to plug the $6 million gap. The money will come from parking fees collected at county Metro stations and from the transit agency's infrastructure fund....

By | January 12, 2006; 12:44 PM ET | Email a Comment

Part Of Wilson Boulevard Could Get a New Name

From today's Fairfax Extra: A portion of Wilson Boulevard in the Falls Church area would be named Saigon Boulevard under a proposal made by the county Board of Supervisors to the Virginia Department of Transportation. The supervisors voted Monday to ask VDOT to designate the stretch of Wilson between Route 7 and Roosevelt Boulevard as Saigon Boulevard, with signs to mark the change. The stretch is in front of the Eden Center. var technorati = new Technorati() ; technorati.setProperty('url','http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/11/AR2006011100867_Technorati.html') ; technorati.article = new item('in brief','http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/11/AR2006011100867.html','A portion of Wilson Boulevard in the Falls Church area would be named Saigon Boulevard under a proposal made by the county Board of Supervisors to the Virginia Department of Transportation.','') ; document.write( technorati.getDisplaySidebar() ); Representatives of the Vietnamese American community requested the change to reflect the area's retail and cultural activity. The name change would be ceremonial; Wilson Boulevard would keep its name and addresses...

By | January 12, 2006; 12:40 PM ET | Comments (2)

Mixing Bowl Improvements Among Area Traffic Fixes Ahead in 2006

Three new bridges, including one scheduled to open next week are, expected to open in 2006 as part of the major improvements being made to the Springfield Interchange.  Read about the various projects, including the first span of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, opening in June, in today's Metro section....

By | January 11, 2006; 10:33 AM ET | Email a Comment

Va. Lawmakers Agree Transportation Is Top Priority...Now What?

State legislators agree that solving Virginia's transportation problems is job No.1. How to fix them is another story....

By | January 6, 2006; 12:59 AM ET | Comments (3)

Group Opposes Rail, Wants More Buses and Toll Lanes to Dulles

In the Jan. 5 Voices of Fairfax column, guest writer Christopher W. Walker of Landowners Opposing Wasteful Expenditures argues against the proposed Metrorail extension to the airport....

By | January 6, 2006; 12:33 AM ET | Comments (7)

Kaine Keeps Pierce Homer; Fairfax's Hanley Had Been Candidate

The Governor-elect's news release: Governor-Elect Tim Kaine Announces Transportation Leadership Team Richmond - Governor-elect Tim Kaine today announced that Pierce R. Homer will serve as Secretary of Transportation and Ralph Davis and Scott Kasprowicz will serve as Deputy Secretaries of Transportation. Former Fairfax Board Chairman Katherine "Kate" Hanley had been considered for the top job....

By | January 5, 2006; 03:25 PM ET | Comments (5)

Former BOS Chairman Weighs In on County Rail to Dulles Funding

The text of a letter to the Fairfax Extra from