November 2015 Road and Trail Conditons

[Tania]

Most of the lights at cross streets along Gallows have a very long response time during rush hour but are on-demand during off hours (I live just off Gallows less than a mile from the W&OD crossing). The big roads (like Prosperity and Idlywood) have slightly shorter wait times but not by much. Lights like the one by me, at the W&OD crossing and at Cottage can feel endless. Adjusting the light at the W&OD will have a big impact north and south all along Gallows so it’s not as simple as changing the behavior of just that light.

Traffic along Gallows – from Route 7 down to the hospital just past Route 50 – seems to fluctuate between full-on madness and almost empty depending on the time of day. It’s really quite lovely at 7am on a Sunday…

[Steve O]

@Tania 127598 wrote:

Adjusting the light at the W&OD will have a big impact north and south all along Gallows so it’s not as simple as changing the behavior of just that light.

True during the full-on madness.
I would suggest that at other times adjusting that light would have a tiny impact along Gallows, unless one’s intent is to allow Gallows to be some sort of speedway. Otherwise, the only thing that would change is that some cars will end up stopping at an extra light. Even if the W&OD light is out of sync with all the others, the worst (best?) that will happen is cars that are stopped there will end up at one more red light somewhere than they otherwise would have.

[vern]

Thank you #NVRPA (I’m assuming) for blowing the leaves off of the WOD today. Very timely in light of the rain this afternoon and evening.

[dkel]

I stopped at the intersection of Gallows and the W&OD to talk to two VDOT workers who were examining the damaged light pole while scratching their heads. They had gone out to evaluate the damage, and—oddly enough—were surprised that all the debris from the crash had already been taken away. They also didn’t know who would be in charge of fixing the beg button that was obliterated. Through some conversation we decided that it would not be NVRPA’s job to fix the button, rather VDOT’s signal maintenance division (I didn’t have much to offer in the conversation, save expressing my disbelief that the Park Authority would ever be in charge of the walk signal). Anyway, progress will be made in repairing that soon, if those workers follow through.

As a side note, I can personally attest to the fact that the beg button there does—or did—cue the light to change, because in the time I was standing there talking to those guys (which was considerable—see below) the light didn’t change one time, since I couldn’t push the button.

My good deed/”Found Connection” for the day: one of those workers must’ve been a lonely guy, because we managed to get onto the topic of his deceased wife, his new girlfriend who’s moving here from Alaska, his wayward children, his recovery from substance abuse—you name it! I must have talked to him for a half hour, standing in the rain. Nice guy, and he currently has a lot going for him, which makes me glad. It wasn’t how I envisioned my morning commute proceeding, but I feel like it was worth spending the time with him.

[dbb]

NPS reports tree down on MVT and GWMP northbound south of 233

Crews investigating

Be careful

[CaseyKane50]

@peterw_diy 127557 wrote:

Alexandria’s Commonwealth Ave in Del Ray (from a block south of Monroe to Mt Vernon Ave) is in the process of being milled and repaved. Avoid if possible, and prepare to take the lane if you ride there.

Paving is complete on Commonwealth Avenue. However, lane markings have not yet been installed.

[DismalScientist]

Columbia Pike is newly paved from Courthouse down to Washington Blvd. No lane markings yet.

[annoyedindc]

@DismalScientist 128116 wrote:

Columbia Pike is newly paved from Courthouse down to Washington Blvd. No lane markings yet.

To add on this, the South Courthouse is completely repaved down to the Rt 50/Washington Blvd trail. They are also going to put in bike lane markings to connect with 6th St S and then Sharrows between 6th St S and the MUP trail start at Walter Reed Dr (https://goo.gl/maps/p3zotXrjU1n)

[PotomacCyclist]

14th Street Bridge is currently closed to all traffic because of a “suspicious package.” It may just be the usual false alert. In any case, you won’t be able to cross the bridge at this time. No word on when the bridge will reopen.

http://www.nbcwashington.com/news/local/14th-Street-Bridge-Closed-for-Suspicious-Package-351815101.html

[PotomacCyclist]

The bridge was reopened at 1:30 pm.

http://washington.cbslocal.com/2015/11/19/suspicious-package-closes-14th-street-bridge-causes-major-delays/

[dbb]

From the NPS GWMP

“On Tuesday, November 24, 2015 data counters will be installed on the Mount Vernon Trail. The work is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Two sections of trail will be impacted; south of the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport near the trail crossing of Four Mile Run and south of the city of Alexandria, north of Hunting Creek.

Signs, safety cones and flag persons will be placed in advance to help trail users navigate through the area. Every effort is being made to minimize visitor delays and accomplish the work in a safe timely manner. The work is being conducted by contractors for the city of Alexandria and weather permitting, should be completed by 3 p.m.”

The two locations are just south of the Portovecchio Condos as you approach the beltway and just before you cross the bridge over Four Mile Run. Basically, Alexandria will count you coming and going.

Thanks to the NPS for the heads up.

[Crickey7]

I apologize to anyone who heard my mashup of tunes from Beauty and the Beast and Sweeney Todd on the CCT and RCP this weekend. Blame the fall musical doubleheader on Saturday at my daughters’ middle and high schools, respectively.

[PotomacCyclist]

“Be Our Guest” while wielding a straight razor?

[CaseyKane50]

@CaseyKane50 128114 wrote:

Paving is complete on Commonwealth Avenue. However, lane markings have not yet been installed.

The bike lane lines have been reinstalled along Commonwealth.

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[bobco85]

Update on the 2 bollards at Braddock Rd and Potomac Yard Trail in Alexandria, VA:

The bollards have been given reflective siding which helps with visibility. I had placed a Call.Click.Connect request for this back in early September, and although the bollards remain (I inquired into any plans for removal), at the very least they are safer than before.

Before (image taken by CaseyKane50)
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After
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[Author]

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