Traffic on 66

[car54]

Originally Posted by novaslasher

I agree that a really good solution to the commuting problem is to increase service on the VRE. The infrastructure is there, so why not use it?...

Because VRE doesn't own the infrastructure...Norfolk Southern and CSX do.

My understanding is that NS & CSX will not allow more frequent VRE service at this time.

[bornindc]

Originally Posted by ajzjmsmom

NOVA drivers are nuts, why when there are signs about a mile before a road narrows into one lane do the drivers then wait until about 200 yds from the narrowing before they decide to merge? The only conclusion that I can come up with is that they must be way more important than I am and have to be somewhere much faster than me.

For some, they probably figure they are more important or something like that. However, the fact is that all that traffic has to merge anyway. It's actually better if they merge where the lane ends - rather than prematurely lining up when there is an open lane, which just extends the back-up further back down the highway. Feel free to merge a mile before you need to, but you're not doing anyone any favors.

[bornindc]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Yes, but see my Urban Planning thread for a good example of people from this forum with the "if it ain't broke, then don't fix it; why don't YOU move?" mentality! As long as the majority of folks here think NoVA is all puppies and sunshine with no need for infrastructural improvements then we're only going to see things get MUCH worse when hundreds of thousands MORE people move here!

Scran, you are right that there are already too many people out that way with limited commuting options. And more will come. Without limiting growth like Portland, OR does, it will only get worse. I know you (and I guess everyone else west of DC outside the Beltway) wants heavy rail/Metro all the way to Leesburg. This is just impractical. I don't understand why there isn't more of a push behind light rail and/or express bus routes, which are far cheaper options than Metrorail. More practical too as far as the size of the right-of way needed, you can lay that stuff down on the street like in Baltimore. This could even be run out Centreville/Manassas I would think. Why do you think this isn't even put out there as an option really?

[kevinm]

Originally Posted by ScranBarre

Route 7 up in the Reston/Tyson's area is by no means a rush-hour picnic either. When I have stress in traffic on a WEEKEND on this road then you know it needs relief. I just hope the IDIOTS in Loudoun County who are fighting against the Silver Line don't get their way. If they do, then I want THEM to drive ME to work!

Adding rail to these areas will NOT help with the congestion. It will just encourage MORE people to move out the suburbs. Unless the train picks you up in front of your house and drops you off right in front of your office, it is a non-starter for most commuters.

[ajzjmsmom]

Originally Posted by bornindc

For some, they probably figure they are more important or something like that. However, the fact is that all that traffic has to merge anyway. It's actually better if they merge where the lane ends - rather than prematurely lining up when there is an open lane, which just extends the back-up further back down the highway. Feel free to merge a mile before you need to, but you're not doing anyone any favors.

you are correct but when it is 3 lanes and suddenly 500 ft away they gotta merge across 2 lanes to get to where they need to be it is not only annoying but could be dangerous if someone is not paying attention

[HarryLou]

Going to Air & Space Museum...just so much easier to take 50 west to 28 north. You are barely a minute on 28 and you're there. 'Course 50 has traffic lights. I loathe 66, rush hour all day Saturday and Sunday.