National Harbor - News, Events, Updates, Questions and Developments Etc. (to eat, ratings)

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by justtitans

You make some good points. I would say the state deserves a lot of blame. They are responsible for the condition of 210. I think 210 has reached critical mass at least 10 years ago. The problem now is when you start developing near that road, you are only making the issue worse. There are things that could have been done to keep the problems down.

Let's be honest, both you and I know that 210 funding has been a struggle for a while now. It doesn't seem realistic to expect it to be ready in the next 3 to 4 years, where the heaviest of development is expected. The problem I see is no one is thinking outside the box here. How hard would it be to create bus lanes on 210 to encourage less people to drive on it. A majority of the people who drive on 210 are going in the same direction and places like Accokeek and Fort Washington already have the commuter lots to support such an effort. The cost of such a project would be small in comparison to the amount the state is trying to gather for 210. Things like that seem to be missing in the thinking.

I understand your thinking about traffic though. I think development is good when done smartly. I haven't seen or heard any plans that they at least have in place for the roads around NH once they do get the money and that's what doesn't make sense.

210 is definitely struggling to sustain its current population and something needs to be done about it. I am still of the opinion that they need to initiate a moratorium on the construction of new houses/housing development until demand outpaces supply and alternative transportation modes are identified/implemented. Creating a bus lane is a great and economical idea. Not sure what would be the issue in creating a designated lane. Do you know if that has been mentioned to our representatives and if so what has been the response?

As far as additional improvements made prior to the opening of MGM, I know that they plan to create an entrance back on to 210 by Tanger and make a one way circular "drive" (encompassing Harborview and National Blvd) that will have 1 "local/through lane" and three lanes dedicated to resort traffic. I haven't heard of anything else post opening but I know that Jay Walker suggested that some of the money (for road improvements) be allocated to the other 210 interchanges that are unfunded.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

And with the new smart-growth initiatives including the Purple Line, I hope PGC can do it better than Nova. While we've blown a few opportunities (Westphalia, Konterra) we can still get it right given the number of metro/marc/future purple line stations. I think it can be done and I think this is the administration that can get it done. We'll see. Hope I'm not wrong.

National Harbor is not a lost cause. I think that the solution is there. It will just take time. Tyson's Corner was horrible. Even with no traffic the road layout was confusing. I've had to make a number of u-turns when visiting Tyson's Corner.

I agree. I actually think that the coming of MGM has worked to the benefit of defining the roads around the National Harbor. They currently have a working group to develop a transportation plan for that development that was requested by the county. That would not have been on the table or in eyesight if MGM was not coming. Whether the profits from MGM are fully realized or not, the priority given at this time will definitely be advantageous if played right.

[Sampg1]

Road improvement that should get attention for national harbor MGM project
1- Add at list one extra lane on South 295 - add extra exit lane to 495 - the backup to 495 exit will create a lot of congestion on MGM national harbor traffic
2- National harbor should open access to Oxon hill Rd at Kirby Hill
Please add more …

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Sampg1

Road improvement that should get attention for national harbor MGM project
1- Add at list one extra lane on South 295 - add extra exit lane to 495 - the backup to 495 exit will create a lot of congestion on MGM national harbor traffic
2- National harbor should open access to Oxon hill Rd at Kirby Hill
Please add more …

Adding exit lanes to interstates won't help because you'll just be funneling extra traffic onto the same two-lane roads at MGM and NH. You can have 3 exit lanes but if they all empty out onto the same two lane roads, that doesn't help. Mass transit is the only real fix.

What you CAN do is add BRT to 295 and 495. That works. Take as many cars off the road. Therefore you get more people onto those two-lane roads with fewer vehicles.

[Sampg1]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Adding exit lanes to interstates won't help because you'll just be funneling extra traffic onto the same two-lane roads at MGM and NH. You can have 3 exit lanes but if they all empty out onto the same two lane roads, that doesn't help. Mass transit is the only real fix.

What you CAN do is add BRT to 295 and 495. That works. Take as many cars off the road. Therefore you get more people onto those two-lane roads with fewer vehicles.

You right, mass transit is the best solution but I was wondering what can the county do only with respect to road improvement

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by Sampg1

You right, mass transit is the best solution but I was wondering what can the county do only with respect to road improvement

Well from what I hear from everyone here, 210 is a priority. You can't do much on Oxon Hill road unless you take away some front yards going into Fort Washington. A BRT line would be perfect for Oxon Hill Rd. though. Have it run every 15 minutes during peak hours to the Green Line or across the bridge to the Yellow Line.

Then you can have a dedicated BRT line on 210 if they want to add lanes. Have that run every half hour during peak. Then of course you can have shuttles going to and from MGM and NH.

Those are quick fixes until permanent solutions can be made.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

Well from what I hear from everyone here, 210 is a priority. You can't do much on Oxon Hill road unless you take away some front yards going into Fort Washington. A BRT line would be perfect for Oxon Hill Rd. though. Have it run every 15 minutes during peak hours to the Green Line or across the bridge to the Yellow Line.

Then you can have a dedicated BRT line on 210 if they want to add lanes. Have that run every half hour during peak. Then of course you can have shuttles going to and from MGM and NH.

Those are quick fixes until permanent solutions can be made.

I know that shuttles were part of MGM's earlier conversation along with the trolley system on premises. I agree with you on the BRT and dedicated lanes. It would be a strong interim fix. I know PGTitan had mentioned that as well. I could see those BRT lanes on OHR, King Street/Huntington, and 210 crossing over to South Capital Street. At the very minimum shuttles should service those areas.

[Fast GTO]

How on earth could anyone even consider NH a lost cause given the ground breaking for MGM? Crazy people.

[Dmvwhatup]

Just returned from Georgia(Atlanta). We visited the GA aquarium and wow, it was gorgeous! Couldn't help but envision that in the harbor. lol

[Dmvwhatup]

@fast GTO National Harbor prob exceeded even Peterson expectations this summer. They're finally getting their niche and becoming a staycation for locals as well as the touristy stuff. Every restaurant packed with 1-2 hour waits on the weekend lol. I think the Harbor is doing OK.