Metro’s new 7000 series train takes a test run through Union Station

Northern Virginia:

“Much excitement Wednesday for folks hoping to get a glimpse of Metro’s new 7000 series rail cars. A Metro spokeswoman confirmed that folks may see a test train moving through the system this week. But sorry to report: no passengers allowed … yet. The first of the new rail cars are expected to be running later this year, and more than half the fleet will be replaced by them by 2018.”

~Writes Lori Aratani of the Washington Post

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Metro could take control of the Silver Line this month

Northern Virginia:

“Metro officials could take over control of the first phase of the Silver Line rail extension this month — a move that could mean train service could start before summer. Dulles Transit Partners, the contractor responsible for building the first phase of the Silver Line rail project submitted documentation on Friday indicating they think they have completed construction and testing of the first phase of the $5.6 billion rail line, officials at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority said.

Officials at MWAA, which is overseeing construction of the rail line, which will be built in two phases, now have 15 calendar days to review the paperwork. Metro officials, who will manage and operate the line, also will take part in the review. Both agencies must agree with the contractor’s assessment of its work before the project can move to the next step — up to 90 days of testing and training conducted by Metro officials. It will be up to Metro to determine when passenger service on the rail line will begin.”

~Writes Lori Aratani of the Washington Post

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Four Contractors Vie For Silver Line Rail Yard Complex

Northern Virginia:

“The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority announced today that four construction teams have been approved to bid on the design and construction of the Silver Line rail yard and maintenance facility at Dulles Airport. The teams were selected following based on responses to a request for qualifications. The contractors are:

• Capital Rail Constructors—Clark Construction Group. LL and Kiewit Infrastructure South Co.;
• Hensel Phelps Construction Co.;
• Metrorail Constructors Group JV—Turner Construction Co., Southland Industries, and Freestate Electrical Construction Co.; and
• Skanska USA Southeast Co.

Capital Rail Constructors is the contractor team building Package A of the Silver Line’s Phase 2 extension from Reston to Ashburn. That contract includes construction of the rail line, stations and systems.

The award of the Package B contract, which is expected to cost between $260 million and $280 million, is anticipated in July with completion of the project anticipated in 2018.”

~Writes Leesburg Today

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Does Metrorail or driving work best for commuters starting south of Beltway?

Northern Virginia:

“We invited travelers to suggest commutes we could test for them, to compare routes or travel modes. On Thursday morning, Post reporter Mark Berman and Robert Thomson, Dr. Gridlock, took up a reader’s suggestion to test routes between the Kingstowne area, south of the Capital Beltway in Northern Virginia, and downtown D.C.

As a starting point, we chose a McDonald’s parking lot at the corner of Franconia and Brookland roads. The finish line was the lobby of The Post, at 15th and L streets Northwest. Berman drove all the way. Thomson drove to a Metro garage and took the Blue Line. We’ll be testing other readers’ suggestions and can add a bike route. Send ideas to ­drgridlock@washpost.com.”

~Writes Robert Thomson and Mark Berman of The Washington Post

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What’s Next for I-66

Northern Virginia

“VDOT will hold a public information meeting on the next steps to identify potential traffic improvements in the I-66 Corridor. It’s set for Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Oakton High School, 2900 Sutton Road in Vienna. (If cancelled due to weather: Tuesday, Feb. 4).

#VDOT and the Department of Rail and Public Transportation have identified 10 concepts to increase capacity within the I-66 corridor, plus options to increase travel-mode choices, improve individual interchanges, address spot safety needs and enhance travel efficiency.”

~Writes The Connection

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Many transportation projects vie for travelers’ attention in congested Washington region

Northern Virginia

“The region’s top transportation stories for 2014 are the start-up of the Metro Silver Line and the D.C. streetcar, Metro’s fare increases and the transit rebuilding program, the addition of bike lanes, the completion of toll highways and the rebuilding of interchanges and bridges.

But there’s plenty more going on this year. Here’s a look at the runner-up category.”

~Writes the Robert Thomson of the Washington Post

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D.C. Region’s Transportation Forecast Shows that Congestion Remains, Despite Investment

Northern Virginia

“D.C. region’s transportation forecast shows that congestion remains, despite investment

If we could help create an environment in which people spent more time with friends and families and less time worrying about getting there, our contribution would be impressive. And it would be all the more impressive in a region that by many measures does the poorest job in the nation at getting people from place to place. James C. Dinegar, president of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, put our travel goal this way when speaking Wednesday to the regional Transportation Planning Board: ‘To not be the worst.’”

~Writes Robert Thomson of the Washington Post

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