Six Morning Commute Tips
Posted 5:05 a.m.
If you plan to drive or take transit this morning, please use your best judgment and keep in mind these quick tips so you arrive safely and keep others safe, too. These will also be important as the day progresses and the storm gets worse.
1.) Some snow has already fallen. Clean your car off completely. Use headlights, too!
2.) Slow down and allow for extra time to reach your destination. Slowing down is also a good idea since slippery roads mean less stopping time.
3.) Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
4.) Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
5.) Stay in the car if visibility becomes poor later today. You may become disoriented and lost while wandering in a snowstorm. If you have a cellphone, call for help. Have a few supplies in your car such as a blanket and some food.
6.) Drivers, watch out for pedestrians and pedestrians watch out for drivers. Let’s all get to our destinations safely and take our time.
Here are some more tips from VDOT:
Update: Roads Impacted by Storm Damage
Posted 3:56 p.m.
A number of roads (PDF) are still impacted by damage from the storm. The list will be updated as information becomes available.
Drivers are reminded to obey four-way stop rules at intersections without power.
- Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
- Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
- Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
Update: Roads Impacted by Storm Damage
Posted 12:22 p.m.
A number of roads (PDF) are still impacted by damage from the storm. The list will be updated as information becomes available.
Drivers are reminded to obey four-way stop rules at intersections without power.
- Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
- Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
- Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
Morning Commute Reminders
Posted 5:15 a.m.
Good morning as another commute begins today. Allow extra time whether you travel by car, bus, train, bike or foot.
Here’s what you need to know:
- HOV
To help ease delays on arterial routes due to signal outages, VDOT will lift the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) requirement of two or more passengers on Interstate 66 inside the Beltway during the a.m. (eastbound) and p.m. (westbound) rush hours. Regular HOV restrictions will remain in effect on I-66 outside the Beltway and on I-95/395. More details from VDOT
- Traffic Signals
Dozens and dozens of traffic signals remain without power. Drivers should:- Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
- Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
- Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
- 9-1-1 and Non Emergency Number
If you need to call 9-1-1 for an emergency during your commute or if you need to call the non-emergency number to report an accident, then please only call 9-1-1 if you have an emergency. If for some reason you are unable to reach 9-1-1, use these alternate numbers: 703-691-7561 or 703-691-3680. These two numbers may be used for either emergency or non-emergency calls.
- Fairfax Connector
For Connector bus updates, visit its Facebook page.
Roads Impacted by Storm Damage Update
Posted 2:50 p.m.
A number of roads (PDF) are still impacted by damage from the storm. The list will be updated as information becomes available.
Drivers are reminded to obey four-way stop rules at intersections without power.
- Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
- Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
- Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
80+ Intersections Without Traffic Lights; Obey Four-Way Stop Rules
Posted 4:33 a.m.
More than 80 intersections in Fairfax County remain without working traffic lights. As you start your morning commute, PLEASE obey 4-way stop rules at intersections without power.
- Treat each traffic light as a four-way stop, with the driver on the right having the right-of-way.
- Proceed with caution only when traffic permits.
- Enter intersections only when it is safe to do so, using turn signals to let other motorists know your intentions.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks.
- Watch out for and obey police officers directing traffic within intersections.
Here’s a sampling of the major intersections without working traffic lights right now:
- Route 123/International Drive
- Route 7/Beulah
- Route 50/Gallows Road
- Route 50/Nutley Street
- West Ox Road/Fair Lakes Parkway
- Route 1/Telegraph Road
- Lorton Road/I-95
- Hummer Road/Gallows Road
- Fort Hunt/Belle Haven
- Baron Cameron/Fairfax County Parkway
- Reston Parkway/Lawyers Road
- Route 50/Stringfellow Road
Monday’s Commute
Posted: 8:12 p.m.; Updated: 9:12 p.m.
As the region continues to recover from power outages your morning commute may be affected. Employees with the ability and supervisor approval to telework are encouraged to do so.
The current operating status for area transportation systems:
- Signal outages – More than 100 traffic signals in Northern Virginia are without power. Drivers should treat these intersections as four-way stops and proceed with caution. Traffic rules during power outages.
- I-66 HOV - VDOT will lift the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) requirement of two or more passengers on eastbound Interstate 66 inside the Beltway during the a.m. rush hour Monday, July 2. Regular HOV restrictions will remain in effect on I-66 outside the Beltway and on I-95/395.
- Fairfax Connector bus service is operating per its normal schedule. Check the Connector Web page at www.fairfaxconnector.com for the current operating status.
- Due to the extreme heat, Fairfax Connector and Metro will allow passengers to carry and consume water on the systems through closing Monday, July 2.
- For information about FASTRAN, call 703-222-9764, press 8; TTY 711, or online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/ncs/fastran.htm.
- VDOT 511 – For the latest road closures and traffic alerts.
- Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623) with any traffic related issues. Residents can also report issues online 24/7 at www.virginiadot.org/travel/citizen.asp.
- VRE - Operating a full and normal schedule.
Federal agencies in the Washington, D.C., area are open and employees have the option for unscheduled leave or unscheduled telework reports the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
Transportation Update
Posted 5:44 a.m.
Fairfax Connector
- Most buses have resumed normal routing. In the south county, Route 401 buses are detouring around northbound Hummer Road via Annandale Road. Check for schedule updates on Facebook.
- Storm cleanup continues. Some traffic signals remain without power, which may cause service delays.
- Effective today, Fairfax Connector fares increase.
Roads
- Treat intersections with traffic lights that are out or flashing as four-way stops; the driver on the right has the right-of-way. Traffic rules during power outages.
- For the latest info, call VDOT at 511 or 1-800-FOR-ROAD.
VDOT’s Work on Storm-Damaged Roads Continues
A week removed from Tropical Storm Lee’s flood waters, reconstruction plans are in full swing for the three bridges and four roads in northern Virginia that remain closed, all of which require extensive repairs. At least another eight roads, while open, also need long-term fixes, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.
Up to 100 roads were flooded, damaged or closed in northern Virginia during the Sept. 8 storm, and VDOT crews spent the days following removing debris, patching potholes, and making repairs to open many of the roadways. At the same time, work began to secure emergency contracts for the most damaged bridges and roadways, all in Fairfax County. The total estimated damage to roads and bridges in northern Virginia is likely more than $10 million.
Police Warn Public About Dangers of Sinkholes and Road Damage
Several roads in Fairfax County remain closed due to torrential rain and flood damage. Sinkholes, road cave-ins, and bridge damage present a continued danger to pedestrians and drivers and police have cordoned off these areas with flares, cones and police tape. It is not safe to play near or travel through these areas.
View full details about sinkholes.
VDOT Estimates Road/Bridge Damage at $10 Million
Damaged bridge over Lorton Road.
Virginia Department of Transportation crews continue to assess road and bridge damage in northern Virginia from Tropical Storm Lee, which destroyed three bridges on secondary roads and damaged pavement on dozens of roads.
“Our initial assessment indicates that there could be up to $10 million in damages to bridges and roads in Fairfax County,” said Garrett Moore, VDOT District Administrator for northern Virginia. “We will make repairs as quickly as possible. We could even see more pavement and slope failures in the coming days, in addition to potholes.”
Photos: Flooding, Road Damage and Huntington
View some of the photos taken during the last 24+ hours in Fairfax County, including pictures of road damage throughout the county (courtesy VDOT) and of the Huntington community.
VDOT Provides Road Update (7 p.m.)
Virginia Department of Transportation’s Jennifer McCord gives an update on Fairfax County road closures. About 30 roads remained closed and three bridges have been completely washed away.
You can visit http://www.511virginia.org for a complete list of road closures in the county.
Transportation Update (11:30 a.m.)
Metro: Operating normal service with minor detours. Visit www.wmata.com for details.
Fairfax Connector: Operating normal service with minor detours in south county. View Fairfax Connector Facebook and Twitter feeds for details.
VRE: Not operating
Road Closures by Police District
SULLY DISTRICT
Walney Rd / Westfields At Bridge
Walney Rd / Filling Game
MOUNT VERNON DISTRICT
Old Mill & Cooper Rd
MCLEAN DISTRICT
Swinks Mill Between Old Dominion & Rt 193
Old Dominion Dr / 495
MASON DISTRICT
Woodburn Rd / Spicewood
Prosperity / Glenbrook
RESTON DISTRICT
Rt 7 / Colvin Run
Walker Rd / Walker Mill
Beach Mill Rd / Between Utterback & Springvale Rd
Leigh Mill Rd / Kelso Rd
Carpers Farm Way / Rt 7
Hunter Mill Rd / Chamberlain Dr
Beech Mill Rd Between Olympia & Goldsmith
Hunter Mill / Cedar Pond
FRANCONIA DISTRICT
Rt 1 / Cook Inlet & Rt 7100
Old Colchester Rd / Sewer Plant
Essex Ave / Exmore St To Essex
Telegraph Between Lockport Pl & Rt 7100
Rt 7100 / Backlick Rd
Telegraph Rd / NB ramp to Beltway
WEST SPRINGFIELD DISTRICT
Lorton / Between Windemere & Furnace
Hillside / Moverly Ct & Cameo Sq
Rutherford Park / Guinea
Birch Cliff Dr / Hampton Rd
Alban Rd / Terra Woods Dr
Ramps to and from Fullerton Rd from Rt 7100 NB
Rt 7100 / Boudinot
Hooes Rd / Whitlers Creek Ct
Lorton / Between 123 & Furnace
9108 Ridgely Rd
Birch Cliff Dr / Hampton Rd
Alban Rd / Rolling Rd
FAIR OAKS DISTRICT
Miller Rd / Westhurst Ln
Fox Mill Rd / Fox Mill Manor
Lawyers / Hunter Mill & Galloping Way
Deerfield / Fox Mill Rd
Stay Informed
