[Archived] Lane Restrictions On Washington Street In Virginia Return Next Week

City Press Release


	For Immediate Release	For More Information, Contact
	August 19, 2005 PIO#	John Undeland, WWB Project, 703/329-0300 or 571/237-2690 (cell) Michelle Holland, WWB Project, 703/329-0300 or 703/930-7286 (cell) Raynard Owens, Communications Officer, at 703.838.4300

Media Advisory

For Immediate Release Contacts: John Undeland, WWB Project
August 19, 2005 703/329-0300 or 571/237-2690 (cell)
Michelle Holland, WWB Project
703/329-0300 or 703/930-7286 (cell)

LANE RESTRICTIONS ON WASHINGTON STREET IN VIRGINIA
RETURN NEXT WEEK
Reduced From Four to Three Lanes to Build Northern Portion
of New Beltway Overpass;
Commutes Stay the Same with Reversible Middle Lane

WHAT/WHERE: Beginning on or about early next week, Washington Street again will be reduced from four lanes to three lanes between South Alfred Street and Church Street (approximately � mile) so crews can continue rebuilding the new Washington Street overpass. The same lane restrictions were previously in place between August 2003 and March 2005, while the southern portion of the Washington Street overpass was built. Rush-hour commuters again will continue to have two lanes, thanks to a reversible middle lane. The reversible middle lane will provide two lanes northbound from 5:00 – 9:30 AM and southbound from 3:00 – 8:00 PM.

Clearly marked overhead traffic signals and roadway signs will direct motorists through the three-lane traffic configuration. Motorists who travel the Washington Street overpass on a regular basis should take the returned lane restrictions into account and plan accordingly. Though modest delays occurred initially as drivers got acclimated to the previous three-lane pattern, traffic ultimately flowed smoothly and with very little delays.
(See Detailed Graphic Below)

WHEN: The three-lane traffic configuration at Washington Street will begin on or about Monday, August 22nd after morning rush hour and will remain in effect until work is completed at the Washington Street overpass in 2007.

WHY: Reducing Washington Street from four lanes to three lanes between South Alfred Street and Church Street is necessary so crews can begin rebuilding the northern portion of the new Washington Street overpass. With the successful completion of shifting Beltway traffic under the southern portion of the Washington Street overpass, work on the overpass’ northern portion can now safely proceed.

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