Posts by Edward Russell — Editorial Board Alum
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Public-private partnerships work for some infrastructure, just not all
Public-private partnerships (PPPs) are an increasingly common way to fund new construction. But what are they, exactly, and in what circumstances are they appropriate? A PPP, also known as a concession in some cases, is broadly defined as an agreement between a public and private entity where, as Brookings puts it in a new report, the parties share in the risks and rewards of the… Keep reading…
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A long-awaited bridge opens to Rhode Island Avenue Metro
There’s new pedestrian and bicycle bridge connecting the Metropolitan Branch Trail to the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station. The bridge opened this morning and helps trail users and residents of the Edgewood neighborhood reach the Metro. Keep reading…
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Oakland’s new airport train would be perfect at BWI
San Francisco’s BART opened the new 3.2-mile Oakland Airport Connector shortly before Thanksgiving, tying a second Bay Area airport into the region’s rail system. A similar project could give BWI a boost. Oakland International and BWI airports share the same problem of being a couple of miles away from important transit lines, BART and the MARC train, respectively. Keep reading…
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Veterans Day closures: No “commutemageddon,” and even some perks for those not working
Though roads closed and the Blue Line stopped running on Veterans Day, crowding and waits for commuters weren’t as bad as some had feared. For people who had the day off, the closures even created an impromptu “open streets” event on car-free avenues. But many details, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists, came as a surprise. Keep reading…
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It’ll be a rough commute this Veterans Day for people who still have to work
While government workers have the day off for Veterans Day, many people don’t. They will face challenges traveling around the region: Metro will temporary suspend service on the Blue Line, and road closures for the Concert for Valor will block driving and bicycling routes along and across the National Mall. Keep reading…
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Streetcar “simulated service” could begin on H Street in October
The streetcars have been running on H Street for testing and training. Soon, “simulated service” will start, where the operators will drive trains up and down the street just as if they’re really carrying passengers. When the line opens, possibly by the end of 2014, fares might be free. Keep reading…
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“Meander” could cut a green path through NoMa
If NoMa develops according to one vision from business and residents, a chain of small public spaces could link up to create a path where people can stroll for as much as six blocks among residential and office buildings. But that will only happen if property owners, including the DC government on one key parcel, work together. Keep reading…
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Can NoMa turn dank underpasses into lively public spaces?
Can the mostly-empty space beneath the railroad tracks approaching Union Station become active spaces that enhance the NoMa neighborhood? The NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) hopes so. Some other cities have been able to activate underpasses; can these show the way? Keep reading…
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NoMa BID gets green cash for green space
DC will spend some green to get some green in NoMa. Mayor Gray recently authorized $50 million for new parks in the fast-growing neighborhood. Mayor Vincent Gray recently signed a measure to let the NoMa Business Improvement District (BID) spend $50 million in parks and public realm funds for the neighborhood. The first of the parks is planned for the underpasses under the… Keep reading…
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VRE’s future could include off-peak and weekend service
Faced with growing ridership but limited capacity, VRE has released a plan to significantly expand commuter rail service in Northern Virginia, including reverse-commute, off-peak, and weekend services and an extension to Gainesville and Haymarket. The $2.68 billion, 25-year capital improvement plan is split into three phases with modest capacity improvements through… Keep reading…