Photo by Nonchaloir - LLC on Flickr.

#Blessed

Travel apocalypses averted. On the Pope’s first day in the District, Metro ridership was down 14 percent from the same time last week, and many commuters were pleasantly surprised by easier-than-usual commutes. (Politico, Post)  

Pope traffic every day?

Many people teleworked; if they did this more often, it could relieve traffic long term. (Wonkblog) … But while travel warnings make people stay away, we can’t expect traffic relief every day, as induced demand would creep in. (Citylab)  

Widen I-66 now or later?

Fairfax supervisors want VDOT to widen I-66 now, at the same time as adding tolls. But Arlington County officials want to try tolls first, then only widen the road later if that’s necessary. (WTOP)  

We want the shoulder

Some drivers are underwhelmed by VDOT’s new traffic management system on I-66, saying the want the shoulder open to traffic more often. But using shoulder lanes for vehicles isn’t very safe. (Post)  

Voter suppression?

Montgomery County’s Board of Elections, held by a Republican majority, will move two early polling locations to less dense areas. Democrats say it’s a move meant to suppress votes. (Bethesda Beat)  

Contraflow Columbia Heights

The next contraflow bike lane, a lane running against the flow of car traffic is coming to Columbia Heights, on a one-way piece of 11th Street near Park Road. (Park View, DC)  

Change of plans

Arlington County approved changes in the redevelopment plan for Pentagon Centre mall in Pentagon City. The changes will allow the developer to increase the number residential units and open space built at the start of the project. (WBJ)  

No money for FBI

There’s no federal money available to build a new FBI headquarters. GSA is trying to get a developer to build one in exchange for the Hoover Building land, but the numbers don’t quite add up, putting the project in limbo. (NYT)  (Tip: JC)