Breakfast links: Living in a walkable neighborhood is good for your health
People in walkable neighborhoods have lower health costs
A recent study compared the associated health costs of walkable and non-walkable neighborhoods, and found that there is a lower direct health cost for people who live in walkable ones. The reduction in costs ranged from 40%-75%. (Nathan Pachal / South Fraser Blog. Tip: Leo)
DC will keep pools open later due to the heat
The extreme heat that the region is experiencing has prompted the District to extend its public pool hours and offer other services to help people stay cool. (Danya AbdelHameid / DCist)
Some Metro stations may get solar panels
Metro is considering installing solar panels on some of its parking lots and garage roofs at four metro stations. Adding the solar panels at the underutilized garages could become a revenue stream. Metro estimates that the solar panels could power 1,500 homes. (Jordan Pascale / DCist)
Metro’s Silver Line extension is slated for a 2020 opening, despite problems
Despite ongoing problems with the Silver Line extension, the Airport Authority says the new rail yard and line will be open around July 2020. (Max Smith / WTOP)
Two new cross-state bus lines are coming to Virginia
There will soon be better connections to regions in central and southern Virginia, thanks to the Commonwealth beginning service on two new federally-subsidized intercity bus lines that will primarily serve small cities and rural areas. These new lines come after a similar service exceeded ridership expectations by over 200%. (Virginia Mercury. Tip: D. Taylor Reich)
Where are the most congested areas of I-95?
According to preliminary analysis, the worst traffic congestion on I-95 in Virginia is southbound over the Occoquan River. In the one-mile stretch, drivers spend more than 1.2 million hours a year in traffic delays. (Max Smith / WTOP)
DC’s history of the Underground Railroad
By 1830, more free African-Americans lived in DC than enslaved people. While DC has a painful legacy of slavery, it also served as part of the region’s Underground Railroad network. (Sasha-Ann Simons / WAMU)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.