Breakfast links: DC Council passes STEER traffic safety bill
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Morning traffic on Pennsyvania Avenue NW near the Wilson Building by Jean & Oliver licensed under Creative Commons.
DC Council STEERs toward increased, and out-of-state, enforcement against dangerous drivers
The DC Council unanimously passed the STEER traffic safety bill on its final vote Tuesday. The bill would establish a new system that assesses points against vehicles when drivers are caught speeding on automated traffic enforcement cameras. It also increases penalties for drunk driving, would require “speed governors” to be installed on the vehicles of certain dangerous drivers, and would allow the DC attorney general to file civil lawsuits against dangerous drivers from out of state. The bill now heads to the Mayor’s desk and Congress. ( This article may be behind a paywall). (Danny Nguyen / Post)
Up to 90-minute waits at Potomac Yard Metro station possible without major investment
According to a report, the Metro station serving the proposed Potomac Yard arena could see significant crowding after events without upgrades. Wait times could be 60 to 90 minutes; station upgrades could run from $35 million to $70 million. (Adam Tuss / NBC4)
Events DC wants to expand the convention center
Events DC is assessing options to grow the Walter E. Convention Center, according to a pre-hearing message to the DC Council. It argues that the center, which opened in 2003, must expand to remain competitive, especially facing uncertainty in the downtown events market. (This article is behind a paywall). (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)
$1B-plus contract awarded for West Baltimore Amtrak tunnel
Amtrak awarded a $1+ billion construction contract to begin boring the the Frederick Douglass Tunnel in West Baltimore. The boring will begin in 2026 and phase one of the tunnel project, which includes a new West Baltimore MARC station, two two-mile tunnel tubes, and other infrastructure improvements, is slated to be completed in 2035. (This article is behind a paywall) (Daniel Zawodny / Baltimore Banner)
Fairfax County makes outdoor dining permanent
Fairfax County has voted to make a temporary pandemic rule allowing expanded outdoor dining permanent. The zoning ordinance allows restaurants to add seating areas without seeking additional approvals, except when seating is created in a parking lot. (Samantha Gilstrap / WUSA9)
Tysons casino delayed but not dead
A Virginia Senate committee has postponed for a year its decision on the construction of a casino in Tysons Corner. After significant local opposition, some residents expressed frustration that the proposal wasn’t rejected outright. It’s cosponsor, Sen. Dave Marsden, D-Fairfax, argued that the revenue potential and economic conditions of the state meant it had to be considered. (Graham Moomaw / Virginia Mercury)
Virginia lawmakers move toward funding improvements to gravel roads
Both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly passed bills loosening restrictions on capital improvement funds to allow funds to be used to improve, not just pave gravel roads — including 254 miles of gravel roads in Loudoun County. The bills must next be reconciled with each other. Supporters argue that gravel roads have a calming effect in their rural community. (Julie Carey / NBC4)
Baltimore City to resume weekly curbside recycling services after four years of disruption
Baltimore City officials are on track to resume weekly recycling for the first time since the start of the pandemic, having hired new staff and obtained new trucks that are capable of collecting in Baltimore’s numerous alleyways. The service is also slated to start three weeks earlier than announced, on March 4. (This article is behind a paywall) (Emily Sullivan / Baltimore Banner)
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