Breakfast links: The risks that could send Maryland Beltway expansion costs soaring

LinksBy Matt Gontarchick (Contributor) November 30, 2020

The Beltway in Maryland by Jimmy Emerson, DVM licensed under Creative Commons.

Lawsuits could cause costs for I-270 and I-495 toll lanes to soar

A flurry of lawsuits over proposals to widen and add toll lanes to I-270 and I-495 in Maryland could cause a spike in costs that threatens Gov. Larry Hogan’s promise that the toll lanes will pay for themselves. Legal challenges are partly to blame for the Purple Line’s cost overruns.  (Katherine Shaver / Post)

A motorist severely injured a 15-year-old skateboarder in Rockville

A 15-year-old skateboarder was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a motorist while attempting to cross Montrose Road on Friday night. It marks the second time since December that a teenager was struck by a driver on the same road.  (Caitlynn Peetz / Bethesda Beat)

How Metro could recover from the pandemic

WMATA’s recovery from the pandemic will be difficult, but transit experts say road congestion pricing could help. Metro could also build more stations on the outskirts of the region to better serve individuals who can’t work remotely.  (Carolyn Proctor / Business Journal)

An 80-foot high mural is planned for Tysons

The Boro in Tysons has commissioned Baltimore-based artists Jessie and Katey to paint a 400-foot long, 80-foot high mural on the Leesburg Pike side of the Loft building.  (InsideNoVa)

Amtrak launches 50% off sale to boost ridership

To help reverse a pandemic-induced decline in ridership, Amtrak offered a 50% off sale over the weekend for trips between December 8 and April 30. Exceptions to the sale include Fridays, Sundays, and major holidays.  (Jeff Clabaugh / WTOP)

Our region’s COVID-19 cases keep setting records

DC saw more than 200 positive coronavirus tests for two straight days over Thanksgiving. Jurisdictions throughout the region have also seen positivity rates and hospitalization rates rise to their highest levels since the spring.  (Colleen Grablick / DCist)

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