Breakfast links: DC to begin process of switching streetlights to LEDs
Streetlights on Connecticut Avenue over Rock Creek Park by Alan Wolf licensed under Creative Commons.
DC to upgrade streetlights
DC will conduct a city-wide street lighting upgrade, replacing bulbs with LEDs, starting this spring. The project will cost $309 million and will be completed within two years. The type of bulbs used are the reason DC and Baltimore look different from space. (Jacob Fenston / DCist. Tip: Chester B.)
Maryland’s Purple Line will cost $1.4 billion more and arrive 4.5 years late
Under a current proposal, the Purple Line project would begin operation in the fall of 2026, 4.5 years later than planned. It will cost an additional $1.4 billion to complete. The project was supposed to serve as a national model for governments building expensive infrastructure by partnering with the private sector and limiting financial risks. (Katherine Shaver / Post)
Utility pole remains in Columbia Pike roadway in Arlington
A utility pole sits a few feet from the sidewalk into the roadway along Columbia Pike in Arlington even though it was supposed to be removed by the end of last year. A cement island with sidewalk used to house the pole but the island was removed. (Matt Blitz / ARLnow)
Pandemic transportation emissions reductions eroded by drivers
A new study found that the slight decline in transportation emissions in 2021 was due to decreases in air travel rather than in gasoline used in driving. As a result, emissions climbed back to two-thirds of pre-pandemic levels during 2021. (Kea Wilson / Streetsblog USA)
Metrobus driver assaulted near Southern Avenue Metro
Police arrested a man for allegedly pistol-whipping a Metrobus driver, causing him to have non-life-threatening injuries on Tuesday. The assault happed near the Southern Avenue Metro station. (Thomas Robertson / WTOP)
Montgomery County school bus request for National Guard not likely
A state official has confirmed that Montgomery County will probably not receive help from the National Guard with driving school buses. In early January, the school system canceled 90 bus routes due to a shortage of drivers. (Stephanie Ramirez / Fox5)
Prince George’s schools prepare for return to classroom
Prince George’s County Public Schools announced additional COVID-19 precautions as students resume in-person learning starting January 18, after going virtual before winter break. PGCPS will provide all students and staff with KN95 masks and at-home test kits. (Dominique Maria Bonessi / DCist)
Have a tip for the links? Submit it here.