Breakfast links: Virginia seeking federal funds to close Potomac rail bridge funding gap
Long Bridge over the Potomac River facing south by BeyondDC licensed under Creative Commons.
Virginia seeking federal money for Long Bridge expansion
The 117-year-old Long Bridge is at 98% rail capacity during peak hours. Construction is set to begin on an adjacent bridge that will double rail capacity and add a span across the Potomac for pedestrians and cyclists, with a target opening date of 2030. The $2.3 billion project is not fully funded, so the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority is applying for $829 million in federal funds to close the gap. (Luz Lazo / Post, Tom Roussey / WJLA)
‘Kids Ride Free’ lanes make a stop in some Metro stations
WMATA has marked lanes at ten Metrorail stations specifically for use with the Kids Ride Free transit pass program. Station managers will be standing by to let students through the faregates who don’t have a SmarTrip card, and collect data on schools experiencing gaps in card distribution. (Margaret Barthel / DCist)
Green Line stations in Maryland to reopen Saturday, days ahead of schedule
WMATA will reopen the recently closed Green Line stations between and including Greenbelt and Fort Totten, three days ahead of schedule on Saturday, September 2. The lines have been closed for maintenance since July 22. (This article is behind a paywall). (Justin George / Post)
Several Fairfax County school zone speed cameras malfunctioning
Fairfax County’s school zone traffic camera pilot has been thwarted multiple times by malfunctioning flashing school zone signs at several of the sites across the county. The cameras are working to reduce speeds in the pilot school zones and have issued 13,762 citations, collecting $343,641 thus far. Officials are working to fix the camera malfunctions. (Angela Woolsey / FFXnow)
Destination DC announces campaign to promote international tourism
With international tourism estimated at 33% below 2019 levels, Destination DC hopes to attract international tourists with the new “There’s Only One DC” campaign, including off-the-Mall, neighborhood experiences. Domestic tourism lags pre-pandemic levels by 11%. (This article is behind a paywall) (Daniel J. Sernovitz / Business Journal)
Maryland Public Service Commission chair seeking clarity on approval of renewable energy projects
Fred Hoover, who became chair of the Maryland Public Service Commission in July, has announced plans to meet with all stakeholders involved with making decisions on the placement of renewable energy installations in Maryland to gain clarity and possibly streamline the process as Maryland aims toward 100% clean energy use by 2035. Currently, the Public Service Commission approves all major energy projects, but counties issue permits for projects such as solar arrays on agricultural properties. (Josh Kurtz / Maryland Matters)
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