road closures

County to Close Government Facilities, Roads on Fourth of July

By Adrian Cruz

Fourth of July 2015 fireworks (Flickr pool photo by Rob Cannon)Arlington County will close libraries, courts, community centers, government offices and some roads across town Monday for the Independence Day holiday.

Metered parking will not be enforced, according to county officials, but trash and recycling will operate on a normal schedule.

Arlington County Police will also close several roads, including some major arteries, throughout the area to facilitate festive Fourth of July crowds. From ACPD:

6:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Memorial Bridge / Memorial Circle

1:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Marshall Drive from Route 110 to N. Meade Street
  • N. Meade St. from 14th St. to Marshall Dr.

3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Meade Street from Marshall Drive to Route 50 (access to the Ft. Myer Heights neighborhood will be from the Rhodes Street bridge)
  • Exit ramp from westbound Route 50 to N. Lynn Street (Rosslyn exit)
  • Exit ramp from eastbound Route 50 to N. Meade Street (Rosslyn exit)
  • Long Bridge Dr. from Boundary Channel Dr. to 10th Street S.

8:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

  • Eastbound Route 50 at Washington Blvd. All traffic diverted from Rt. 50 on ramps to East and West Washington Blvd.
  • Eastbound 10th St. N.  ramp to eastbound Rt. 50 will be closed, all traffic diverted to westbound Rt. 50
  • Courthouse Rd. ramp to eastbound Rt. 50 will be closed, all traffic diverted to westbound Rt. 50 or 10th St. N.
  • Pershing Dr. at Rt. 50 will only be allowed westbound
  • Eastbound N. Fairfax Drive from N. Pierce Street to N. Fort Myer Drive
  • Columbia Pike between S. Orme Street and S. Joyce St.
  • Joyce Street between Army Navy Drive and Columbia Pike

Police have also warned that street parking around the Iwo Jima Memorial, Long Bridge Park and the Air Force Memorial will be restricted for the holiday.

Residents planning on skipping town for the holiday should take note: A record-breaking 1 million D.C. area residents will leave for the long weekend, according to AAA Mid-Atlantic, with most of them driving. Reagan National Airport should also be busy; about 77,000 residents are expected to leave town on a plane.

The lowest fuel prices in a decade and the holiday falling on a Monday are driving those record-breaking numbers, the AAA said in a press release.

For those staying in Arlington, we’ve published a list of local fireworks viewing spots.

Flickr pool photo by Rob Cannon

UPDATED: Washington Blvd Shut Down After Man Shoots Self in Car

By ARLnow.com

Police car lightsUpdate at 8 p.m. — All lanes are back open.

Update at 6 p.m. — The southbound lanes of Washington Blvd have reopened, but the northbound lanes remain closed due to the police investigation.

Earlier: All lanes of Washington Blvd remains closed near Fort Myer due to a self-inflicted shooting.

The shooting happened just after 3:30 p.m., when an Arlington County Police officer approached a stopped vehicle on the side of Washington Blvd. As the officer was walking up, the man inside the vehicle pulled out a handgun and fired several shots, according to ACPD spokeswoman Ashley Savage.

Numerous police officers responded to the scene following the shooting, but they took a cautious stance out of safety concerns. The county bomb squad was dispatched to the scene, to investigate the vehicle. At 4:20 p.m., paramedics pronounced the man dead.

The officer who first approached the car is being evaluated by paramedics but is believed to be uninjured. Significant traffic impacts are being reported due to the now-rush hour closure of Washington Blvd between Columbia Pike and Route 50.

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is a phone call away. Call CrisisLink at 703-527-4077.

UPDATED: Grease Spill Snarls Traffic in East Falls Church

By ARLnow.com
1/6

Arlington County police and firefighters are on the scene of a reported grease spill in East Falls Church.

A truck leaking a slippery substance has prompted a number of road or lane closures in the area of Lee Highway and Washington Blvd, according to social media reports.

Update at 4:10 p.m. — A fire department radio transmission described the leak as having come from a “sewage truck.”

Update at 4:15 p.m. — A multi-vehicle crash is also being reported in the area.

Update at 4:35 p.m. — A photographer on scene says the grease leaked from a tanker truck containing cooking oil.

Photos (top) courtesy Andrew Pang

Road Closures Planned for Air Force Cycling Classic

By Adrian Cruz

Air Force Cycling Classic Clarendon Cup (photo by timkelley)Extensive road closures are planned in the Clarendon and Crystal City areas over the weekend, for the annual Air Force Cycling Classic event.

Those heading to the bicycle races are encouraged to use Metro, despite the ongoing SafeTrack maintenance work on the Orange and Silver lines. On Saturday, Clarendon on the Orange and Silver lines will be closest station. On Sunday, the closest station will be Crystal City on the Blue and Yellow lines.

For those who decide to drive, there will be restrictions on street parking with temporary “no parking” signs being placed in the race areas.

On Saturday, the following roads will be closed from 4:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

  • Wilson Blvd. from N. Fillmore Street to Washington Blvd.
  • Clarendon Blvd. from Washington Blvd. to N. Fillmore Street
  • Washington Blvd. from Wilson Blvd. to N. Highland Street
  • N. Highland Street from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.
  • N. Garfield Street / N. Fillmore Street from Wilson Blvd. to Washington Blvd.

On Sunday, the following roads will be closed from 4:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

  • Crystal Drive from 15th Street S. through S. 23rd Street
  • Wilson Blvd. from N. Kent Street to the ramp to Route 110
  • S. Clark Street from 20th Street S. to 23rd Street S.
  • 20th Street S. from Crystal Drive to S. Clark Street
  • 18th Street S. from Crystal Drive to Bell Street
  • 23rd Street S. from Crystal Drive to S. Clark Street
  • Crystal Drive (west side) from 23rd St S. to the Century Center parking garage

Photo courtesy Tim Kelley

ACFD Responds to Electrical Fire at Thai Square Restaurant

By ARLnow.com
1/5

The Arlington County Fire Department is on scene of a reported electrical fire in the basement of Thai Square Restaurant (3217 Columbia Pike).

Firefighters responded to the restaurant just before 1:30 p.m. for a report of smoke coming from the basement. There were no visible flames when firefighters arrived; the source of the smoke was believed to be electrical in nature.

The building was evacuated and no injuries have been reported.

Columbia Pike was shut down between S. Walter Reed Drive and S. Glebe Road as a result of the fire department response. Lanes have since reopened.

Photos courtesy Andrew Pang

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Gov. Terry McAuliffe signs two pieces of legislation at Wakefield High School on 5/12/16 (Photo courtesy Arlington County)

More Metro Issues This Morning — A signal problem near the King Street Metro station has led to significant delays on the Blue and Yellow lines this morning. [Twitter, Twitter]

Big Changes Planned for Ballston Church — The Central United Methodist Church at 4201 Fairfax Drive in Ballston is planning a complete redevelopment of its 30,000 square foot property. Preliminary plans have been filed to build “a new church, a new preschool space, and a seven-story, 132-unit apartment building — 60 percent market-rate and 40 percent dedicated affordable.” [Washington Business Journal]

McAuliffe Signs Bills at Wakefield HS — Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe signed two pieces of education legislation at Wakefield High School yesterday, as pictured above. The new laws “will lead to an overhaul of the state’s high school graduation requirements, aiming to make high school more relevant to the working world” and better supporting students who start a career after high school. [Washington Post, Twitter]

Reagan Airport Bridge Closed This Weekend — Starting at 11 p.m. tonight, through early Monday morning, drivers heading to Reagan National Airport will not be able to access it via the Route 233 bridge over Jefferson Davis Highway. Ongoing construction prompted the planned closure. [Patch]

Solar House for Sale — A “one-of-a-kind luxury home” is for sale in Cherrydale. The five-bedroom house features a 10KW photovoltaic solar panel array, an energy recovery ventilation system, two-story screened porch, two-car garage, third floor loft with wet bar, a 560 square foot rooftop deck, exercise room with yoga/MMA flooring and an outdoor shower. It’s listed at just under $1.9 million. [Truplace]

Reminder: Chamber Hosts Candidate Forum Monday — The Arlington Chamber of Commerce is hosting a County Board candidate forum this coming Monday. The forum, featuring a discussion of topics important to the Arlington business community, is taking place from 6-8 p.m. at the Rosslyn Hyatt (1325 Wilson Boulevard). Democrats Libby Garvey and Erik Gutshall, and independent Audrey Clement, are set to participate in the forum, which will be moderated by ARLnow.com editor Scott Brodbeck. Tickets are $10. [Arlington Chamber of Commerce]

Photo via Arlington County

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Historic marker in Fairlington

Cooley Joins DJO Football Staff — Former Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley has joined the Bishop O’Connell High School football staff as the offensive line and tight ends coach. Cooley, who currently co-hosts the afternoon drive radio show on ESPN 980, is shifting to a morning slot at the station, thus allowing him to coach. [Arlington Catholic Herald]

Arlington Tech Light on Female Students — Only 21 percent of incoming freshmen at the new Arlington Tech high school program are female. That number is “not high enough,” an administrator told community members. [InsideNova]

North Arlington Road Closure — N. Sycamore Street is scheduled to be closed from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today between Little Falls Road and 27th Street due to water service installation work. [Arlington County]

Architect Chosen for Gondola Study — Portland, Oregon-based ZGF Architects has been selected to conduct the feasibility study for a gondola system between Rosslyn and Georgetown. ZGF, which also has offices in D.C., worked on the preliminary concept for the Portland Aerial Tram, which opened in 2006. [Georgetowner, Urban Turf]

Real Estate Firm Raises $100,000 for Free Clinic — McLean-based Stewart Commercial Realty has helped to raise more than $100,000 for Arlington Free Clinic’s dental program. The program provides dental care to low-income, uninsured Arlington residents. The company held a fundraiser for the program in Courthouse last weekend. [Facebook]

Old Dominion Drive Blocked Due to Downed Lines

By ARLnow.com

Old Dominion Drive is being shut down in both directions in the area of N. Wakefield Street and Lee Highway due to downed utility lines.

A truck brought down the lines and damaged at least one utility pole in the process.

An extended closure is possible and may make “a mess” of the evening rush hour, according to police radio traffic.

Road Closures Planned for Crystal City 5K Fridays

By ARLnow.com

Crystal City 5K runners (photo by Diltch1)Crystal City’s 5K Fridays will kick off on Friday and a number of road and lane closures are planned to accommodate the race.

There will be five 5Ks in Crystal City in April — on April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29. The start time for each is 6:30 p.m.

Arlington County Police officers will set up the following road closures from about 6:15 to 8:15 p.m. for the race.

  • Northbound lanes of Crystal Drive between 26th Street and 12th Street
  • North and southbound lanes of Long Bridge Drive, plus traffic around 6th, 10th, and Ball Streets

The southbound lanes of Crystal Drive will remain open during the race.

“In addition to the closures, street parking in the area will be restricted,” ACPD said. “Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary ‘No Parking’ signs. Illegally parked vehicles may be ticketed or towed. If your vehicle is towed from a public street, call 703-558-2222.”

Registration is still open, for $20 per race or $75 for the entire series.

The course is flat with long straightaways. Course records were set in 2011 (15:10, men) and 2014 (16:53, women).

Photo by Diltch1

Arlington Ridge Road to Remain Closed Through Rush Hour

By ARLnow.com

Arlington Ridge Road will be closed between 19th Road S. and 23rd Street S.Arlington Ridge Road will remain closed at 23rd Street S. during tonight’s evening rush hour, according to Arlington County.

“Water main work will continue on Arlington Ridge Road through the evening rush hour with detours in place at 23rd Street in both directions,” according to an Arlington Alert. “Please seek alternate routes.”

Arlington Ridge Road is typically busy during rush hours, utilized both by local residents and Alexandria commuters exiting I-395. The road also closed last summer for water line installation work and in Feb. 2014 for a water main break.

File photo

Morning Notes

By ARLnow.com

Hello, Spring (Flickr pool photo by TheBeltWalk)

Water Main Repairs to Close Road — Arlington Ridge Road is scheduled be closed in both directions at 23rd Street S. from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today for water main repairs. Detours will be in place, but drivers should consider alternate routes, Arlington County says.

Airport Strike is Back on Starting Tonight — A strike by contract service workers at Reagan National and other major U.S. airports is back on, starting tonight. The strike was initially planned for last week but was postponed due to the Brussels terror attacks. [Washington Post]

Arson Suspect Due in Arlington Court — A Reston man suspected of a home invasion and arson in Fairfax County is scheduled to be in an Arlington courtroom tomorrow. Antwan Green is also facing multiple charges stemming from crashing a stolen vehicle in Arlington on Dec. 10 and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. [Reston Now]

Fundraiser for Accessible Community Garden — Arlington County is trying to raise $10,000 from donors in order to build four “vertical gardens” that are accessible to those with disabilities or mobility issues. Currently, none of the county’s community gardens are accessible. The vertical gardens would be built at the Glebe & Lang Street Community Garden, along S. Glebe Road. The county is hoping to complete fundraising and construction by the end of June. [Fund Your Park]

Arlington Startup Acquired — Arlington-based startup Encore Alert has been acquired by Meltwater, a San Francisco-based brand analytics and consulting firm. As a result of the acquisition, the Encore Alert team has moved to the Bay Area. [DC Inno]

Co-Working Growing Quickly — Co-working providers are growing quickly and are expected by some analysts “to absolutely explode over the next five years.” Two of the top players are WeWork, which just opened a new office in Crystal City, and MakeOffices, which is opening a new flagship co-working space in Clarendon within the next few months. MakeOffices is based in Rosslyn, after being founded as UberOffices in 2012. [Bisnow]

Flickr pool photo by TheBeltWalk

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