, Sunday, May 19, 2013
Washington's commuters are well aware there is no shortage of long-term road improvement projects across the region. Here are some of the biggest projects around town that are most likely to slow you down. Knowing where these so-called "recurring work zones" are and when they set up can save you a lot of time and frustration.
AUTOPLAY 
The Beltway's Outer Loop, as seen from I-66
Heavy midday traffic rides through the $1.4
billion Express Lanes project. Work zones during
the weekdays generally are cleared by 3 p.m.
Monday through Thursday and by noon on Friday.
(WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The 495 Express Lanes Project
It is on schedule to wrap up by December this year. In the meantime, motorists can expect continuing delays during off-peak hours. The biggest delays occur in the stretch of the Capital Beltway between Tysons Corner and Annandale most weeknights. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
It is on schedule to wrap up by December this year. In the meantime, motorists can expect continuing delays during off-peak hours. The biggest delays occur in the stretch of the Capital Beltway between Tysons Corner and Annandale most weeknights. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
I-495 Express Lanes Project
Severe nighttime delays occur as lanes begin to close after 10 p.m. Traffic is usually worst in the hour or two after cones have been set up and when nighttime volume is highest. After midnight, it is not uncommon for temporary stoppages of traffic to occur as crews shift equipment and supplies around. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Severe nighttime delays occur as lanes begin to close after 10 p.m. Traffic is usually worst in the hour or two after cones have been set up and when nighttime volume is highest. After midnight, it is not uncommon for temporary stoppages of traffic to occur as crews shift equipment and supplies around. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Dulles Metrorail
Construction in the median of the Dulles Connector Road between Interstate 66 and VA 123 has blocked the left lanes each way most weekdays around noontime for several months. Delays are particularly intense in the eastbound direction when the track work takes place. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Construction in the median of the Dulles Connector Road between Interstate 66 and VA 123 has blocked the left lanes each way most weekdays around noontime for several months. Delays are particularly intense in the eastbound direction when the track work takes place. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Dulles Metrorail
The installation of caissons and piers is nearing completion along this segment of the Dulles rail line. Pictured here, electrical work takes place upstream of a lane closure on the Dulles Connector Road. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The installation of caissons and piers is nearing completion along this segment of the Dulles rail line. Pictured here, electrical work takes place upstream of a lane closure on the Dulles Connector Road. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Dulles Metrorail
On most primary roads, including the Dulles Connector Road, midday construction can cause delay. Unlike most regional construction projects, the track work along VA-267 seems to be unhindered by weather. This work zone normally sets up rain or shine. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
On most primary roads, including the Dulles Connector Road, midday construction can cause delay. Unlike most regional construction projects, the track work along VA-267 seems to be unhindered by weather. This work zone normally sets up rain or shine. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Md. 201/Kenilworth Ave. Bridge Project
The humble appearance of the project over the Capital Beltway may seem harmless by day, but at night major backups result from lane closures on Interstate 495. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The humble appearance of the project over the Capital Beltway may seem harmless by day, but at night major backups result from lane closures on Interstate 495. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Md. 201/Kenilworth Ave. Bridge Project
Late last week, crews finished pouring cement for the new northbound Kenilworth Avenue bridge span. The Maryland State Highway Administration says going forward, significant lane closures on the Beltway will become less likely. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Late last week, crews finished pouring cement for the new northbound Kenilworth Avenue bridge span. The Maryland State Highway Administration says going forward, significant lane closures on the Beltway will become less likely. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Md. 201/Kenilworth Ave. Bridge Project
The total cost of reconstruction is estimated at $4.9 million. The project is expected to be completed by fall this year. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The total cost of reconstruction is estimated at $4.9 million. The project is expected to be completed by fall this year. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Wilson Bridge Project
On the Virginia side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Outer Loop, traffic files slowly into a work zone. Motorists traveling to and from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge are used to dealing with delays on Interstate 495 in Alexandria. The long-term Beltway construction project is nearing an end and is expected to greatly improve traffic flow between Maryland and Virginia. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
On the Virginia side of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Outer Loop, traffic files slowly into a work zone. Motorists traveling to and from the Woodrow Wilson Bridge are used to dealing with delays on Interstate 495 in Alexandria. The long-term Beltway construction project is nearing an end and is expected to greatly improve traffic flow between Maryland and Virginia. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Wilson Bridge Project
The rebuilding of the Telegraph Road Interchange is the last leg of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Improvement Project. The construction is expected to be completed in 2013. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The rebuilding of the Telegraph Road Interchange is the last leg of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Improvement Project. The construction is expected to be completed in 2013. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Wilson Bridge Project
The final phase of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Improvement Project, with an estimated price tag of $236 million, will extend the Thru/Local Lanes configuration to west of Eisenhower Avenue. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The final phase of the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Improvement Project, with an estimated price tag of $236 million, will extend the Thru/Local Lanes configuration to west of Eisenhower Avenue. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
11th Street Bridge Project
The largest construction undertaking ever attempted by the District Department of Transportation, the 11th Street Bridge Project in Southeast Washington is well under way. (Courtesy of D.C. Department of Transportation)
The largest construction undertaking ever attempted by the District Department of Transportation, the 11th Street Bridge Project in Southeast Washington is well under way. (Courtesy of D.C. Department of Transportation)
11th Street Bridge Project
The new, highly anticipated connection between the outbound 11th Street Bridge and northbound D.C. 295 will provide an additional option for outbound motorists during the afternoon commute. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
The new, highly anticipated connection between the outbound 11th Street Bridge and northbound D.C. 295 will provide an additional option for outbound motorists during the afternoon commute. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
11th Street Bridge Project
Pictured here, the 11th Street Bridge at D.C. 295 is seen earlier this year. Crews have been busy demolishing the old overpass from 13th Street SE. This demolition work necessitates single-lane closures on D.C. 295 during the day and full northbound closures at night. Backups are an inevitable result of this work. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
Pictured here, the 11th Street Bridge at D.C. 295 is seen earlier this year. Crews have been busy demolishing the old overpass from 13th Street SE. This demolition work necessitates single-lane closures on D.C. 295 during the day and full northbound closures at night. Backups are an inevitable result of this work. (WTOP/Dave Dildine)
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