Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
ALEXANDRIA, Va. – The new year will bring more workers to the Mark Center on Seminary Road, although traffic already has been getting steadily worse as the facility is occupied with long-term fixes that are at least two years away.
But acting on recommendations from a special task force set up by Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell, the traffic lights on the exit ramp off northbound Interstate 395 have been re-timed to allow for better traffic flow.
The lanes also have been re-striped to allow for both lanes to turn left toward the Mark Center. Bus routes have been rerouted to bring them closer to the facility.
About 6,400 workers will eventually occupy the building, which stands high above the highway southbound lane. Parking has already become an issue even though the building is not completely occupied because there are only 3,000 spaces.
Virginia has committed to spending $80 million to build a new lane into the HOT lanes coming to I-95, but that could take at least two years. A hearing on the design for that new ramp is slated for late January.
The state task force has created a website with information on transit alternatives and lane closure schedules that might have an impact on travel to the facility.
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