Sensible Alternatives

A sound barrier is going up on Rt. 450 Annapolis Rd. at Moylan Dr. in Bowie. It has the right turn lane of westbound 450 closed through the summer. But if you need to get to Moylan, and want to avoid the construction, turn right a block beforehand at Millstream Dr. It eventually intersects with Moylan, as well as nearby Rt. 197 Laurel-Bowie Rd.

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Sluggers in Fairfax County just lost 75 parking spaces at the Springfield Plaza Park and Ride. They're reserved for business now. But there are other options. The Springfield United Methodist Church on Spring Road has 56 spaces for sluggers, and the bus lines that go near Springfield Plaza also run by the church. 500 more spaces are at the Park and Rides on Backlick and Gambrill roads.

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For weeks, road work has been set up on MD-108 in Sandy Spring. But there's an easy alternative to the slowdown. Heading east out of Olney, veer right on Doctor Bird Rd. Turn left on Ednor Rd., left again on New Hampshire Ave., and rejoin 108 in Ashton. Reverse the directions if you're headed west out of Howard County.

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Time's running out to plan your alternate route into town on Inauguration Day. I-66 and the 14th Street and Memorial bridges will all be closed, unless you're on a bus. The Key and Douglass bridges could pick up the slack, or you could take the Beltway into Maryland and use any of those exits into DC. Or you could take the advice of local leaders and keep the car at home January 20th.

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Driving into DC from Annapolis or the Eastern Shore, you know New York Ave. can get pretty jammed up. But Route 50 isn't the only way into town. Depending on where you're going, you can take South Dakota Ave. north to Rhode Island Ave., which parallels New York, or take Bladensburg Rd. south to H St. or Maryland Ave. to get downtown.

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L'Enfant Plaza could be even more congested than usual over the next few months. DDOT is shutting down a lane of D St., SW, for work on the 11th Street Bridge overhead. That means just one eastbound and one westbound lane for D St. until late April. So if you usually take I-395 to D St., you might want to take the 14th Street Bridge to Independence Ave. and take that to L'Enfant.

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One of the cut-throughs between Leesburg and Georgetown pikes in Great Falls is going to be a no-go pretty soon. Walker Road is going to be shut down between Harriman and Golden Falcon streets during the second week of December, for emergency pipe repair under the street. Instead of Walker, you'll have to use Springvale Road to get between the Pikes.

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A long-planned alternative to the Beltway in northern Virginia is a step closer to finally being finished. Ground has been broken on the final two miles of the Fairfax County Parkway between Rolling and Fullerton roads, through the Engineering Proving Ground near Newington. The direct route from the Parkway to I-95 should be finished in 2010.

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A sudden need for repairs has forced drivers in Frederick County to get used to a seven-mile alternative to the Point of Rocks Rd. bridge over Catoctin Creek. The detour takes you to Horine Rd., Jefferson Pike and Olive School Rd. Repairs on the bridge should be finished before Thanksgiving. About 4,000 drivers use it each day.

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It's a sign of just how busy the main alternative to 16th Street and Georgia Avenue has gotten. 14th Street NW has just gotten two new traffic lights within a block of each other, at Shepherd and Taylor streets. The one on Taylor is timed, but the one on Shepherd will only turn red when a car or pedestrian is there to cross 14th.

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Some drivers have had to get used to an alternate route in Great Falls. The bridge over Piney Run on Springvale Road was damaged by Tropical Storm Hanna, so instead of cutting straight through on Springvale, drivers have had to use a parallel stretch of Utterback Store Road to go between Leesburg and Georgetown pikes. That bridge was inspected in June and found to be in fair condition. Repairs are under way.

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The recent deadly accident on the eastbound Bay Bridge highlights the unfortunate lack of sensible alternatives for heading to the shore. The only other way across the Chesapeake is around it, either by taking I-95 north to Delaware, then heading south on State Route 1 to the beaches, or by driving south to Norfolk and taking the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel back up to the Delmarva Peninsula. Keep in mind, though, Norfolk is a nearly 200 mile drive from Washington.

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This may have you seeking sensible alternatives for your weekend travels. Southbound Route 29 in western Prince William County will be closed over three separate weekends, while VDOT puts a new deck on the bridge over Broad Run near the Fauquier County line. The closures will be in effect August 8-11, 22-25 and September 5-8. The detour runs Route 29 south, Route 15 north, Route 55 west, Beverly Mill Road (Route 600) south, back to Route 29.

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Little River Turnpike may be a more sensible alternative, on a two-mile stretch west of the Beltway. Eight intersections, starting at Pickett Rd. in Fairfax and ending at Lake Dr. in Annandale, now have better turn lanes, sidewalks, medians and traffic signals, all in an effort to improve traffic flow. The project started more than a year ago and ended three months early.

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With gas prices at record levels, a sensible alternative to putting the pedal to the metal may be good, old-fashioned pedaling. You may have heard of DC SmartBike. For $40 a year, you can rent a bike from one of 10 downtown kiosks. Some businesses are encouraging two-wheeling it, too. Britain's Guardian newspaper reports Silver Spring-based Discovery offers cash incentives to employees who buy a bike.

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US-15 at Point of Rocks is usually a sensible alternative to the Beltway for drivers in the exurbs, but this summer, it may be hard for some drivers to get to. A 7.5 mile stretch of MD-28 is closed through September, as they replace the Tuscarora Road Bridge over Washington Run. The long detour runs from New Design Rd. to Mountville Rd. to US-15.

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Most drivers don't think of unpaved roads as sensible alternatives. But in Frederick County, a group of drivers has formed to preserve gravel byways as alternatives to the hectic pace of paved roads, and reminders of the county's rural past. The Gazette reports "Friends of Rural Roads" helps Frederick keep its 60 miles of historic roads clean and easy to drive on.

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It's almost Memorial Day weekend - a good time to remind you about the re-decking work happening on the westbound Bay Bridge. With a lowered speed limit of 45 MPH, you're advised to travel at off-peak hours: Thursdays before 2:00 p.m., Fridays before 2:00 p.m. and after 10:00 p.m., Saturdays before 10:00 a.m. and from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., and Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to noon and after 7:00 p.m.

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More ICC-related construction to get around. For the next year, northbound Georgia Ave. shifts into a newly widened median starting at Thistlebridge Dr., just north of Norbeck Rd., and shifts back to the existing lanes at Bachelors Forrest Rd. This isn't supposed to affect traffic, but if you can't bear the sight of Jersey walls, the workaround is Muncaster Mill Rd. to Emory Ln., back to Georgia Ave.

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If you rely on Beallsville Rd. to get to Whites Ferry or I-270, you might want to look for alternatives. Maryland State Highway is doing $2.5 million in resurfacing along Beallsville between Darnestown Rd. and the Little Monocacy bridge in Poolesville. Expect lane closures Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and possibly from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m Sundays through Thursdays, into the fall.

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Opening Day at Nationals Park is upon us, and DC is doing all it can to discourage on-street parking. But if you must avoid the South Capitol Street corridor on game nights, you do have a sensible alternative. Take the Southeast-Southwest Freeway to the 11th Street Bridge over the Anacostia. From there you can exit to rejoin the Suitland Parkway, or stay on 295 south to the Beltway.

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The February ice storm serves as a good reminder of what to pack in your car for winter. In addition to blankets, flashlights, non-perishable food and a full tank of gas, the Centers for Disease Control also recommends storing a bag of sand, or even kitty litter, to pour on ice and snow for added traction. It's a sensible alternative to freezing in the driver's seat.

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Now that the Dulles rail project is hanging by a thread, this may be a good time to look at sensible airport alternatives. Reach the Dulles Access Road off I-66 Exit 67 or Beltway Exit 45. Or keep going on I-66 to Rt. 50 West and turn right on Sully Rd., which leads to the airport. If you miss that exit, take 66 to Rt. 28 North. Rt. 28 turns into Sully Rd.

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New funds could make some well-worn roads in southern Maryland a bit more sensible. Projects announced this month include $15 million for a future Waldorf Bypass along Route 301, and $3 million to improve flow on Route 2/4 between Steeple Chase Dr. and Commerce Ln. in Calvert County. This spring, Maryland also plans to study the idea of commuter rail between D.C. and St. Mary's County.

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Has the new work on Benning Rd. added time to your commute? There are ways around it. Inbound, take Oklahoma Ave. to C St. Turn right, then another right on 15th St. NE. Outbound, from H St. turn right on 14th St. Then, you can turn left on D St. and take it till it ends at Oklahoma Ave. Turn left, and that'll lead you back to Benning.

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Need to get to Telegraph Rd. from D.C.? Here's a sensible alternative to the Springfield Interchange, courtesy of Yahoo! Maps. Take I-395 South to King St. East. Turn right on N. Quaker Ln. till it ends at Duke St. Turn left, then take the ramp to southbound Telegraph Rd. There, you can even hit the Beltway, without ever seeing the Mixing Bowl.

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If you use Montrose Road as a cut-through between Rockville Pike and I-270, that sensible alternative is going bye-bye for a while. As of December 6th, eastbound traffic on Montrose between Tildenwood Drive and East Jefferson Street is being diverted onto the new Montrose Parkway. Same goes for westbound traffic starting on the 20th, all as Montrose Road is rebuilt. For the next six months, you're advised to use major roads as alternate routes and avoid side streets.

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There could be a lot more sensible alternatives in our near future. In the last election, Fairfax County voters said yes to a $110 million transportation bond. That'll mean $5 million in improvements to Cinder Bed Road; Lorton Road will be widened to four lanes between Silverbrook and Route 123; Poplar Tree Road will be widened between Sully Station and Braddock Ridge drives; Lee Highway will get two extra lanes for three miles west of Fairfax; and Stringfellow Road will now be four lanes between Route 50 and Fair Lakes Boulevard.

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Have you gotten used to these earlier sunsets yet? If not, a sensible alternative for you may be to carpool. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have found drivers are nearly three times more likely to strike and kill pedestrians during evening rush hour after we fall back from Daylight Saving Time to standard time. That amounts to 37 more pedestrian deaths in this country in November than in October.

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More than 100,000 vehicles a day drive on Route 28, north of the Dulles Toll Road -- and that could double within five years. Improvements are badly needed. The latest improvements come to the interchange at Innovation Avenue. There are two new ramps -- providing better access between Innovation and Route 28. This is part of a long-term plan to unlock the gridlock along that busy corridor.

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Packed up for the beach? You don't want to get packed into traffic at the Bay Bridge. So on weekends, get an early start. Arriving at the bridge before 10 a.m. usually allows you to avoid the backup. Or, if you can't leave early, leave late. On a Saturday, that means after 7 p.m. Maryland transportation officials say off-peak hours on Friday are before noon and after 10 p.m.

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Believe it or not, after eight years of construction, all that work at the Springfield Interchange is done. That should be a relief to the people who drive the more than 400,000 vehicles through the interchange each day. The massive project has made I-95, I-395 and I-495 continuous -- and should cut down on the merging mania that led to its nickname: the Mixing Bowl.

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Rock Creek Parkway is usually a good way to avoid traffic. But be aware -- there's been a bit of traffic squeeze. Due to maintenance work, the two southbound lanes narrow down to one lane as you approach the intersection near Virginia Avenue by the Kennedy Center. And that short section can back up quickly. So Rock Creek may not be your first choice during evening rush hour.

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If you travel often from Maryland into the District on the Frederick Douglass Bridge, it's time to consider other routes. There have been regular closures of the inbound lanes on weekends. Those have been done in preparation for a major rehabilitation of the bridge that's planned for this summer, in July and August. Think ahead -- because all lanes on the bridge will be closed in both directions when the heavy lifting starts.

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Trying to get to your destination more quickly? One alternative to be avoided all costs is picking up speed in road construction areas, which are more prevalent now that the weather has warmed up. Work zone fatalities nationwide increased by 50 percent in recent years -- to more than a thousand in one year alone. Something to remember as you approach those orange signs and cones.

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There's no alternative to paying at the Dulles Toll Road -- unless you want to get socked with a penalty. Cameras were recently activated to catch toll violators. Those who don't pay are being sent notices, which call for the toll amount -- as well as a 25 dollar administrative fee. Those with Smart Tag and E-Z Pass no longer have to wait for toll booth gates.

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Another milestone linked to the Wilson Bridge is providing commuters with some relief. The Route 1 bridge in Alexandria recently opened, helping to clear up what's been a very cluttered interchange, used by more than 100-thousand drivers every day. Eventually, it will include two three-lane spans expanding Route 1 to six lanes.

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One alternative you don't want to deal with is having your car break down this winter. Take sensible steps like having a mechanic give your vehicle a thorough inspection -- including the ignition system. Do you have battery cables in the trunk? Also good to have in the trunk -- a blanket, shovel, flashlight and first-aid kit. And it doesn't hurt to have battery-operated radio.

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It's finally happened -- there are now four lanes of uninterrupted highway connecting I-95 and I-66 in Northern Virginia. The final section of the Route 234 widening project was recently completed, south of Manassas. The four-lane highway -- which includes the Prince William Parkway -- now extends for more than 20 miles. Quite a replacement for what was once a narrow, two-lane road.

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It's no secret I-95 can be a tough drive during the holiday season. If it's really backed up southbound, there are other backup roads, in addition to Route 1. Don't forget about Route 17 near Fredericksburg, which can get you off the beaten path all the way down to Hampton Roads. If that's too far out of the way, take 17 to 301, which goes south to Richmond.

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The Southeast-Southwest Freeway can get backed up pretty quickly. If it gets jammed because of an accident or just rush hour traffic, don't forget the 3rd Street Tunnel exit gives you an out. You can take it to the House side of Capitol Hill, where a left on Washington gets you out to Independence. Or to the Senate side, where a right turn gets you to Constitution.

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Here's a quick shortcut past Georgetown. If you're heading west on Constitution Avenue, take a right on 23rd Street past the State Department. Turn left onto E Street, and follow the signs to the Whitehurst Freeway, which gets you beyond all the traffic backed up in Georgetown.

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A work-around related to big backups at the I-270 spur. If traffic is at an absolute standstill heading northbound, bailing out at River Road may provide some relief. You can take it to Falls Road, then re-join I-270 in Rockville. Or go out to Seneca Road, turn right until you can take a left on Route 28, which can get you to 118 back toward I-270.

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Here's a way to avoid traffic after leaving the Dulles Toll Road. Instead of taking the Beltway to get caught in I-66 gridlock as you return to Washington, try getting off on Route 123. Dolly Madison Boulevard takes you through McLean to the George Washington Parkway and generally a much smoother ride into the District.

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There's less mixing at the Mixing Bowl. The new North Bridge of I-95 is now providing relief to motorists heading toward Tysons Corner on the Inner Loop. The three-lane ramp soars 110 feet high -- another high-flying improvement to the Springfield Interchange. The massive construction project is still on schedule -- believe it or not, it's expected to be completed next year.

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Up to 60-thousand vehicles cross the Bay Bridge on a busy summer day. And while there have been some major backups due to accidents, Maryland transportation officials say, overall, traffic flow has been smoother this vacation season. Part of the reason - more beachgoers are heeding the advice to leave early and stay late

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You don't have to drive all the way to the ocean front to enjoy the water. Head east on Route 50 and cross the Bay Bridge. Then, at Kent Narrows, take exit 42, and turn right onto Route 18. A short drive from there puts you along the waterfront -- and several spots to kick back along the Chester River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay.

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You don't have to drive all the way to the ocean front to enjoy the water. Head east on Route 50 and cross the Bay Bridge. Then, at Kent Narrows, take exit 42, and turn right onto Route 18. A short drive from there puts you along the waterfront -- and several spots to kick back along the Chester River, which feeds into the Chesapeake Bay.

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Another heads up related to the Wilson Bridge project. Motorists are catching a break in June on overnight construction work linked to the 210 Interchange on the Maryland side. Extensive weekend lane closures have been canceled through the end of the month. They'll resume the weekend after the Fourth of July holiday. After that, late-night travelers should prepare for more detours on I-95

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More heavy lifting at the Springfield Interchange and the Wilson Bridge.You'll want to avoid these two traffic hot spots over the weekends for the rest of the month -- especially at night, when detours will be in place. A new interchange at Route 210 on the Maryland side of the Wilson Bridge will close part of the Beltway on weekends. If you're heading south, you're encouraged to either use the Virginia side of the Beltway, or try Route 301.

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It won't be long now. The first span of the new Wilson Bridge is scheduled to open the weekend of June 9th. But the opening from the Outer Loop on the Virginia side will be limited and you're actually encouraged to stay AWAY from the bridge that weekend. The three lanes will be fully open on the following Monday. The Inner Loop on the Maryland side is to open about a month later.

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Getting to the Fairfax County Parkway from I-95. It's not easy from the north. But take the Old Keen Mill Road exit to the west, then bear right and follow the signs to Backlick Road -- or 617. Head south on Backlick until you get on the Franconia Springfield Parkway, which does get you to the Fairfax County Parkway.

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Every little bit helps. A new acceleration lane is being built at the Columbia Pike on-ramp to Route 27, or Washington Boulevard , in Arlington. It's designed to give drivers more room to merge on that stretch not far from the Pentagon and keep traffic flowing. The Virginia Department of Transportation expects it to be done by mid-May.

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A trip from east to west can be a real challenge around the Washington area. And while it's well-known to longtime residents, newer arrivals may be less familiar with East-West Highway, or Route 410. You can pick it up from the BW Parkway and wind your way west to Takoma Park. Another option -- get on it at 16th in Silver Spring and take it to Bethesda.

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A different way from the Beltway. Tired of taking I-270 across the American Legion Bridge to River Road, to get into D.C? Keep heading south and take the exit for the Cabin John Parkway, which becomes the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow it to Arizona Avenue, where you'll take a left up to MacArthur Boulevard. Only then will you again start hitting traffic lights.

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Is I-66 a mess? When isn't it? The options aren't great, but here's one alternative if there's an accident blocking the interstate. If you're heading eastbound, get off at the Exit 52 to Centerville. Instead of grinding away on Lee Highway, head south onto Route 28, then turn left onto New Braddock Road. It can be slow going, but Braddock can take you all the way to the Beltway in Annandale.

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Construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge means more than a new span over the Potomac -- it includes improved interchanges. The latest change is on the Maryland side. Drivers will notice Oxon Hill Road has been shifted to the south at Maryland 210. If you're heading from westbound Oxon Hill to northbound 210, you'll notice a direct merge that gets you to the Inner Loop of the Beltway. The latest work is in preparation for an intersection that will eventually have a flyover above 210. It's scheduled to be completed in 2008.

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The Mixing Bowl is getting a little more untangled. And that's encouraging news for the drivers of the more than 400,000 vehicles that go through the Springfield Interchange each day. The new I-95 North Bridge at the interchange is quite a structure -- and the connection to the Outer Loop should make the commute to the Wilson Bridge much smoother. Just remember the entrance on I-95 to the flyover is located about a half-mile prior to the exit motorists have been using up until now.

A simple way to get off the Beltway -- and get to Reagan National airport from Maryland. Heading south on the Beltway from Montgomery County, after you cross the American Legion Bridge, look for Exit Number 43. That's the southbound exit for the GW Parkway. Just stick with the parkway and it will take you all the way to the airport.

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A bailout from the Beltway when you're heading from Maryland to Virginia. Facing a big backup at the Wilson Bridge? If you're in Prince George's County, take Route 50 west to Kenilworth and I-295. Follow it south to the Sousa Bridge and the Southeast/Southwest Freeway. You can follow the freeway to I-395, which will get you to Alexandria and the rest of the commonwealth.

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Using Rock Creek Parkway to avoid D.C. traffic. Here's an option that roughly parallels Connecticut Avenue. Get on Beach Drive in the park and follow it to Broad Branch and veer left. Keep heading north and go right on Grant. Then a left on Glover takes you to Military, which can take you back to Connecticut.

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Here's a back way to Bethesda -- and a way to avoid crowded Wisconsin Avenue. From Northwest D.C., get on Massachusetts Avenue and head west. Take a right on Little Falls Parkway. Follow it north, past River Road, and the parkway will take you to Bradley Boulevard and bustling Bethesda.

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Thinking about one last trip to the beach but don't want to deal with the Bay Bridge? Try North Beach in Calvert County, Maryland. From the Beltway, take the Route 4/Pennsylvania Avenue exit toward Upper Marlboro. After about 20 miles, bear right onto 260 and merge onto 260 south until you reach this beach destination on the Chesapeake Bay.

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So you've been to beaches in Maryland, Virginia and Delaware. How about New Jersey? Here's how to get to Cape May, N.J:

Get on 50 East, like you do when you start out for Ocean City. But take it all the way to Route 404, then Route 18 to Georgetown, Del. Route 9 gets you to Lewes, where you can catch a ferry to the Cape May and the bay beaches.

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A summer alternative to a trip to the oceanfront -- Deep Creek Lake in Western Maryland. From I-270, take I-70 West toward Hagerstown. Merge onto I-68 toward Cumberland. Merge onto 219 South and eventually you'll be ready to cool off at the lake.

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Tired of the same old drive to the oceanfront? Here's the scenic route to Virginia Beach. Take I-95 south to start, but after Fredericksburg, take the the eastbound exit to Route 17. Meander down 17 all the way to Hampton Roads, while avoiding the routine drive down I-95. It's slower, but a relaxing drive. You'll need to to get back on the highway at I-64 as you approach Hampton and Newport News. Then follow the signs to Virginia Beach and enjoy your vacation.

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The beaches are getting crowded -- here's how to get to one that's not as well known: Colonial Beach, Virginia. Take I-95 south to Fredericksburg, and exit at Route 3, to the East. Follow Route 3 to King George and make a left turn at Route 205. Then follow it to this offbeat beach destination.

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Ready to hit the beach? How about North Carolina's Outer Banks? From I-95 South in Virginia, take I-64 East toward Norfolk, then I-664 to Chesapeake. You'll take the Monitor-Merrimac Bridge-Tunnel (I-664). Keep an eye out for signs to Nags Head and exit 291-B. That takes you to Route 168 and the Chesapeake Expressway -- a much quicker drive than the old road. Eventually you'll get to 158 East and your vacation.

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The summer vacation season isn't far away and it won't be long before Route 50 is jammed with people heading to the Maryland and Delaware beaches. But have you ever tried another road? Route 214 runs parallel to Route 50 and you can get on it from the Beltway near Largo. Follow it to Riva Road, which links up with Route 50 by Annapolis. It may not be faster, but it is a change of scenery.

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Heading north on I-270 can be a bear during rush hour. One alternative if the Beltway and I-270 are really jammed is River Road. Take it past the Betlway exit, and turn right on Falls Road to get to Rockville. Or keep going until you get to Piney Meetinghouse Road and take right. Follow it to Darnestown Road, and a left takes you to Gaithersburg.

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It's no secret I-395 often turns into a parking lot. The alternatives in Northern Virginia often aren't much better. But if you need an escape from highway gridlock, try taking Edsall Road west to Backlick. A right heads to Columbia Pike, which may at least keep your tires rolling toward the District.

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A drive in the park to avoid D.C. traffic. From Chevy Chase, take the East-West Highway -- to the East -- and turn right on Beach Drive. That gets you into Rock Creek Park, which can get tricky. But follow the the signs south past the National Zoo, and you can eventually get on the parkway all the way to Georgetown. Just remember park restrictions during rush hours and weekends. Rock Creek Parkway is one way going south from Connecticut Avenue, from 6:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., and one way north, from 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Sections of Beach Drive are closed to traffic on Saturdays and Sundays, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

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Getting around Georgetown, from downtown. If you're heading west to leave the District but want to avoid the crowds and cars of M Street, try making your way to K Street as you get close to Foggy Bottom. Get in the right lane, go through the tunnel, then get on the Whitehurst Freeway, allowing you to zip past M Street.

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Connecticut Avenue clogged with traffic? To slip past that traffic in Northwest D.C., take a short detour. Head west on Calvert to Cleveland. A right on Cleveland will allow you to head north, parallel to Connecticut. A left on Garfield will take you to Massachusetts Avenue, where a right gets you to Wisconsin Avenue. That puts you near the National Cathedral, heading in the same direction as you'd be on Connecticut.

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A new D.C. baseball stadium really will be built. But would you know how to get there? From southern Maryland it will be hard to miss. Take I-295 North and exit at the Douglas Memorial Bridge. That will take you to South Capitol Street and the area where the stadium will be constructed. Since that won't take place for a few more years, it's also useful to know that the bridge and South Capitol can be used to get to I-395. That can provide a bit of a shortcut to Northern Virginia.

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An alternative to the 14th Street Bridge. Doing a little shopping in Pentagon City and trying to get back to D.C., but the bridge is jammed with traffic? Heading back through Arlington can often be much quicker. Near Pentagon Row, take a right on Joyce Street to Columbia Pike toward the Pentagon. Then take Washington Boulevard to the Memorial Bridge, bear left and you'll soon be at Constitution Avenue in the District.

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Taking I-66 to Warrenton, Virginia? Try bypassing Gainesville, where traffic on Route 29 has been getting much heavier. Instead, try Exit 40 at Haymarket, and head south on Route 15, which rejoins Route 29 -- and can still get you to Warrenton. It's not shorter, but may keep you moving down the road.

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Yes, Ocean City is one of the most popular places for Marylanders to go during the summer but, if you're heading south to Virginia's beaches, try route 301 instead of I-95. Route 301 generally carries less truck traffic and moves at a better pace, especially on Sunday afternoons when you're trying to get home. While there are fewer chain restaurants at which to stop a lot of people enjoy the scenery more.

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It's getting to be time when many of us will begin our regular pilgrimage to the ocean and will struggle to get through the toll plazas approaching the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. If you haven't done so already, this would be a very good time to get yourself an EZ-Pass transponder. This device automatically charges the toll to an account you establish and can be a big time saver when you -- and everyone else -- are in a hurry to get to the beach.

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When most people go downtown they stick to the routes everyone knows and uses. For the uninitiated, there is a great way to get on Capitol Hill from either Virginia or Montgomery County. Go inbound on the 14th Street Bridge and follow the signs for Interstate 395 north. That will take you into the 3rd Street tunnel where, if you stay in the left lane or the two, you'll get onto Washington Avenue right next to the Rayburn House Office Building without sitting through one traffic light.

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We've talked about this before but it bears repeating. The massive Wilson Bridge project IS going to have a huge impact on the beltway between Oxon Hill and Alexandria. You should be rehearsing now your routes around this. The obvious option is to go through town. Get to know the Suitland Parkway from the Douglas Bridge to the beltway. 295 and even South Capital Street could become much better options in the very near future.

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It's a simple thing that costs relatively little and it can be a life saver. During the winter months road salt and even the ice it tries to melt were working on your windshield wipers. Through chemical action and friction, little nicks and pockmarks have developed in the rubber of the blades. That means a less thorough job of wiping the window clear and giving you a complete view of what's ahead of you. With April showers here, those wipers will get a more regular workout and your need them to be at their best.

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Construction of interchanges related to the new Wilson Bridge are beginning to have an impact. Significant lanes closures, mostly at night, could create substantial slowdowns because the beltway there is part of the interstate highway system and out-of-towners won't have advanced warning like you do. If this part of the beltway is in your regular routing, consider using a combination of 395 and 295 north either to Route 50 or to the beltway in Greenbelt.

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This time of year storm drains can create many problems. The combination of snow, ice and debris frequently clog them and melting snow and rain run-off have no place to go. Frequently that water will extend into travel lanes and create a hazard. Since many of the areas highways and roads are crowned the lanes in the center are on higher ground and offer you a drier ride with fewer surprises.

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We talked last time about picking an alternate route to and from work but the road treatment which was lacking in recent snow storms points to another issue. If your route involves roads with steep hills and curves and especially are covers by trees which prevent the sun from helping the thaw, now is the time to plan a workaround on flat roads. They may take you out of your way and may cost time when weather isn't a factor but can be real time savers in bad weather.

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It seems obvious but too many of us ignore the change in weather and the impact it has on our main mode of transportation.... OUR CARS. The abuse is even worse by SUV owners who tend to view their trucks are invincible. Make an appointment NOW to get your vehicle winterized. There's a good chance the surpentine belt will need to be replaced but at the very least make sure that your anti-freeze levels are adequate and that you've got a fresh crankcase of oil.

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Some may call it common sense but it's too frequently ignored in this region and we think it's worth repeating because of the number of power outages we've been experiencing of late. Whenever lights are completely out in an intersection, you MUST treat it as a four-way stop. Keep an eye in your rear-view mirror though, tap your brakes and make sure that the person behind you knows that YOU'RE doing the right thing. Eventually, everyone will get a chance to get through.

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D.C.

Highway work zones can be very dangerous places... and not just for the people who are actually doing the work. By a very wide margin drivers are more likely to be killed in work on crashes than are the men and women in the orange vests. Approach work zones with caution.... Make sure you know which lane you need to be in and don't make last second decisions. Slow and steady will keep everyone safe.

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16th street is a difficult trip these days because of all the construction going on... But there are options. No, not Connecticut Avenue but users of this road might also consider the following when headed into the heart of downtown. 13th and 14th Streets generally move at a fairly steady pace and end up just a couple blocks away from the other two major corridors south of M Street.

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Trying to get OUT of Northwest Washington can be a challenge. Wayne writes to suggest that 22nd Street works well as an option AND it has a couple of gas stations, too. 22nd goes to a left-turning lane and a light at Massachusetts Avenue. Massachusetts moves well up to Wisconsin Avenue and you can even stay on it all the way to Goldboro where a right turn takes you to River Road. The lights avoided equals time saved.

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Now that many of the states in the Northeast have joined together, it may be time to sign up for the EZ PASS system -- even if you think you'll only use it a few times a year. EZ PASS users get dedicated lanes that move better at toll plazas at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge AND at all of the stops along Interstate 95 between here and Maine. The equipment is free if you have a credit card with which to have tolls deducted -- in Delaware, EZ PASS users even get a discount on tolls. The system will work for you even if you live in the District or in Virginia. You can sign up for the system by going to EZPassmd.com or EZPass.com (New Jersey headquarters).

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Capitol Hill or Union Station can be tough places to get to these days in your car. Many of the surface streets near federal office buildings have been impacted by security measures. One of the best ways of getting onto the Hill is via the Southeast-Southwest freeway. Take the exit for 395 North off the freeway and stay to the right. Take the exit for Massachusetts Avenue and, instead of turning onto Massachusetts go to D Street and make a right. THAT will give you more options when you get to North Capital Street.

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Looking to get onto Connecticut Ave. but you run into a backup on East-West Highway? Try taking a left onto Brookville Rd. - right before you get onto Connecticut. Go straight and make a right onto Western, you'll come up right at the Chevy Chase Circle at the MD/DC line.

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Tired of the line that goes through Rock Creek Parkway during the morning rush hour? Try taking East-West highway to Washington Ave. Take a left onto Washington Ave - continue straight and make a left onto Grubb Rd. Follow Grubb Rd. and you'll dead end at West Beach Dr. Make a right at West Beach Dr, and you'll be more than halfway through the back up entering Rock Creek Parkway.

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Need to get to Georgetown from Arlington? Instead of taking the Key Bridge, you can also try taking the Memorial Bridge. Stay in you far right lane and follow past the Kennedy Center. Take your first right after the Watergate Hotel and then an immediate left. It will take you straight up to K Street which will feed into Georgetown.

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Need to get to Massachusetts Ave. and you want to avoid the congestion on Wisconsin Ave.? Try going up Connecticut Ave. Towards DC, make a right onto Western Ave. - crossing over Wisconsin and River Rd. by continuing straight, you'll hit Mass. Ave. at the Circle.

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Looking to get into North West DC from Tyson's Corner during Rush Hour? No need to get off on the River Road exit - Take the Clara Barton Parkway towards DC!

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Linette writes in to suggest that leaving D.C. from MLK Highway (Route 704) to Route 450 has been heavy due to construction and widening of the road. She says drivers heading toward Annapolis on 450 should make a left onto Glenn Dale Boulevard and a right at Lanham-Severn Road. Follow this to a left on Race Track Road which takes you back to Route 450. This will take you just one light shy of Route 3/301. It's longer but you don't have to deal with stop and go traffic on MLK/450.

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Virginia

Tis the season... For snow and ice. As we have known for years, and as the Virginia Department of Transportation has made policy, the major roads around the region tend to get attention in snow removal and salting before the smaller roads. This might be a good time to pick out your own major road route to and from work or the supermarket which will be in better shape when the next big storm arrives. The last thing you want to do is try to figure out where you're going while sliding sideways.

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Things are going to get worse at the Springfield Mixing Bowl project and with summer travel coming you might think about some alternatives. Now, these won't work so well during the rush hours but South-bounders can use Backlick Road - getting there by going inbound (Eastbound) on Braddock from the beltway and turning right. Northbounders can use either Backlick or Loisdale Roads by exiting at Route 7100.

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When the beltway between Tyson's Corner and Springfield come to a standstill, not that Gallows Road wanders next to and across the beltway connecting between Tyson's and Annandale.

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Do you get caught in delayed traffic on Route 7 in Tyson's Corner? Try using the Dulles Toll Road via the entry or exit point at Spring Hill Road. It costs 25 cents but it may be worth it.

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In Virginia, Gainsville, is a major bottle-neck for traffic headed towards Warrenton. Some drivers continue to West on I-66 to the Route 15 exit, others continue to Route 17, others use Route 28 to Route 215. Knowing your options can help you plane a work around.

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Staci writes in to suggest that if you're traveling north on either 95 or the Baltimore/Washington Parkway to BWI airport and get stuck in a serious traffic jam, you can bail out on either Route 32 East or Route 100 East and then take the Route 170 North. Be aware though that it also has a number of traffic lights and a slow, well-patrolled speed limit.

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Marc from Herndon writes in with a suggestion. He notes that it's the law in most local jurisdictions to move vehicles out of the roadway following relatively minor crashes. Far too often lanes remain blocked on area highways as drivers wait unnecessarily for police assistance. It's not just a matter of courtesy. You are much safer when you and your vehicle are out of the road and on the shoulder. If there are any questions, rest assured that the police will be able to figure out who did what from skid marks and those car crumbs left on the asphalt.

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If you miss the exit from I-66 East to Route 29 South, don't worry. The following two exits (Route 15 and Route 17) will also take you south to Warrenton, VA. These alternatives exit are only a couple short miles further on I-66 East.

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Instead of using the Point of Rocks Bridge along Route 15 or even the American Legion Bridge to travel between Virginia and Maryland, try using the White's Ferry. From Virginia take Route 15 to White's Ferry Road, from Maryland go out Route 28 to White's Ferry Road. For a three dollar one-way fee you can turn a mundane trip into a sightseeing experience on a slow, cool trip across the Potomac.

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Maryland

The locals call it "the back way". Even though Gaithersburg and Germantown aren't that far apart the options aren't usually very good. Most use either 355 or 270 which, depending on the time of day, can be badly clogged. Now, Watkins Mill Road offers a better option for those in Montgomery Village or points to the east. An extension has been constructed which connects the road directly to the intersection of 355 and Route 118.

A lot of traffic heads out of Northwest into Silver Spring every afternoon and congestion is a big problem. Instead of taking Connecticut Avenue all the way out to East West try this. From the Chevy Chase Circle turn right onto Western Avenue heading toward Maryland. Make a quick left turn onto Brookeville Road and follow it all the way to East West Highway. There are stop signs and speed bumps but it can be better than the alternative.

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The trip between east and west in Montgomery County is not easy -- part of the reason behind the push for the Intercounty Connector -- but there IS a way. Thanks to a multi-year project Route 28 is now a wider road and connects directly with Route 198 very near I-95. This means you no longer have to meander around little one lane roads trying to get on or off a major highway.

It may sound like a stretch but Jeff says it's worth the effort when frequent problems pop up on the inner loop near the 270 spur, or on 270 itself, and you need to get north of Gaithersburg. Jeff takes River Road all the way out to the end at Seneca Road, makes a right turn then a left on Route 28, Darnstown Road and another right onto Route 118 which gets you into Germantown OR back to 270.

For those in upper Montgomery County, Frederick and Loudoun Counties there are too many ways across the river. We've talked about Whites Ferry but many listeners say the old stand-by works very well. Route 15 goes through Leesburg and continues into Maryland providing a steady and scenic trip in the process. It connects easily with I-70 and 270. It may not be the shortest, but for many it's far and away the quickest route.

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Rusty writes to suggest if Georgia Avenue is blocked anywhere between Veirs Mill Road and downtown Silver Spring take University Boulevard east about 1 mile to a right turn on Sligo Creek Parkway and go about 4 miles to Colesville Road or Wayne Avenue. Turn right on either to get back to Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring.

He notes the Parkway has beautiful scenery, is not well-traveled, even in rush-hour, and has speed bumps which keep the speed to a calming 25 miles an hour. Looking from an alternative to get from Bethesda to downtown Silver Spring or Columbia? Try taking East-West Highway all the way down and make a left onto Colesville Rd. Colesville Rd. Then later becomes Rte. 29.

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Does your commute involve traveling South from Germantown and you consistently get caught in delayed traffic on I-270? Try taking Great Seneca Highway to Route 28, and then to I-270. At times, this alternative may be a little quicker and a bit less stressful.

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If you need to make a quick trip from Annapolis to Baltimore or vice versa, the quickest route is the new Interstate 97.

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Coming North or South on 95 to or from Baltimore in rush hour traffic? Try taking the Baltimore Washington Parkway as an Alternative Route. It parallels 95 and it takes you to either the Baltimore Beltway or the Washington Beltway. Just might save you some time in that parking lot of 95.

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From Mont Co to Harrisburg/York Pa
Take 97 (Georgia Ave) north thru Howard & Carroll counties in to Pa to RT 15 and take 15 North this will take you to Harrisburg and farther north if you are looking for York take 15 North to US 30 East into York and east

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It's beach time and folks in Montgomery County could save a lot of it -- time that is -- by heading AWAY from the beltway. Routes 108, 29 and even 95 will take you to Route 32. If you head east, Route 32 will bump into I-97 south and take you right down to Route 50 bypassing the beltway and the afternoon congestion through Bowie. you'll still have to wait in line for the Bay Bridge but you'll be WAY ahead of your neighbors.

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