Walter Reed's Move Means More Traffic on Roadways

October 8, 2007 - 4:52am

Derek Williams, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - Commuters can expect more traffic on the roadway once Walter Reed Medical Center moves from the District to Bethesda.

Federal planners are already anticipating traffic to be heavily congested along roadways and are developing plans to avert a log jam for commuters.

Two new buildings are planned for construction near Bethesda Naval, and more employees are expected to travel to the site as a result.

The project is still years away, but federal officials are trying to ease concerns about traffic patterns.

Marcel Costa, of the National Capital Planning Commission, says officials are sorting out what they need for the master expansion plan.

"How are people are going to get there," he said. "How many parking spaces will they need?"

Officials said the public transportation system will be a good option.

Derek Williams, WTOP Radio

WASHINGTON - Commuters can expect more traffic on the roadway once Walter Reed Medical Center moves from the District to Bethesda.

Federal planners are already anticipating traffic to be heavily congested along roadways and are developing plans to avert a log jam for commuters.

Two new buildings are planned for construction near Bethesda Naval, and more employees are expected to travel to the site as a result.

The project is still years away, but federal officials are trying to ease concerns about traffic patterns.

Marcel Costa, of the National Capital Planning Commission, says officials are sorting out what they need for the master expansion plan.

"How are people are going to get there," he said. "How many parking spaces will they need?"

Officials said the public transportation system will be a good option.

Playing Catch