SUV Overturns at S. Glebe and 2nd Street
An SUV overturned on 2nd Street S. near the intersection of S. Glebe Road this afternoon.
The crash, reported as a single-vehicle accident, happened around lunchtime today. The SUV overturned and came to rest on its roof.
One person was pulled out of the wreck and transported to the hospital, according to an Arlington County dispatcher. We’re told the vehicle has been towed away and the road has since reopened.
Photos courtesy @SeidelAgency (left) and @lucerojay (right)
Movie Shoot to Close Roosevelt Bridge
The filming of a big Hollywood movie will temporarily close the Roosevelt Bridge on Sunday.
The closures are scheduled from 8:20 to 9:10 a.m., and again from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. From the D.C. film office:
On Sunday, May 5 there will be intermittent closing of the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge to allow for the filming of a major motion picture set in the District. MPTD has negotiated an agreement with the DC Department of Transportation, the Metropolitan Police Department, the Virginia Department of Transportation, Arlington Police and the National Park Service to close the Theodore Roosevelt Bridge.
The Theodore Roosevelt Bridge plays an integral role in the storyline. Aerial photography will be used to capture various angels (sic) of the bridge. While in the nation’s capital the production company will film other iconic sites.
VDOT is advising drivers to take alternate routes.
Drivers accessing the bridge from Virginia via I-66, Route 50 or the George Washington Parkway will be detoured. Virginia motorists heading into D.C. from I-66 have three options:
- Take I-66 East to Route 110 to the 14th Street Bridge (this is the official detour motorists can follow).
- Take I-66 East to Exit 73/Lee Highway to the Key Bridge.
- Take I-66 East to Exit 72 to Spout Run Parkway to George Washington Parkway to the Memorial Bridge.
Motorists heading from D.C. to I-66 can use the same options in reverse.
During the closures, message signs on I-66 as far west as Centreville will advise motorists to use alternate routes.
Virginia State Police, Arlington County Police, and U.S. Park Service Police will be stationed at various traffic control points on Route 50, I-66 and the GW Parkway.
VDOT traffic engineers anticipate that the 8:20 a.m. shut down will create 15-minute delays and the 1 p.m. closure will create 30-minute delays.
While neither agency specified which movie is being filmed, ComicBookMovie.com speculates that the closures are for the filming of Captain America: The Winter Soldier, a new superhero movie that’s set in D.C.
Hat tip to @shticksstickler
Nottingham Elementary 5K to Be Held Saturday
Several north Arlington streets will be closed Saturday for the annual Nottingham Elementary 5K run/walk.
The race will be kicking off around 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 13 at Nottingham Elementary (5900 Little Falls Road). Registration is $25 if booked by the end of the day today, then $30 thereafter. Proceeds from the race will go toward Nottingham Elementary School PTA programs.
Arlington County Police will close the following lanes and roads Saturday morning.
- Williamsburg Boulevard will be closed to eastbound traffic from Little Falls Road to N. Harrison Street from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- Little Falls Road will be closed from Williamsburg Boulevard to N. Harrison Street from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
- N. Ohio Street will be closed from N. 26th Street to Williamsburg Boulevard from 7:30 – 10:30 a.m.
“Along the race course, temporary road closures will be necessary as the race moves throughout the neighborhood,” police said in a press release. “Residents of the affected areas will be escorted through the traffic closures to minimize the impact on the community. All road closures will be reopened by 10:30 a.m.”
“Residents are asked to park their vehicles in driveways to reduce the congestion on the affected streets to allow more runners through the neighborhood as quickly as possible, which will result in a return to normal conditions,” the police department added.
Water Main Break Closes Busy Intersection
Traffic is flowing again through the intersection of Fairfax Drive and N. Glebe Road in Ballston, following a water main break that closed the busy intersection and a nearby ramp from I-66.
The water main break was reported around 9:00 Saturday night. According to a county spokeswoman, a 12-inch water main burst and flooded the intersection. Pavement bucked in several spots as a result of the break, we’re told by witnesses.
Police closed the intersection and closed the ramp from eastbound I-66 to Fairfax Drive while repairs were made. Arlington County water crews worked overnight to isolate the leak, repair the main and reopen the roads.
“It took [a] valve crew over five hours last night to isolate the leak location,” said Arlington County Department of Environmental Services spokeswoman Myllisa Kennedy, in an email. “Only the Marymount University Ballston Campus building (northwest corner of the intersection) was out of water.”
The repairs were completed and the roads reopened around 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Anybody with concerns about their water service is asked to call Arlington’s 24-hour water emergency number: 703-228-6555.
Photos courtesy @Dressage74
UPDATED: Downed Power Line on Route 1
Update at 3:15 p.m.: All lanes are now reported to be back open.
Arlington police are preparing to close Jefferson Davis Highway (Route 1) at the Reagan National Airport overpass, near Crystal City, due to a report of a downed power line.
Firefighters are on the scene and requested the busy artery be closed in both directions, according to scanner traffic.
No word yet on how long the road will be closed.
Road Closures for Crystal City 5K Friday
Today and every Friday in April, roads in Crystal City will close for the annual Crystal City 5K Fridays race series.
The race will kick off at 6:30 p.m. on April 5 (today), 12, 19 and 26. In a press release, Arlington County Police said they will close the following lanes and streets from about 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.
- NB lanes of Crystal Drive between 23rd Street and 15th Street
- NB lanes of Crystal Drive between 26th Street and Route 1
- NB lanes of Potomac Avenue between Crystal Drive and Glebe Road
- 33rd Street between Potomac Avenue and Crystal Drive
- S. Ball Street between 33rd Street and 35th Street
- SB lanes of Potomac Avenue between Crystal Drive and 33rd Street (crossing permitted when deemed safe)
The police department noted that southbound Crystal Drive will remain open, and roads north of 15th Street previously impacted by the race will not be affected.
VRE riders are asked to add 5-10 minutes of on-foot travel time to get to the Crystal City station, and those who park in Crystal City parking garages are being warned that they may not be able to get our of their garage during the race.
Street parking along the route, particularly on Crystal Drive and Potomac Avenue, will be restricted. Temporary ‘No Parking’ signs should now be posted.
Photo via Facebook/Crystal City BID. Disclosure: Crystal City BID is an ARLnow.com advertiser
Major Backups on GW Parkway
Commuters are experiencing major backups on the GW Parkway due to a serious accident in Fairfax County.
The crash occurred on the GW Parkway near Route 123. According to an Arlington Alert email, traffic was shut down in both directions to allow a Medevac helicopter to land.
Backups on the northbound lanes of the Parkway reportedly extend down to the Memorial Bridge
Street Closures for ‘Love the Run You’re With 5K’
Several streets in and around Pentagon City will be closed Sunday (Feb. 10) for the Love the Run You’re With 5K race.
The race starts and ends in front of the Pentagon Row shopping area on S. Joyce Street. According to the Arlington County Police Department, S. Joyce Street will be closed between 15th Street S. and Army Navy Drive from 07:30 to 10:30 a.m., and Army Navy Drive will be closed between S. Joyce Street and 25th Street S. from 8:45 to 10:00 a.m.
“Street parking in the area will be restricted. Motorists should be on the lookout for temporary ‘No Parking’ signs,” the police department said in a press release. “Race attendees are encouraged to use Metro, however, if driving please utilize the parking garage at the Pentagon City mall.”
Individual registration is still open for the race, which is organized by Pacers. The Valentine’s Day-themed race caters to both couples and singles. Participants are given different colored race bibs depending on whether their relationship status is “single,” “in a relationship” or “it’s complicated.”
Closures for Mardi Gras Parade on Tuesday
Floats are getting prepped and beads are being gathered for Clarendon’s annual Mardi Gras parade next Tuesday, February 12.
Thousands of residents are expected to line Wilson Blvd from N. Barton Street to Washington Blvd, where the parade will travel starting at 8:00 p.m. Around 50 businesses, restaurants and organizations are slated to march in the parade.
Because of road closures and lack of parking, parade attendees are encouraged to use Metro. The Courthouse and Clarendon stations are located near the parade route.
Street parking in the area will be restricted. 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.
The following restrictions will be in effect:
- Wilson Boulevard will be closed from Veitch Street to Barton Street 6:45-9:30 p.m.
- Adams Street and Wayne Street will be closed between Clarendon Boulevard and Wilson Boulevard from 6:45-9:30 p.m.
- Wilson Boulevard will be closed from Barton Street to Irving Street from 7:45-9:30 p.m.
- Courthouse Road at N. 15th Street — Bayou Bakery will be hosting a block party from 5:00-8:00 p.m., with setup beginning at 3:00 p.m. and cleanup ending at 10:00 p.m.
Weekend Closures for MLK Day, Inauguration
A number of road and government closures will be in place on Monday for the observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and for the Presidential Inauguration.
The following government offices will be closed on Monday, January 21:
- Libraries
- Courts
- Parks, community centers and nature centers (except Barcroft Sports and Fitness Center, which is open from 6:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.)
- Schools
- Human Services
Parking meters will not be enforced on Monday. Trash and recycling pickup will run on a normal schedule, but the call center will be closed.
ART will run a Saturday schedule on Routes 41, 51, 77 & 87. ART will also run a special Inauguration schedule on the ART 42. All other routes will not operate. Metrorail will be open on Monday from 4:00 a.m. until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday. Rush hour service runs from 4:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and peak fares will be in effect.
The following roads and bridges will be closed or restricted on Monday for the Inauguration:
- I-395 HOV northbound lanes will close at 9:00 a.m. HOV lanes on I-395 will re-open southbound at the end of the Inaugural address. I-395 main lanes and I-66 will be open to all traffic.
- All traffic on the 14th Street Bridge will be diverted by MPD onto the Southeast/Southwest freeway beginning at 5:30 a.m.
- Traffic coming across the Teddy Roosevelt Bridge will be diverted into northbound Potomac River Expressway to Pennsylvania Avenue or Whitehurst Freeway/K Street.
- Memorial Bridge is restricted to pedestrians and authorized vehicles only.
In addition to the numerous road closures in the District, U.S. Park Police will also close the following Virginia roads starting at 5:00 a.m. on Monday:
- Route 27/Washington Blvd at Route 50 Bypass (at 5:30 a.m. when ACPD closes Route 27, closure moves to Northbound George Washington Memorial Parkway ramp to Memorial Bridge)
- Southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway at the ramp to Memorial Bridge
- Southbound George Washington Memorial Parkway at the ramp to Southbound Route 27/Washington Blvd
- Southbound Boundary Channel Drive at the ramp to Route 27/Washington Blvd
- Northbound Route 110 ramp to Memorial Drive. All vehicles will be forced to take a left to Arlington National Cemetery. All vehicles exiting Arlington National Cemetery must take Route 110 South.
TRAFFIC ALERT: I-395 HOV Closed Due to Tractor Trailer Accident
Update at 10:10 a.m. — One lane of traffic is now squeezing by to the left of the accident while crews work to clean up the spill and clear the scene. HOV traffic is backed up to Shirlington circle.
The HOV lanes of I-395 have been shut down due to a jackknifed tractor trailer that struck the highway wall divide.
Police have blocked traffic because the truck is leaking fuel and they fear it might ignite. The fuel is coming from a 100+ gallon saddle tank, according to scanner traffic. A hazmat team is being dispatched to the scene.
A long line of northbound traffic is now at a standstill in the HOV lanes.
TRAFFIC ALERT: Key Bridge Shut Down Due to Jumper
Update at 7:35 p.m. — The man has been safely taken into police custody. The scene is now being cleared.
Update at 6:10 p.m. — Police are still attempting to talk and negotiate with the man. A SWAT team is now reportedly on scene.
Police are blocking either side of the Key Bridge due to a person threatening to jump.
A man is hanging on to the southeast side of the bridge and threatening to jump, according to scanner traffic and witnesses. We’re told that a helicopter and a Coast Guard boat are assisting police, who are trying to talk with the man.
D.C. and Arlington police have shut down vehicle and pedestrian traffic to the bridge. Inbound traffic from Arlington is being diverted onto Lee Highway and the George Washington Parkway.
Significant traffic backups have been reported in Rosslyn, particularly at the intersection of Lynn Street and Wilson Blvd. Earlier, police looked into reports of motorists getting out of their cars and yelling obscenities at each other as a result of the backups.
If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide, help is a phone call away. Call Crisis Link at 703-527-4077.
Hat tip to @Agent_Greg
Cement Truck Overturns on S. Joyce Street
Update at 3:05 p.m. — The scene has been cleared and the road has reopened, according to scanner traffic.
Earlier: All lanes of S. Joyce Street are blocked between Columbia Pike and Army Navy Drive due to an overturned cement truck.
The incident happened just before 1:00 p.m. The truck somehow rolled over onto its side near the intersection of Joyce and Columbia Pike. The driver was unable to get out of the truck and was assisted by firefighters, according to Arlington County Fire Department spokesman Capt. Gregg Karl. No word yet on whether the driver was injured.
A hazmat crew has been called to the scene to clean up fuel leaking from the truck, Karl said. It’s unclear when Joyce Street will be able to reopen.
Columbia Pike Closed Due to Water Main Break
Columbia Pike is closed in both directions between S. Thomas Street and Wakefield Street due to a water main break.
The closure will last throughout the morning rush hour, according to Arlington Alerts, and drivers are asked to seek alternate routes. The closure is also apparently having an impact on bus service — long lines at bus stops have been observed on eastbound Columbia Pike.
The break took place near the site of another water main break that shut down Columbia Pike in September.
Update at 2:55 p.m. — Arlington County says Columbia Pike should be reopened by 4:00 p.m., in time for the evening rush hour. From Arlington Alerts:
Columbia Pike at S. Thomas St. will reopen to traffic in both directions for the evening rush hour by 4 p.m. Crews completed repairs on this morning’s 8″ water main break, however, they will need to repair a second leak in the vicinity at a later date.
Morning Notes
Va. to Consider Tougher Texting Laws — In January, state lawmakers will consider bills that would stiffen the penalties for texting while driving in Virginia. Currently, texting while driving is a secondary offense — you can only be charged with it if pulled over for another violation — and the penalty is a $20 fine for the first offense and $50 for subsequent offenses. Del. Scott Surovell (D-Mt. Vernon) wants drivers to be charged with reckless driving if they get in an accident while texting. [Lynchburg News & Advance, Daily Press, WTOP]
Road Closures for ‘Jingle Bell Run’ — Parts of S. Joyce Street and Army Navy Drive in Pentagon City will be closed from 7:00 to 11:00 a.m. Saturday morning for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Race attendees are encouraged to take Metro. [Arlington County Police]
Hynes Lauds Animal Welfare Efforts — Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes has issued a proclamation praising the Animal Welfare League of Arlington and The Humane Society of the United States “for working together to improve the treatment of animals, including farm animals in the food industry.” [Humane Society]
PG Lawmaker Called ‘Too Arlington’ — Prince George’s County Council member Eric Olson, a progressive Democrat and noted environmentalist, recently lost his bid to become chairman of the Council. One lawyer who represents developers in Prince George’s County said of Olson: “Some people think he is too ‘Arlington.’” [Washington Post]
