An AAROADS poster quoted by the Washington Post

[cpzilliacus]

Nicely done, Hoo!

Travel advice for holiday eve getaways

If you're planning to swing west and take Route 29 to Route 17 before coming back to I-95 around Fredericksburg, frequent commenter 1995hoo notes that there's a new traffic pattern to get onto Route 17. Driving southbound through Opal on Route 29, the new exit is on right after the traffic light.

[NJRoadfan]

I actually found that informative. Why the heck are the I-95 HOV lanes going to be southbound all day Jan 1st? The past couple of years they were setup northbound. So much for smooth sailing as usual for me.

[1995hoo]

Funny thing is, this time I sent him the info via Twitter when we were on the way to Florida last month. Credibility matters!

Edited to add: Dr. Gridlock and I have spoken often enough that last year he had a colleague interview me for a story in the paper. I was quoted using my "non-forum name." The reporter characterized me as someone "interested in transportation issues" (or something similar). My family thought that was an understatement and gave me no small amount of shit about it! 

[cpzilliacus]

I actually found that informative. Why the heck are the I-95 HOV lanes going to be southbound all day Jan 1st? The past couple of years they were setup northbound. So much for smooth sailing as usual for me.

Agreed that it makes little sense for them to be pointed south on the 1st of January.  They ought to be flipped around to northbound operation sometime after midnight.

[jeffandnicole]

My guess would be it's due to people partying in the city New Years Eve, then leaving the city after midnight, which will indicate the heaviest flow would be on 95 South.

For a holiday, especially during the rest of the day when traffic volumes are more equal both directions throughout the day, it makes sense to pick a direction and leave them open throughout the day for that direction.  At least the lanes will be open all day long, unlike during a typical weekday when the lanes would have to be shut down during a portion of the day.