FAIRFAX COUNTY TRANSPORTATION ADVISORY COMMISSION
Meeting Summary
December 15, 2015 at 7:30 PM – FCDOT, 4050 Legato Rd, Fairfax, VA 22033
TAC Members in Attendance: Chairman Jeff Parnes (Sully), Vice Chairman Jennifer Joy Madden (Hunter Mill), Alan Young (At-Large), Kevin Morse (Braddock), Mike Champness (Dranesville), Eric Thiel (Springfield) and Donald Kissinger (Fairfax Area Disability Services Board).
TAC Members Absent: Secretary Roger Hoskin (Mason), Frank Cohn (Mt. Vernon), Harry Zimmerman (Lee), and Micah Himmel (Providence).
Others in Attendance: Calvin Lam (FCDOT) and Mike McGurk (Transurban).
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Parnes at 7:35 p.m. The minutes of the last meeting were approved without any changes.
Note Taker: Jenifer Joy Madden
Main Topics Discussed
I-495 and I-95 Express Lanes Updates – Mike McGurk (Transurban)
Two network extensions were announced in late November.
1. Convert HOV lanes on I-95 to Express Lanes north of Turkeycock Run to D.C. line, in addition to adding an additional travel lane. No widening, no bridge replacements, and no changes to interchanges in Arlington will be necessary. Project includes a dedicated transit subsidy so a portion of the toll revenue will go to improving transit along the I-95/I-395 corridor. For more information, see 395expresslanes.com.
2. Extend express lanes from the flyover of Route 610 approximately two miles, including a new entry point, including a new lane north of Route 610. At present, 30 percent of traffic exits at Route 610. They will be removed from the main interstate via the flyover. The merge going north will be changed from two lanes to one lane. Construction is expected to begin in 2016 and will take about two years. Some neighborhoods will be eligible for sound walls.
VDOT has also announced Express Lanes will be part of the alteration of I-66 between Prince William County and Arlington.
Among the recent findings and facts about Express Lanes usage:
· The E-ZPass base increased 83% between 2012 and 2015.
· 96% of all trips are taken with a valid E-ZPass, which is very high as compared with other mandatory transponder roads.
· Purple flags have been added to the end of the gates at 7 entry points to signal the existence of an express lane. Since then, gate strikes are down 50%.
· Work is going on to create one nationwide transponder.
· The average dynamic toll charged on I-95 lanes is $5.89 and $3.80 on 495.
· The average trip length is 13 miles on I-95 and 6.1 miles on 495.
· 40% of rush hour traffic on the EL is HOV.
· At the times of very highest total traffic volume, 25% of all traffic is using EL.
· The percent of HOV 3+ and exempt vehicles traffic if 34% on I-95 and 15% on 495.
· Workday bus trips on the lanes are 33,459 on I-95 and 16,448 on 495 (includes school buses, charters, transit).
· The approximate average number of daily trips are 45,000 on I-95 and 40,000 on 495.
· Travel time has improved in the standard lanes. For example, in 2012 the average trip time was 47 minutes on I-95 northbound. In 2015, the trip took 32 minutes.
· Along the full length of 14 miles (Springfield to the American Legion bridge), the trip on the Express Lanes takes an average of 13 minutes.
· Average daily commuters on I-95 between Quantico and Alexandria save an average of 35 to 40 minute per day.
· Drivers appear to be shifting usage of EL away from peak of peak times.
In a survey of 1700 D.C.-area drivers, 59% have used Express Lanes. According to the survey participants:
· Approximately 74% say 495 and I-95 Express Lanes (EL) benefit region.
· Those considered “heavy users” use the EL about 8 times a month.
· 86% of carpoolers rate the EL positively.
· 75% of all customers are satisfied with EL.
· Slugs are organized at Sluglines.com.
· Contrary to projections, the heaviest users of the EL drive Toyotas and Hondas, not Lexus.
· How people use EL on I-95
o 41% are traveling for vacation
o 36% commute to work
o 32% commute from work
o 32% visit friends and family
· How people use the EL on 495:
o 33% commute to work 33%
o 35% commute from work
o 31% are going to appointments
Top reasons people use EL:
1. Increased “Me time.”
2. Get extra work done.
3. Time with family and friends in evening.
Currently working on mobile app and adding more functionality to website including an easier-to-read map. With app, registered users can elect to be notified if they have an unpaid trip.
Summary of the Joint TAC/TSC Meeting on December 1, 2015
TAC voted on the top four questions to be submitted to FCDOT and VDOT in advance of the next joint meeting. Those questions concern:
1. Current funding mechanism for trails and sidewalks maintenance.
2. Ideal budget for trails and sidewalk maintenance.
3. How to increase trails and sidewalks maintenance.
4. Prioritization of trails and sidewalk projects and maintenance.
Observations from TAC members:
· After discernment process regarding county trails and sidewalk maintenance, TAC is in a position to make a recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
· Matt Dykstra’s study on the county bicycle facilities can inform the discernment process because it points to critically-needed connections.
Next step: combine TAC selected questions with questions selected by T&S Committee and then provide the questions to FCDOT and VDOT so they can prepare responses in time for the next joint meeting on a date to be determined.
Other Business:
Consider holding the TAC meeting to discuss the widening of Route 7 within Tysons in a Tysons location.
Planned Agenda for Next Meeting
- · January 19, 2016: Countywide Transit Network Study – Leonard Wolfenstein and Arpita Chatterjee (FCDOT)
Topics for Future Meetings (Candidates for holding meetings at alternate location indicated in bold)
- February 16, 2016: Comprehensive Plan and Transportation staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on how planning for areas currently planned for future rail stations reflects the designation of the areas as future rail stations
- March 15, 2016: Route 7 Core Widening (Marshall High School or Tysons Mall) – Tad Borkowski, FCDOT)
- April 19, 2016: Comprehensive Plan and Transportation staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on what their vision is for future development and any changes in planning and zoning guidelines that may be needed to account for future work environment given the pace and impacts of technology advances (including guest speaker to explain impact of self-driving/smart cars, buses and trucks on traffic, roadways and intersections). Joint meeting date with the Planning Commission’s Transportation Committee will be determined.
- TBD: Comprehensive Plan and Transportation staff and Planning Commission discussions with TAC on how planning for areas currently planned for future rail stations reflects the designation of the areas as future rail stations
Closing and Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
Upcoming Events:
February 3, 2016 6:30 pm Walker Road over Piney Run Design Public Hearing
Through Spring 2016 Share ideas and opinions as part of the Route 7 Corridor Transit Study
Upcoming Meetings:
January 4, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
January 19, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
February 2, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
February 16, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
March 1, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
March 15, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
April 5, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
April 19, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
May 3, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
May 17, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)
June 7, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Work Session (FCDOT)
June 21, 2016 7:30 pm TAC Regular Meeting (FCDOT)