Good Morning, Washington. Throughout the day, we’ll have complete coverage of all the Nationals opening day action from inside and outside RFK. So stay tuned. In the meantime, the weather will be spring-like, says Capital Weather. With “[c]risp, clear nights and mild, sunny afternoons … [t]hese are the qualities that give spring a wonderful reputation.” So enjoy the slowly warming weather, which is pretty much perfect for some rowing on the Potomac, as pictured in this photo from FurCafe posted on DCist Photos via Flickr.
Two pieces of transportation news …
‘Orange Crush’: The long-forecasted chokepoint between the District and Virginia — the Orange and Blue line tunnel beneath the Potomac River between Foggy Bottom and Rosslyn — is just about at capacity and according to the Post, transit planners are trying to figure out what to do. Don’t forget that the planned new metrorail spur to Tysons Corner and beyond would send more trains into that tunnel, threatening to crush the Orange Line. One solution: Reroute some Blue Line trains to downtown via the Yellow Line.
Oh, and there are more people moving to the region and we wonder whether they’ll be packed onto metrorail. The D.C. region is the fastest growing metropolitan area in the nation outside the Sun Belt, the Post reports. Fortunately, 1 out of 4 newcomers reside in Loudoun County, so it doesn’t appear that there will be much of an effect on the Orange Line.
Acela Fleet Grounded: And if you’re planning any Acela travel up the East Coast, be aware that Amtrak has grounded express train service because of brake problems. Regional and Metroliner service is not affected.
IMF/World Bank Protests: If you happen to be driving or walking west of the White House this weekend, be aware that there are protests planned against the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.
Briefly Noted: Tomorrow is Emanicipation Day … Silver Spring high-rise fire kills elderly couple …
