The Commute
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The Commute -- I have been trying different commutes into the city from the southside lately. Basically, the construction on the toll plaza has backed the traffic up on the Powhite in the mornings all the way back to the Midlothian Turnpike Exit. So most days I give up and take the Midlothian Exit -- travel down Midlothian -- take the chippenham exit -- then take the powhite exit. Not to bad - but a lot of work for a couple of miles of traffic.
Today, I decided to forget the tolls and forget the traffic. I took 288 to the Patterson Ave exit. And took Patterson all the way down to Thompson. Again -- All the Way Down. I forgot how far that was. And how many stop lights. and the stop and go traffic. "Old Man in the Acura --- please give the car back to your son -- and stop driving so aggressive on a 2 lane road". Going the speed limit - and sticking to one lane is -- how you can save on gas too -- Jack...
Tomorrow -- leaving early to compensate for the traffic on the powhite.
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3 comments:
I almost wonder what it would be like taking Rt 288 all the way to I-64 and then in....
or what about Rt. 150 to Huguenot and cross over that bridge then connect back in? downside is the lower speed, not to mention the stop and go driving with lights. Definitely not good for fuel efficiency I wouldn't imagine.
I work right downtown (14th/15th & Franklin) and from where I live I just take Hull St Rd all the way in until it becomes 14th, but I've taken on occasion Rt. 150 to I-95 and in, or Rt. 150 to Powhite to Downtown Expwy... but then again, I live near Rt. 150 and Hull St Rd which is fairly close.
288 to 64 and then in isn't a bad route. With traffic backups on the Powhite, it's probably very good. I took that route this morning: left the house at 6:55 and arrived at work at 7:30. A little longer than that same drive used to be on the Powhite, but not bad. I have to take the 'long' commute most days as my boss doesn't want me to abuse the SmartTag.
But the tradeoff is gas.... definitely going further.
I really wonder about carpooling, especially since I'm involved in what was put together for vanpool coverage for Northern VA...
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