Train leaving Washington National Airport heading toward the Pentagon by Emma K Alexandra licensed under Creative Commons.

WMATA commits to additional safety checks after last month’s derailment

WMATA announced it will perform additional regular safety checks after a 7000-series train derailed outside Washington National Airport last month. The aforementioned train struck a brake that had fallen off a 3000-series train preceding it, prompting an investigation that found issues with six percent of brake discs on older cars. (This article may be behind a paywall).   (Justin George / Post)  

Historic U Street property up for sale for first time in nearly 40 years

The M.A. Winter building at 1436 U Street NW is up for sale for the first time since 1985. The buidling, which had survivied the 1968 riots on U Street was renovated into an office building primarily for small nonprofits, which the owners hope the new owners will preserve. The site’s parking lot may be a prime opportunity for multifamily development. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Tristan Navera / Business Journal)  

Developer plans for pedestrian- and bike-centric Harborplace redevelopment

Harborplace developer P. David Bramble noted that he envisions replacing the pavilions on Baltimore’s Inner Harbor with a pedestrian-friendly environment along Pratt Street and the waterfront and new mixed use buildings in place of the retail-only pavilions. In the meantime, the company is offering temporary retail space inside the pavilions. (This article is behind a paywall).  (Hallie Miller / Baltimore Banner)  

Alexandria officials reflect on new—but outdated—Eisenhower Avenue-Mill Road redesign

The City of Alexandria widened the roads at the busy intersection of Eisenhower Avenue and Mill Road and created a T intersection in place of a roundabout. The design is widely perceived as outdated and more dangerous, with officials noting that they would likely design the project differently if planning started today, but the city moved forward with its installation because it would otherwise need to repay grant funds.  (Vernon Miles / ALXNow)  

Fairfax County planning commission recommends approval of new mixed-use building to replace Annandale shopping center

The Fairfax County Planning Commission has recommended the Board of Supervisors to approve a plan that will redevelop Eastgate Shopping Center in Annandale, beginning with the construction of a mixed-use development consisting of 280 apartments apartments and more than 11,000 square feet of retail. Some officials expression caution related to avoiding “gentrification of retail” on the site, which is known for its Korean restaurants and grocery stores.  (Melanie Pincus / FFXNow)  

UMD Department of Transportation Services and students collaborate on pedestrian safety awareness

The University of Maryland (UMD) Department of Transportation Services and art students collaborated on a pedestrian safety project on Campus Drive. Crosswalks were painted in an effort to increase pedestrian safety.  (Bridget Byrne / The Diamondback)  

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