Morning Conditions at the American Legion Bridge

Between 1993 and 2000, recurring southbound congestion developed on the outer loop of the beltway between the I-270 western spur in Maryland and Route 267 in Virginia. During surveys in 1993 and 1996, morning commuters typically traveled this corridor without experiencing significant delay. However, in 1999, average estimated speeds approaching and across the Potomac River, at the American Legion Bridge, ranged from approximately 15-25 mph (peak period). (During a special low-level flight in 2000, the head of this queue was located at the exit ramp to Virginia Rte 267; severe congestion in the right lane approaching this interchange extended back across all lanes of the outer loop.) This graphic depicts how the level-of-service has changed along this corridor between 1993 and 1999.

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Evening

I-495 PM Inner Loop

I-495 PM Outer Loop

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