Experts Dispute Walter Reed Traffic Study

BETHESDA, Md. (AP) -- Some transportation experts are disputing a Defense Department finding that the addition of thousands of patients and workers has reduced traffic congestion near the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda.

The Washington Post reported in Tuesday's editions that the military study may not give a true picture of the complications caused by the medical center's expansion.

The military study found that the number of vehicles passing through the worst choke points during morning and evening rush hours has declined since 2007.

Outside traffic analysts say vehicle counts probably fell because of increased congestion that prevented many commuters from even reaching the traffic counters during conventional rush hours. Local residents say traffic backups now start as early as 6 in the morning and 2:30 in the afternoon.

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