***TRAFFIC ALERT UPDATE***
Two Lanes on New Hampshire Avenue Open For Evening Rush Hour
(Washington, D.C.) The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) plans to reopen at least two lanes of New Hampshire Avenue, between Eastern Avenue and North Capitol Street, for outbound traffic during this evening’s rush hour. One lane was opened this morning in the southbound direction for inbound traffic. At 2 p.m. this afternoon, traffic will be reversed for northbound traffic and DDOT anticipates 2 lanes will be open outbound. At this time, it is anticipated that southbound New Hampshire will be closed until 7 p.m. although that is subject to change.
Please note, these plans may change depending on the requirements of the public safety operations at the scene of the Metro train collision. Motorists are strongly advised to use alternate routes and marked detours including:
o Piney Branch Road
o Missouri Avenue
o New York Avenue
o Rhode Island Avenue
o Bladensburg Road
o Riggs Road
o Michigan Avenue
o Georgia Avenue
o 16th Street
o I-295
DDOT Road Operations Patrols and Traffic Control Officers have been deployed to assist with traffic backups. Drivers are encouraged to use the major alternate routes instead of neighborhood streets to get around the affected area.
Metro has released the following information for rail and bus passengers:
Tuesday Red Line service altered as a result of Monday collision
Red Line service will be severely impacted on Tuesday, June 23, as a result of a fatal collision on the Red Line on Monday, June 22, between the Fort Totten and Takoma Metrorail starions.
Red Line riders will have several options on Tuesday morning, however if they are able to avoid the Red Line, that may be the best option for Tuesday.
The Red Line will be operating in two sections on Tuesday. Trains will run back and forth between the Glenmont and Silver Spring Metrorail stations and between the Shady Grove and the Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood Metrorail station. All trains will be six- and eight-car trains on the Red Line and they will be running about 8 to 10 minutes apart. Trains are expected to be very crowded. The Takoma Metrorail station will be closed to Red Line traffic.
Free Metrobus shuttles will be available to take customers around the incident between the Silver Spring, Fort Totten, Brookland-CUA, Rhode Island Avenue-Brentwood and Georgia Avenue-Petworth Metrorail stations. People can expect long waits for buses as a full Metrorail train often carries 100 people or more per car and a bus can only hold about 50 people at a time.
Metro officials recommend that customers who normally use the Red Line between the Glenmont and Silver Spring Metrorail stations should commute to Metrorail stations between the Shady Grove and Grosvenor-Strathmore Metrorail stations, or to use the following Metrobus lines to avoid the service disruption:
• Metrobus C8 line (Glenmont to White Flint)
• Metrobus Q2 line (Wheaton to Rockville)
• Metrobus C2, C4 line (Wheaton to Twinbrook)
• Metrobus J1 line (Silver Spring to Medical Center)
• Metrobus J2, J3, J4 line (Silver Spring to Bethesda)
• Metrobus L7, L8 line (Friendship Heights)
Metro officials also recommend that people utilize the Green Line from Greenbelt to the Fort Totten Metrorail station for service into downtown DC.
MARC’s Brunswick Line service will be suspended on Tuesday due to the proximity of its tracks to the accident scene.
Metro safety and operations officials are working hand-in-hand with the National Transportation Safety Board investigating the cause of the accident.
People who believe that their relatives may have been on board the train can call 311 to find out which hospital they have been taken to for medical assistance. A family reunification center has been established at 501 Riggs Road, NE in Washington.
“This is an incredibly tragic day and our hearts go out to the families of those who suffered fatalities and to those whose loved ones are injured,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “We are committed to investigate this accident until we determine why this happened and what must be done to ensure it never happens again.”
Metro officials do not know the cause of the 5 p.m. Monday collision and are not likely to know the cause for several days as the investigation unfolds. Both trains were on the same track headed toward Shady Grove Metrorail station, according to preliminary reports. The female operator was on the trailing train.
The only other time in Metrorail’s 33-year history that there were customer fatalities was in January 1982, when three people died as a result of a derailment between the Federal Triangle and Smithsonian Metrorail stations. The only other time that Metrorail had a collision was in 2004 when two trains collided at the Woodley Park/Zoo-Adams Morgan Metrorail station, in which there were some minor injuries.
For more information on Metrorail and Metrobus operations and delays, please visit the Metro web site at www.wmata.com.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
14th Street Bridges Open But Road Closures Still in Effect
June 10, 2009
Washington, D.C. – The 14th Street Bridges have been reopened. Road closures still remain in effect at this time. The District Department of Transportation has deployed 12 Traffic Control Officers to the main intersections and arterials directly affected by the street closures. Traffic signals have been placed on rush hour timing on all major corridors.
Road closures still in effect include:
• Independence Avenue from 15th to 12th Streets SW
• 15th Street from Main Avenue to Independence Ave SW
• 14th Street between Constitution Ave and D Street SW
Detour and Traffic Recommendations are as follows:
VA into DC detours:
Northbound traffic coming over the northbound 14th Street Bridge is being diverted to the Southeast/Southwest Freeway.
Outbound traffic detour
Traffic can use Constitution to the Theodore Roosevelt and Memorial Bridges or outbound 14th St Bridge from Southeast/Southwest Freeway
The downtown tunnels that are open include 9th Street tunnel, 3rd Street tunnel and 12th Street tunnel
Washington, D.C. – The 14th Street Bridges have been reopened. Road closures still remain in effect at this time. The District Department of Transportation has deployed 12 Traffic Control Officers to the main intersections and arterials directly affected by the street closures. Traffic signals have been placed on rush hour timing on all major corridors.
Road closures still in effect include:
• Independence Avenue from 15th to 12th Streets SW
• 15th Street from Main Avenue to Independence Ave SW
• 14th Street between Constitution Ave and D Street SW
Detour and Traffic Recommendations are as follows:
VA into DC detours:
Northbound traffic coming over the northbound 14th Street Bridge is being diverted to the Southeast/Southwest Freeway.
Outbound traffic detour
Traffic can use Constitution to the Theodore Roosevelt and Memorial Bridges or outbound 14th St Bridge from Southeast/Southwest Freeway
The downtown tunnels that are open include 9th Street tunnel, 3rd Street tunnel and 12th Street tunnel
14th Street Bridge Closed due to Police Activity
For Immediate Release
June 10, 2009
***TRAFFIC ALERT***
14TH Street Bridge and Surrounding Streets Closed Due to MPD Activity
Washington, D.C. – Due to police activity down near the 14th Street Bridge the following roads and bridges have been closed. MPD and DDOT Traffic Control Officers and Road Operations Patrols on are site to assist with traffic control. All traffic should detour and avoid this area until the roads and bridge are reopened.
· westbound Independence Avenue from 12th Street SW
·
· westbound 12th Street & C Street SW
· southbound 15th Street from Independence Ave SW
· southbound 14th Street from Constitution Ave SW
· northbound and southbound 14th Street Bridge
· inbound 14th Street SW HOV lanes
June 10, 2009
***TRAFFIC ALERT***
14TH Street Bridge and Surrounding Streets Closed Due to MPD Activity
Washington, D.C. – Due to police activity down near the 14th Street Bridge the following roads and bridges have been closed. MPD and DDOT Traffic Control Officers and Road Operations Patrols on are site to assist with traffic control. All traffic should detour and avoid this area until the roads and bridge are reopened.
· westbound Independence Avenue from 12th Street SW
·
· westbound 12th Street & C Street SW
· southbound 15th Street from Independence Ave SW
· southbound 14th Street from Constitution Ave SW
· northbound and southbound 14th Street Bridge
· inbound 14th Street SW HOV lanes
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
TSA says the name on your airline ticket must match the name on your ID
The US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced last week that beginning May 15, all passengers will be asked to enter their full name – as it appears on the government issued identification they will be traveling with – when making airline reservations. For instance, if a person’s first, middle and last name are on their driver’s license and their driver’s license is what they will be traveling with, their first, middle and last name must be used when purchasing their airline ticket. TSA officers at airports across the country will check to make sure they match when passengers pass through security.
The requirement is the first phase of TSA’s Secure Flight passenger vetting program which shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual aircraft operators to TSA.
The second phase of Secure Flight begins August 15, 2009, when passengers will be required to enter their date of birth and gender when booking airline flights. TSA said the additional data will help prevent the misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch list, and better identify individuals that may pose a known or suspected threat.
Once Secure Flight’s advanced technology is fully implemented in early 2010, enhanced watch list matching will be done by the government. Airlines will gather a passenger’s full name, date of birth and gender when making an airline reservation to determine if the passenger is a match to the "No Fly" or "Selectee" lists.
For more information about the Secure Flight passenger vetting program, visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm.
The requirement is the first phase of TSA’s Secure Flight passenger vetting program which shifts pre-departure watch list matching responsibilities from individual aircraft operators to TSA.
The second phase of Secure Flight begins August 15, 2009, when passengers will be required to enter their date of birth and gender when booking airline flights. TSA said the additional data will help prevent the misidentification of passengers who have similar names to individuals on the watch list, and better identify individuals that may pose a known or suspected threat.
Once Secure Flight’s advanced technology is fully implemented in early 2010, enhanced watch list matching will be done by the government. Airlines will gather a passenger’s full name, date of birth and gender when making an airline reservation to determine if the passenger is a match to the "No Fly" or "Selectee" lists.
For more information about the Secure Flight passenger vetting program, visit http://www.tsa.gov/what_we_do/layers/secureflight/index.shtm.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Seven Confirmed Cases, Three Probable Cases in the District
May 11, 2009
Washington, DC – The District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) announced three additional cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) have been confirmed in the District. There are now seven confirmed cases of H1N1 in the District and three probable cases.
All of the confirmed cases were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) lab. The three cases confirmed today are all students who were first announced as probable cases. Two are students at the George Washington University, all five of the cases sent in from the University have now been confirmed. The third case that was confirmed today is the student at Langdon Education Campus in northeast. All of the students have fully recovered and did not require hospitalization. There are three probable cases still waiting confirmation from the CDC. The probable cases have either fully recovered or are recovering well at home.
For information on the H1N1 influenza virus, residents can call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311 or visit the DOH website at doh.dc.gov/flu. Additional information about H1N1 is available at the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
Washington, DC – The District of Columbia Department of Health (DOH) announced three additional cases of H1N1 influenza (swine flu) have been confirmed in the District. There are now seven confirmed cases of H1N1 in the District and three probable cases.
All of the confirmed cases were confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) lab. The three cases confirmed today are all students who were first announced as probable cases. Two are students at the George Washington University, all five of the cases sent in from the University have now been confirmed. The third case that was confirmed today is the student at Langdon Education Campus in northeast. All of the students have fully recovered and did not require hospitalization. There are three probable cases still waiting confirmation from the CDC. The probable cases have either fully recovered or are recovering well at home.
For information on the H1N1 influenza virus, residents can call the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center at 311 or visit the DOH website at doh.dc.gov/flu. Additional information about H1N1 is available at the CDC’s website www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/.
Friday, May 1, 2009
DC Announces Two Probable Cases of H1N1
Washington, DC – Mayor Adrian M. Fenty and Dr. Pierre Vigilance, Director of the DC Department of Health (DOH) today (May 1, 2009) announced the District’s first two probable cases of the H1N1 influenza virus, also known as swine flu. The Mayor also announced new informational resources for District residents, businesses and educational institutions.
DOH has sent samples from two probable cases of H1N1 influenza to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing to confirm whether the two individuals have the virus. The two cases are both students at George Washington University in the District. One of the students has a history of travel to one of the H1N1 virus areas of interest, the other is linked through exposure to the first case. Both have been treated, and neither student has been hospitalized. DOH and the George Washington University are working together to identify any possible exposures and prevent the further spread of the virus.
“Thankfully, both of individuals appear to be recovering well,” said Mayor Fenty. “Over the past week, the H1N1 virus has spread across the country and we are working with the CDC using best practices from other states who have already had cases and put in place measures to curb the spread of this virus.”
DOH continues to actively monitor the known and potential cases in the region and across the country. The CDC expects the number of cases in the United States to continue to increase and be identified in new locations.
“As we identify potential cases in the District and the greater metropolitan area it’s important for residents to remember that the best way to prevent the spread of disease is to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough with your arm or your sleeve and stay home from work or school if you are sick,” said Dr. Vigilance. “As with any flu virus, we should do our part to help prevent others from getting sick.”
New Informational Resources Available for Residents, Schools and Businesses
Residents can now use the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center to ask questions about the H1N1 virus to health professionals. By dialing 311, residents can get the latest information from the District, the CDC and on the virus. Residents calling from a non-DC number can call 202-737-4404.
The District has created a H1N1 information page at www.doh.dc.gov to provide up to date information on H1N1 and resources for individuals, homes, schools and business. DOH will continue to update the site regularly with new resources and guides.
The site includes information on:
· the H1N1 virus
· safely caring for family members who potentially have H1N1
· sanitizing areas that may have been contaminated by the virus
· preparing for a possible influenza outbreak at your education campus or business
· talking to children about H1N1
· preventing the spread of H1N1
About the H1N1 Influenza Virus
The H1N1 virus is a new strain of influenza (the flu) that is a combination of four strains of influenza including swine influenza. Symptoms of influenza include runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and a fever above 100 degrees. The incubation period from time of exposure to illness is 2 to 5 days. Anyone who thinks they have flu-like symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can advise residents on treatment and prepare to see a patient in person without putting other patients at risk of catching the disease.
This is the first time the strain has been documented in humans and there is not currently a vaccine to protect people from contracting the disease. The best way to prevent the spread is to follow simple hygiene rules:
· Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water
· Avoid touching the eyes, mouth and nose
· Influenza is spread from person to person by sneezes and coughs - cover sneezes and coughs with your sleeve or a tissue
· Avoid contact with those who are already ill
· Individuals who are ill should avoid crowded public places as much as possible and keep a 6 foot distance between people at work and other public places
· Anyone with a fever and respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza and other respiratory illnesses, to others in their communities
###
DOH has sent samples from two probable cases of H1N1 influenza to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for further testing to confirm whether the two individuals have the virus. The two cases are both students at George Washington University in the District. One of the students has a history of travel to one of the H1N1 virus areas of interest, the other is linked through exposure to the first case. Both have been treated, and neither student has been hospitalized. DOH and the George Washington University are working together to identify any possible exposures and prevent the further spread of the virus.
“Thankfully, both of individuals appear to be recovering well,” said Mayor Fenty. “Over the past week, the H1N1 virus has spread across the country and we are working with the CDC using best practices from other states who have already had cases and put in place measures to curb the spread of this virus.”
DOH continues to actively monitor the known and potential cases in the region and across the country. The CDC expects the number of cases in the United States to continue to increase and be identified in new locations.
“As we identify potential cases in the District and the greater metropolitan area it’s important for residents to remember that the best way to prevent the spread of disease is to wash your hands frequently, cover your cough with your arm or your sleeve and stay home from work or school if you are sick,” said Dr. Vigilance. “As with any flu virus, we should do our part to help prevent others from getting sick.”
New Informational Resources Available for Residents, Schools and Businesses
Residents can now use the Mayor’s Citywide Call Center to ask questions about the H1N1 virus to health professionals. By dialing 311, residents can get the latest information from the District, the CDC and on the virus. Residents calling from a non-DC number can call 202-737-4404.
The District has created a H1N1 information page at www.doh.dc.gov to provide up to date information on H1N1 and resources for individuals, homes, schools and business. DOH will continue to update the site regularly with new resources and guides.
The site includes information on:
· the H1N1 virus
· safely caring for family members who potentially have H1N1
· sanitizing areas that may have been contaminated by the virus
· preparing for a possible influenza outbreak at your education campus or business
· talking to children about H1N1
· preventing the spread of H1N1
About the H1N1 Influenza Virus
The H1N1 virus is a new strain of influenza (the flu) that is a combination of four strains of influenza including swine influenza. Symptoms of influenza include runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and a fever above 100 degrees. The incubation period from time of exposure to illness is 2 to 5 days. Anyone who thinks they have flu-like symptoms should call their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers can advise residents on treatment and prepare to see a patient in person without putting other patients at risk of catching the disease.
This is the first time the strain has been documented in humans and there is not currently a vaccine to protect people from contracting the disease. The best way to prevent the spread is to follow simple hygiene rules:
· Frequent hand washing with soap and warm water
· Avoid touching the eyes, mouth and nose
· Influenza is spread from person to person by sneezes and coughs - cover sneezes and coughs with your sleeve or a tissue
· Avoid contact with those who are already ill
· Individuals who are ill should avoid crowded public places as much as possible and keep a 6 foot distance between people at work and other public places
· Anyone with a fever and respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza and other respiratory illnesses, to others in their communities
###
Monday, April 27, 2009
DC Closely Monitoring International Swine Flu Situation
April 26, 2009
District of Columbia Closely Monitoring International Swine Flu Situation
No Known Cases of Swine Flu in the District or National Capital Region
Washington, DC – The District of Columbia Government announced today that they are closely monitoring the new strain of swine flu that has been reported in the United States and Mexico. As of Sunday evening time there are no known cases of swine flu in District of Columbia, Virginia or Maryland. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are currently 20 confirmed cases of this new flu strain in the United States. The CDC expects the number of cases in the United States to increase. The District of Columbia Department of Health is responding proactively and aggressively to combat the spread of the disease.
“While the District does not have any known cases of swine flu right now, we recognize that diseases do not respect state or national boundaries and are monitoring the situation closely,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “We continue to work with our neighboring jurisdictions and will respond as fast as humanly possible to address any potential or confirmed cases of swine flu.”
Symptoms of influenza include runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and a fever higher than 100 degrees. The incubation period from time of exposure to illness is 2 to 5 days.
“It is important for everyone to remember that the best way to prevent the spread of any flu virus is to make sure that you cover your cough and wash your hands with soap and water frequently,” said Dr. Pierre Vigilance, director of the DC Department of Health. “If residents have symptoms of the flu they should call their healthcare providers first before going into the doctor’s office or emergency room so they do not put others at risk.”
There are certain actions every resident can take to help stop the spread of swine flu, measles, and other contagious diseases. By following these simple guidelines everyone can do their part to combat swine flu:
· Frequent hand washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease.
· Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose.
· Influenza is spread from person to person by sneezes and coughs. Covering sneezes and coughs with your sleeve or a tissue stops the spread.
· Avoid contact with those who are already ill.
· Individuals who are ill should avoid crowded public places as much as possible and keep a 6 foot distance between people at work and other public places.
· Anyone with a fever and respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza and other respiratory illnesses, to others in their communities.
There are medications which may help lessen the severity of flu illness if you become infected. These medications do not cure the flu, and they must be administered within 24 to 48 hours to be effective. If you feel that you have the symptoms of swine flu, you should contact your health care provider for information and advice on whether anti-viral medication is right for you.
If ill, residents should call their healthcare provider first before coming to the provider's office and before going to an urgent care clinic or emergency department. This will help stop the spread of the disease. Healthcare providers can advise residents on treatment and make recommendations about whether residents should come in to be seen.
Additional information about swine influenza is available at the CDC website on the outbreak www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/index.htm. This link and other information about swine flu can be found on the DOH website at http://doh.dc.gov.
###
District of Columbia Closely Monitoring International Swine Flu Situation
No Known Cases of Swine Flu in the District or National Capital Region
Washington, DC – The District of Columbia Government announced today that they are closely monitoring the new strain of swine flu that has been reported in the United States and Mexico. As of Sunday evening time there are no known cases of swine flu in District of Columbia, Virginia or Maryland. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are currently 20 confirmed cases of this new flu strain in the United States. The CDC expects the number of cases in the United States to increase. The District of Columbia Department of Health is responding proactively and aggressively to combat the spread of the disease.
“While the District does not have any known cases of swine flu right now, we recognize that diseases do not respect state or national boundaries and are monitoring the situation closely,” said Mayor Adrian M. Fenty. “We continue to work with our neighboring jurisdictions and will respond as fast as humanly possible to address any potential or confirmed cases of swine flu.”
Symptoms of influenza include runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, sore throat and a fever higher than 100 degrees. The incubation period from time of exposure to illness is 2 to 5 days.
“It is important for everyone to remember that the best way to prevent the spread of any flu virus is to make sure that you cover your cough and wash your hands with soap and water frequently,” said Dr. Pierre Vigilance, director of the DC Department of Health. “If residents have symptoms of the flu they should call their healthcare providers first before going into the doctor’s office or emergency room so they do not put others at risk.”
There are certain actions every resident can take to help stop the spread of swine flu, measles, and other contagious diseases. By following these simple guidelines everyone can do their part to combat swine flu:
· Frequent hand washing with soap and water is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease.
· Avoid touching eyes, mouth and nose.
· Influenza is spread from person to person by sneezes and coughs. Covering sneezes and coughs with your sleeve or a tissue stops the spread.
· Avoid contact with those who are already ill.
· Individuals who are ill should avoid crowded public places as much as possible and keep a 6 foot distance between people at work and other public places.
· Anyone with a fever and respiratory illness should stay home from work or school to avoid spreading infections, including influenza and other respiratory illnesses, to others in their communities.
There are medications which may help lessen the severity of flu illness if you become infected. These medications do not cure the flu, and they must be administered within 24 to 48 hours to be effective. If you feel that you have the symptoms of swine flu, you should contact your health care provider for information and advice on whether anti-viral medication is right for you.
If ill, residents should call their healthcare provider first before coming to the provider's office and before going to an urgent care clinic or emergency department. This will help stop the spread of the disease. Healthcare providers can advise residents on treatment and make recommendations about whether residents should come in to be seen.
Additional information about swine influenza is available at the CDC website on the outbreak www.cdc.gov/flu/swine/index.htm. This link and other information about swine flu can be found on the DOH website at http://doh.dc.gov.
###
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