17th and K St, NW Emergency Lane Closure “during a structural inspection, engineers identified concerns with the structure’s cross beams that support vehicle weight.”

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From WMATA:

“Advisory Effective: 12/20/19 – 1/10/20

TRAFFIC ADVISORY: EMERGENCY LANE CLOSURE ON 17TH ST NW BETWEEN EYE & K STS NW AT REQUEST OF METRO

Metro and the District Department of Transportation implemented an emergency closure of the two center lanes of 17th Street NW between I (Eye) and K streets NW due to structural conditions identified on Friday, December 20. The closure is associated with a Metro ventilation shaft located in the center of the roadway that allows air to move in and out of Metro’s Red Line tunnel. Vehicles would normally drive over the top of the shaft supported by steel grates embedded in the center travel lanes.

Today, during a structural inspection, engineers identified concerns with the structure’s cross beams that support vehicle weight. In response, Metro requested that the two center travel lanes–one northbound and one southbound–be closed until further notice as structural repairs are made.

To minimize traffic impacts, DDOT has implemented Emergency No Parking restrictions on 17th St NW between K and I (Eye) sts NW, resulting in two northbound and two southbound lanes being available to motorists at all times. Motorists and pedestrians are urged to use caution when traveling through this area, and to anticipate traffic delays–particularly during rush hour. For your safety, always obey construction personnel and posted signage.

Construction contractors are in the process of being acquired by Metro on an expedited timeline, and Metro will update the public regarding the duration of the lane closures as soon as a project schedule is known. Updates will be posted on this web page.”