Thanks to Derek for sending just after 11:15am:
“Tree down on T St b/w 15th and 14th. Road closed”
Transit
Photo by PoPville flickr user Phil
From MPD:
“On Thursday, December 3, 2015, the National Christmas Tree Lighting (Pageant of Peace Ceremony) will take place in the District of Columbia. In conjunction with this event, there will be several street closures that motorists should take into consideration.
The street closure site set-up for the National Christmas Tree Lighting will be from 2:00 pm until approximately 9:00 pm. The streets closed to traffic will be 15th Street and 17th Streets, between Constitution Avenue, and New York Avenue, N.W. (more…)
A video about what do to if there is an active shooter/attack now greets Amtrak passengers waiting for their trains in Union Station.
Not to make light but the guy below doesn’t seem too thrilled about offering the option of last resort…:
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From WMATA:
“Metro today placed in service two new escalators at Woodley Park-Zoo Adams Morgan Station, the system’s 35th and 36th new escalators since 2011.
The two new escalators are the first of six that are replaced, two-at-a-time, as part of a multi-year project that began in January.
“The escalators at Woodley Park have been in service since 1981 and are the longest in the District of Columbia; third longest on the Metrorail system,” said Metro Deputy General Manager Rob Troup. “Projects like these have helped us raise escalator availability to its highest level in years.”
Work will begin immediately to install another pair of new escalators at the station. (more…)
Photo by PoPville flickr user nevermindtheend
From WMATA:
“Reconstruction of the Metrorail system will continue over the weekend of November 20-22 with service adjustments on three of six lines beginning at 10:00 p.m. Friday and continuing through system closing on Sunday.
This weekend, trains will operate as follows:
Orange, Silver and Green line trains will operate at regular weekend intervals
Red Line trains will operate every 20 minutes.
Blue Line trains will operate every 24 minutes.
Yellow Line trains will operate every 24 minutes between Huntington and Mt. Vernon Sq only.”
Photo by PoPville flickr user Sandra Sitar
“Dear PoPville,
I just moved back to the area and am lucky enough to have my car. I live right in between DuPont, Logan, and U street. I’m very grateful to have my own method of transportation to get around, however: my frustration with the traffic and street layouts in this city are insurmountable. I get frustrated even just thinking about it, my nerves are totally shot every time I get in the car. Instead of this just being an unhelpful rant, I’ve thought a lot about this post and instead want to write about not only the problems, but possible solutions.
Lack of leading green arrows at traffic lights (more…)
via @DCPoliceTraffic
UPDATE: “ALL Roads are now OPEN in reference to 17th & C Street, SW in VA and DC including Bridges”
Well this is odd. Or not really. Earlier today we noted the planned Coast Guard exercise taking place between noon and 2:30pm by the 14th Street Bridge. Apparently there is a suspicious package unrelated to the exercise (though I’m still not 100% convinced it’s a coincidence…I guess we’ll know if it reopens at 2:31pm) Anyway, thanks to a reader for passing on:
“This is a message from the House Sergeant at Arms.
MPD, VDOT and DDOT report that all lanes over 14th Street Bridge on I-395 are CLOSED (north and southbound). Expect significant delays in DC, City of Alexandria and in Arlington County on primary and secondary roadways accessing I-395 North and Southbound.
We understand this will likely impact Members who have flights scheduled at National Airport. We do not know at this time how long the bridge will be closed, and we appreciate your patience as this gets resolved.”
From Metro Transit Police:
“Metro Transit Police have arrested the man wanted for assaulting a Metrobus operator on November 6, 2015.
Darren Lowell WEST, Jr., 20, of Northwest DC turned himself in to the Metro Transit Police warrant squad yesterday and was arrested without incident. Subsequently, West admitted to punching the bus operator because he was “angry.”
The incident occurred on the 92 route while the bus was servicing the bus stop at North Capitol and P streets NW. The suspect walked past the bus operator without paying. When the bus operator requested the fare, the suspect walked to the front of the bus and, without warning or provocation, punched the operator multiple times in the face with a closed fist. A passenger aboard the bus, acting as a Good Samaritan, had to physically pull West off of the operator and force him off the bus.
The operator was transported to a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and was released.
MTPD released images of the suspect within hours of the incident and sought the public’s assistance to identify him. Media coverage and public tips were instrumental in obtaining an arrest warrant for West.
West will face assault charges in the District of Columbia where, under DC law, assault on a bus operator could carry an enhanced penalty at sentencing.”
Thanks to Gary for sending just after 5:30pm. And Wayne sends the shot below reporting three cars were involved:
From WMATA:
“The Metro Transit Police Department continues to coordinate with its federal law-enforcement partners and monitor information regarding the tragic events in Paris.
MTPD has taken the following steps in response to the attacks:
• Increased patrols systemwide. Riders will likely notice an increased police presence throughout the transit system. The additional patrols began Friday evening and will continue for an unspecified period of time.
• Additional K9 sweeps. MTPD has more than 20 K9 teams in service conducting security sweeps in and around rail stations and other critical infrastructure.
• Expanded random explosives screening. MTPD has expanded random explosives screening at station entrances. Any bag or package carried onto the system may be subject to screening by MTPD officers.
In addition to these announced steps, MTPD and its local and federal law enforcement partners have implemented several other countermeasures that are not visible to the traveling public.
Customers reminded to remain vigilant
All Metro customers should immediately report any suspicious activity or unattended items to MTPD by calling (202) 962-2121 or texting “MyMTPD.” Riders are encouraged to program MTPD’s number into their cell phone. In an emergency, call 911.
Additional changes to Metro’s security posture are possible as information or events warrant.”