Photo used with permission by @dcvet
@DCVet tweeted around 3:30pm:
“Whoa! Streetcar just “t” boned a car that appeared to have run a red light at 6th & #HstNE.”
Transit
Photo by PoPville flickr user L. Shanley
It was nice while it lasted…
From WMATA:
“Reconstruction of the Metrorail system will continue over the weekend of January 2-4, 2015 with service adjustments on three of six rail lines beginning at 10 p.m. Friday and continuing through system closing on Sunday.
This weekend, Red, Yellow and Green line trains will operate on a normal schedule. Orange, Silver and Blue line trains will operate every 24 minutes. (more…)
Another Metro Wedding or just taking the metro to the wedding – great photo either way! Thanks to a reader for sending.
On Friday (then) Mayor Gray issued one of his final press release:
“Following a series of meetings between District Department of Transportation (DDOT) officials and State Safety Oversight, Mayor Vincent C. Gray said the DC Streetcar is expected to be ready for passenger use the week of January 19, 2015.
“DDOT and District safety inspectors continue to work together to open the DC Streetcar to passenger service. Safety continues to be our top priority. And while we know that the first day of service is going to be a great day for District residents, we don’t want to rush for the sake of rushing,” said Mayor Gray. “With that in mind, though, I am now delighted to report that the week of January 19, 2015 is the target for getting H Street up to full speed.”
Photo via WMATA
From MPD:
“The Metropolitan Police Department would like to advise the public and members of the media of the following street closures in connection with the 2015 NHL Winter Classic scheduled for Thursday, January 1, 2015.
The proceeding streets will be closed beginning approximately at 8:30 am and should reopen by 6:30 pm.
Roads Closed:
Potomac Ave between South Capitol Street & First Street, S.E
First Street between Potomac Ave & M Street, S.E.
N Street between South Capitol Street & Tingey Street, S.E.
Van Street between M Street & N Street, S.E.
Half Street between M Street & N Street, S.E.
Cushing Place between M Street & N Street, S.E.
Heavy congestion is expected and motorists should avoid passing through the area, particularly because of the large volume of vehicular and pedestrian traffic going to National’s Stadium where the event is scheduled to kick-off. Motorists should tailor their journeys accordingly and may wish to consider alternative routes.”
From WMATA:
“Metrorail will stay open two hours later than normal — until 2 a.m. — on New Year’s Eve (early New Year’s Day) for the benefit of holiday revelers.
Metro will run additional trains before and after the NHL Winter Classic on Thursday, January 1.
On New Years Day, Metrorail will operate on a Sunday schedule on all lines from 7 a.m. until midnight. Metro will add 8-car trains before and after the Winter Classic to provide extra capacity for customers attending the event. Off-peak fares will be in effect all day, and parking will be free at Metro-operated facilities.
There is no scheduled track work on January 1.”
From the Mayor’s office:
“As many know, launching the DC Streetcar system has been a top priority of my administration and of the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). Unfortunately, we will not be able to see that goal through to completion as we wind down, but I can tell you that we are exceedingly close to carrying passengers on H Street and Benning Road. We know that DC Streetcar will be a welcomed economic engine that will result in new services and amenities for the community and I am confident the benefits of DC Streetcars will be realized in the very near future.
While we won’t meet our goal of opening in 2014, the good news is that the DC Streetcar system is in the final stages of safety and security certification and will be open for passenger service early in the New Year. We continue to work side by side, day and night, with State Safety Oversight (SSO) in order to ready the system for passengers.
Safety is our top priority and we want our passengers to have the utmost confidence when they enjoy this new premium transit service.
At this time, DDOT has completed all the requisite steps for system testing and certification and has submitted its final Safety and Security Certification Report. The SSO is in the process of reviewing the final documentation and DDOT is addressing the SSO’s final recommendations based on its readiness review. All parties agree that this process will not be a long one to complete.
Once DDOT delivers on all SSO recommendations, the SSO approval to begin passenger service will follow.
Even though the cars are not yet rolling with passengers, I am proud that we’ve moved this important transit project forward after it stood still for years. I am proud of the staff that continues to work tirelessly to open the system for the public to enjoy, and appreciate our partners who have joined us in this certification process.
I look forward to the day very soon when I will be able to jump aboard with other residents who are excited about the DC Streetcar.”
“Dear PoPville,
The entrance at the economy parking lot at DCA closed off with the sign reading the lot’s full. [Tuesday 2pm] I’d guess there are around 40 or so spots left in the back lot. Drivers are being told spots are available in the daily garage (+$10).”
Thanks to Ben Ross for sending. Awesome.
Photo via WMATA
From WMATA:
“Metro is in the process of installing real-time customer information displays at four bus stops in preparation for a wider rollout next year.
The signs show bus riders how many minutes before their bus arrives, using GPS technology, and also have the capability to show emergency messages, detour information and travel tips.
“This project is a centerpiece of our ongoing effort to give bus customers the tools they need for an easy, convenient travel experience,” said James Hamre, Director of Metrobus Planning, Scheduling and Customer Facilities. “Just by looking up, the new signs quickly and clearly answer the question, ‘Where’s my bus?'”
The new signs are located at:
District of Columbia: Eastbound H St NW at 7th St
Montgomery County: Southbound Viers Mill Rd at Randolph Rd
Virginia: Pentagon Transit Center (installation scheduled for today)
Prince George’s County: Silver Hill Rd at Pennsylvania Ave
The installation and testing of the four initial signs is being performed in cooperation with Metro’s jurisdictional partners and was funded through a federal TIGER grant.
If the testing is successful, Metro and its partners plan to install nearly 150 additional signs across the region in the spring.”
From DCAlerts:
“MPD reports a water main break in the 1700 block of 15th St. NW. Due to water in the roadway, the 1700 block of 15th St. NW is blocked to traffic. DC Water is en route with crews to make repairs. DC Fire EMS, DDOT, WMATA and Ward Outreach have been notified.”
But in happier news:
“DC Water reports that water main repairs are complete at 12th and F St. NW. All affected roadways have been reopened to traffic.”