For safety reasons and to inspect potentially faulty track wiring, officials from D.C. Metrorail this afternoon announced the ENTIRE Metrorail system will be CLOSED ALL DAY on Wednesday, March 16. This is a first for a non-weather situation in Metro’s history according to officials.

The closure begins at 12 midnight Wednesday morning and is scheduled to last until 5 a.m., on Thursday morning. If Metro finds more problems they will try and announce it as fast as possible for the potential of additional closures.

We will keep you posted on details as we get them.

Stay tuned to WTOP-FM (103.5) - http://wtop.com/ -  NBC Washington - http://www.nbcwashington.com/ -  (both have good apps) and also WMATA – Metro D.C. - http://www.wmata.com/

What does this mean for Team Members and patients?

MORE INFO TO COME SO STAY TUNED…

FOR PATIENTS

Outpatients who come to our D.C. area sites via Metro especially Irving Street, are advised to allow plenty of extra time as many more patients will be driving to campus tomorrow potentially than usual. Staff should take into consideration that patients will be running behind tomorrow due to the higher volumes of vehicles on the streets/roads. Patients who normally Metro may drive to the campus but be prepared for a high volume of traffic. For patients who receive care at our outpatient network locations, please contact your clinic regarding parking and/or other travel options to and from your clinic or consider rescheduling your appointments if possible.

Consider the UBER ride share program – but keep in mind surge pricing may be in effect. (https://get.uber.com/sign-up/).

Shuttles will run normally between Columbia Heights and Brookland Metro stations despite no rail service, so if patients can get to those stations to catch shuttles that is advised.

FOR TEAM MEMBERS

• We will have more information this evening on transportation, but here’s what we advise right now…alternative methods of getting in.
• If you know a Team Member who has parking privileges get in touch with them to catch a ride – CARPOOLING to help each get here tomorrow on time is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
• Consider taking MetroBus (although expect crowds)
• Consider Uber or a taxi – but expect higher fares and overcrowding – many people will be using this option on Wednesday so please allow extra time and expect higher fares/surge pricing
• Capital Bike Share is offering free memberships on Wednesday, March 16 and there will be extra bike spaces available on ca
• If you can walk or drive to Columbia Heights or Brookland Metro and park in any available spots and catch the Metro Shuttle normally to campus.
• You can drive to campus but you may be directed to a spot on or off-campus during the day. BE ADVISED.  This depends on availability.

We advise you to stay tuned in awhile via the following methods –

• Email or mobile device blackberry, etc.
• Remote email – OWA access or SERA from home if you’re set up
• RSAN message if you’re signed up – it’s a good idea to do so – contact Angela Butler to learn how – [email protected]
• Status Hotline – 202-877-1778 – we will update it with more information
• StarPort messages (inside the building only or via SERA)
• MedStarNRH.org will have updates
• Facebook and Twitter pages – Facebook.com/MedStarNRH and our Twitter handle is @medstarNRH

Also, ask your manager or supervisor if you have questions on getting here on Wednesday.

Stay tuned for more info!

Contact: Derek T. Berry
Director of Communications
Ph: 202-877-1773
[email protected]