Source: The Washington Post / Getty
WASHINGTON — The Metrorail shutdown is making for an unusual commute in the early hours of Wednesday, as the lack of service is forcing some people onto the roads and inspiring others to stay home.
“Some people who usually take 45 minutes to get to work are telling me it’s taking 20,” Taylor said at about 6:45 a.m. “Others who usually take 15 have been sitting in traffic for 45 minutes, and they still aren’t there.”
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION announced early Wednesday that all their museums will open at noon, except the National Museum of American Art, the National Portrait Gallery and the National Zoo, which will open on time.
A cable caught fire outside the McPherson Square station on Monday, leading to single-tracking and major delays. On Tuesday, Wiedefeld said that the fire was similar to the problem that caused the deadly smoke incident outside L’Enfant Plaza in January 2015.
Source: The Washington Post / Getty
All trains on MARC’s CAMDEN LINE will stop at Greenbelt on Wednesday, including those that don’t usually stop there.
IN THE DISTRICT, DDOT’s traffic management center opened at 4 a.m. to monitor traffic cameras around the city. If congestion gets bad at a particular spot, the timing of traffic signals can be adjusted to improve the flow.
- Traffic control officers are positioned at key locations;
- Construction work will be suspended during morning and evening rush hours;
- Residential street sweeping will be called off for the day.
Meanwhile, Uber is capping its surge pricing at 3.9 times the regular rate, and Uber Pools, which allow users to share rides, are being expanded to the entire area. First-time Uber users can get a $25 discount by entering the code METRODC.
Metrobus will operate as normal, and additional buses will be provided for D.C. Public Schools. Students who are late or absent will be excused.
Leaders’ reaction
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe says he’s disappointed that the closure has become necessary, but supports the decision to take whatever safety steps are needed. McAuliffe called Metro “essential to the economic health and quality” of the Northern Virginia and the entire commonwealth.
source: WTOP.com
