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WMATA ready for winter weather on Saturday


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 December 2009 - 08:14 AM

For immediate release: December 18, 2009

Metro ready for winter weather on Saturday
Snow-fighting equipment and personnel ready for inclement weather


As the region prepares for snow on Saturday, Dec. 19, Metro is prepared and ready to go. The transit agency will have up to 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots, 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms, and snow-trained employees ready to handle whatever Mother Nature has in store.

Metrorail Service

Metrorail will operate on its regular Saturday schedule, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 3 a.m. Customers riding Metrorail are encouraged to use care and caution while entering and exiting Metrorail stations as station platforms may be wet and slippery due to weather conditions.

Metro will have up to 20 trains equipped with de-icing equipment to combat snow and ice on the electrified third rail, which must be clear to allow electricity to flow to move the trains. Up to 12 trains will be available to operate in regular passenger service on all rail lines with the remaining eight trains in rail yards.

The de-icing equipment is neither dangerous nor flammable, and passengers should not be concerned that it is aboard their train. If they prefer not to be in a rail car with the equipment, they can move to another rail car. Those same trains also will have special scrapers to help keep ice off of the third rail. If ice builds up on the third rail, it does not allow for the free flow of electricity from the rail to power the train. Keeping the third rail ice-free is a continuous process.

Metro will use “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape, which will be in use throughout the winter, is a cable clipped onto the third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark to keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

The Impact to Metrorail During a Significant Snow Storm

For the most part, Metrorail operates very close to a normal schedule in snows of up to six inches. Customers may experience crowded conditions when commuters leave their cars at home and use Metro on snowy days. On occasion, Metro may use snow and ice clearing equipment between regularly scheduled passenger trains. This may cause longer waits between trains to allow time for the snow to be cleared.

If a snowstorm of eight or more inches hits the region, Metro will focus on preserving its rail car fleet, and may suspend above ground rail service and serve underground stations only. This allows Metro to spare more rail cars from weather-related breakdowns, focus snow clearing operations on above-ground tracks and store a limited number of trains underground.

Metrobus Service

Metrobus will operate on its regular Saturday schedule. Under normal conditions, Metrobus service works in tandem with Metrorail service. Many Metrobus routes take customers to Metrorail stations. However, bus service depends on road conditions, so passengers should expect possible detours and delays due to changing road conditions.

MetroAccess Service

MetroAccess will operate as road conditions dictate, so passengers should expect possible detours and delays due to changing road conditions. Passengers with scheduled rides should call (301) 562-5360 for a status update of their ride.

Metro Snow Facts

Metro has 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots. The salt is stored in seven salt domes and one storage building around the system. Each dome holds approximately 300 tons of rock salt.

Metro has 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer (calcium chloride) for treating sidewalks and platforms.

Metro has 71 tractors, 70 pick up trucks, 18 larger trucks, five dump trucks with plows, 96 snow brooms, and 122 snow blowers to remove snow from Metro-owned facilities.

Metro has two contractors on call to support efforts if snow accumulation reaches four inches or more. They are primarily used to clear parking lots.

Metro has several hundred personnel to aid in support of the snow removal effort.

Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available at www.metroopensdoors.com or by calling Metro at 202-637-7000. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

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#2 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 December 2009 - 08:17 AM

For immediate release: December 18, 2009

Metro cancels weekend track work
Track maintenance on Red, Blue lines canceled due to major snow storm


In anticipation of a major snow storm predicted for Saturday, December 19, Metro has canceled all weekend track maintenance work that was scheduled to occur on the Red and Blue lines.

Metro plans to operate Metrobus and Metrorail service on a regular Saturday schedule, with the rail system opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 3 a.m. However, service plans may be impacted depending on the amount of snow that falls across the region.

If a snowstorm of eight or more inches hits the region, Metro may suspend above ground rail service and serve underground stations only. Due to changing road conditions, Metrobus and MetroAccess passengers should expect possible detours and delays.

For complete details, please see the press release about Metro’s winter weather preparations. For the most up-to-date information about service changes throughout the weekend, visit Metro’s Web site, www.metroopensdoors.com.

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#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 December 2009 - 08:27 AM

For immediate release: December 19, 2009

Snow impacting Saturday's Metro services
Metrobus, MetroAccess delayed due to snow


The Metrorail system will open on time today (Saturday, December 19) at 7 a.m. and will operate train about 10 to 12 minutes apart this morning. Metrobuses and MetroAccess trips are experiencing major delays due to heavy snow on the area’s roads. Metrobus routes are limited to operating on snow emergency routes due to the poor road conditions.

Metrorail operates very close to a normal schedule in snowfall of up to six inches. However once snow reaches a depth of eight inches, it is difficult to operate trains because snow starts to cover the electrified third rail, which is necessary to provide electricity to power the trains. As a result, Metro may suspend above-ground rail service and serve underground stations only when snow accumulation reaches eight inches or more. Suspending above-ground rail service also allows Metro to spare more rail cars from weather-related breakdowns, focus snow clearing operations on above-ground tracks and store a limited number of trains underground.

“We will monitor snowfall levels very closely and we will plan and react accordingly,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “It is very slow moving on the roads today, and understandably so. Customers should please dress warmly as waits for buses and trains will be longer than usual.”

The transit agency kept empty trains running across the outdoor tracks throughout the night to help keep snow from covering the tracks. Today customers will see trains equipped with de-icing equipment being used on all five lines. Twenty such trains are in service.

Four Metrobuses were used to help transport homeless individuals to shelters last night between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Metro has 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots, 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms and hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors who have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metrorail

Throughout the day Metro will have up to 20 trains equipped with de-icing equipment to combat snow and ice on the electrified third rail, which must be clear to allow electricity to flow to move the trains. Trains are currently available to operate in regular passenger service on all rail lines with some trains being used to keep the tracks free from ice in rail yards.

The de-icing equipment is neither dangerous nor flammable, and passengers should not be concerned that it is aboard their train. If they prefer not to be in a rail car with the equipment, they can move to another rail car. Those same trains also will have special scrapers to help keep ice off of the third rail. If ice builds up on the third rail, it does not allow for the free flow of electricity from the rail to power the train.

Metro is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

Metro railcar maintenance staff has also “hardened” its fleet of rail cars by protecting the undercarriage motors from snow ingestion and electrical short circuits that are caused by water/snow and debris. The traction motors have been coated with a protective material to help prevent the ingestion of snow and water.

Metrobus

Bus service is limited to snow emergency routes, so passengers should expect detours and major delays. All buses are behind schedule due to the snowy road conditions. When road conditions improve, bus service also will improve.

MetroAccess

MetroAccess will operate as road conditions dictate, so passengers should expect detours and major delays due to changing road conditions. Passengers are encouraged to reschedule non-essential trips, monitor weather conditions and plan their travel accordingly.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com or by calling 202-637-7000. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 6:52 am, December 19, 2009.

#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 December 2009 - 01:17 PM

WTOP radio, 12/19:

Metrorail trains halt above-ground service
December 19, 2009 - 12:59pm

WASHINGTON (AP) - Metro authorities say their trains will stop serving all above-ground stations starting at 1 p.m. due to heavy snowfall blanketing the region.

Metro's general manager, John Catoe, issued a statement Saturday that Metro officials expect the exposed third rail will become covered by heavy snow this afternoon. He says all Metrobus and service also will stop at 1 p.m. for safety reasons because of snow-clogged roads.

Continue.

#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 December 2009 - 01:23 PM

For immediate release: December 19, 2009

Metrorail to halt above-ground service at 1 p.m.--39 stations to close
Metrobus, MetroAccess service also to stop at 1 p.m. Saturday


Metrorail trains will stop serving above-ground stations at 1 p.m. today, Saturday, December 19, due to heavy snowfall that is covering the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains. Metro officials believe that by 1 p.m. the exposed third rail will be covered by snow. All Metrobus and MetroAccess service also will stop at 1 p.m. because roadways are quickly becoming impassable.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-seven stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 39 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 39 above-ground stations will close at 1 p.m. The modified underground service will operate as follows:

Yellow Line – Service from Pentagon to Crystal City only
Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only
Orange Line – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only
Blue Line – Service between Ballston (extended to Blue Line)
and Stadium-Armory only

“We have been monitoring the snowfall and the forecast closely since last night,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “We ran trains throughout the night to keep the tracks clear of snow and ice, but we are fast-reaching the point where we risk trains becoming stranded on snow-covered tracks. To prevent that from happening, we will cease above-ground operations at 1 p.m.”

The announcement was made at 11:45 a.m. to give customers some advance notice.

“These are unusual circumstances with all forecasts calling for record-levels of snowfall. They are calling for more than a foot of snow, and we cannot and will not operate in an unsafe environment,” Catoe said. “Our first responsibility is for the safety of our customers and employees.”

Once trains are shifted to underground travel, some maintenance trains without passengers in them will travel on the exposed tracks to try to keep the snow and ice clear of the tracks. These deicer trains will aid in the return of service because once the snow stops falling, it will be easier to resume above-ground service if snow has been cleared a few times.

The underground Metrorail stations will remain open until 3 a.m., the normal closing time for a Saturday night.

Rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street level into and out of the stations as they are safer than escalators in this type of heavy snowfall.

All Metrobus service will halt at 1 p.m. Metrobus service ceased in Maryland and Virginia at about 11:30 a.m. as vehicles were not able to drive on snow-covered roads.

MetroAccess will not start any new trips after 1 p.m. due to poor road conditions. If someone took a trip prior to 1 p.m., their round trip home will be honored.

Metro’s customer call center also will close at 1 p.m. today.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 11:49 am, December 19, 2009

#6 CNJRoss

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Posted 19 December 2009 - 08:17 PM

For immediate release: December 19, 2009

Metrorail closes 39 above-ground stations due to storm
Metrobus, MetroAccess service halted due to road conditions


Metrorail officials began the process of closing above-ground stations at about 12:15 p.m. today (Saturday, December 19), in preparation for closing those 39 stations by 1 p.m. due to rapidly deteriorating weather conditions that hindered train movement. Metrobus and paratransit service also were stopped at 1 p.m. today due to unsafe road conditions.

The unusual actions were taken for safety reasons. The decision to limit train service was made due to heavy snowfall that began to cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains. Metro officials, who have been closely monitoring weather conditions throughout the storm, made the decision to close above-ground stations to avoid the possibility of stranding customers aboard trains in the cold weather. Metrobus and MetroAccess service was stopped at 1 p.m. because roadways were impassable.

Bus and paratransit service is not expected to resume today and trains are expected to continue underground service through closing, at 3 a.m. Officials will reevaluate transit conditions late tonight and again on Sunday morning.

Local officials in the Washington Metropolitan area urged residents to stay home last night and again today.
Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-seven stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 39 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 39 above-ground stations are closed. Modified underground service is operating as follows:

Yellow Line – Service from Pentagon to Crystal City only
Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only
Orange Line – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only
Blue Line – Service between Ballston (extended to Blue Line)
and Stadium-Armory only

“These are unusual circumstances with all forecasts calling for record-levels of snowfall continuing throughout the remainder of the evening and into the early-morning hours on Sunday,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “They are calling for more than a foot of snow, and we cannot and will not operate trains, buses or paratransit service in an unsafe environment. Our first responsibility is for the safety of our customers and employees,” he said.

As of 4 p.m., 67,520 trips had been taken in the Metrorail system.

A few hundred people did not realize that the rail system was limiting its service to underground stations as of 1 p.m., so Metro officials ran one additional afternoon train to New Carrollton, Largo, Branch Avenue, Huntington, Greenbelt and Vienna Metrorail stations after 1:30 p.m. Unfortunately an Orange Line train to Vienna with 10 people on board got stuck in the snow between the Dunn Loring and Vienna Metrorail stations. A heavy piece of diesel equipment, called a prime mover, was brought in to pull the train back to Dunn Loring Metrorail station, where Metro supervisors and Metro Transit Police personally took the 10 people to their final destinations. The delay was about 1 ½ hours long for those individuals.

Metro is storing many trains underground at strategic locations throughout the rail system instead of letting them sit in the rail yards exposed to the snowfall. This underground staging of trains is being done in anticipation of being able to put them into service sometime on Sunday, December 20.

Several Metrorail deicer trains will continue to move back and forth on the exposed outdoor tracks to attempt to keep snow from building up. These trains are equipped with de-icing equipment, but are not carrying customers in case the power supply is blocked from reaching the train due to the snow. The deicer trains will be replaced by heavy-duty diesel-powered trains late this afternoon to keep the tracks as clear as possible. This equipment will aid in the eventual return of service because once the snow stops falling, it will be easier to resume above-ground service if snow has been cleared a few times.

Rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street level into and out of the stations as they are safer than escalators in this type of heavy snowfall.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.



News release issued at 4:47 pm, December 19, 2009.

#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 December 2009 - 08:01 AM

For immediate release: December 19, 2009

Metrorail to continue underground-only service upon opening Sunday morning
Metrobus service remains suspended, officials will reevaluate in morning; No MetroAccess service on Sunday


The Metrorail system will continue operating underground-only and the Metrobus system will remain closed to start the day on Sunday, December 20, due to the weekend snow storm. Officials will reevaluate rail and road conditions in the morning in hopes of expanding rail service and restarting bus service on main roads sometime Sunday. MetroAccess will remain closed throughout the day on Sunday because so many of the region’s primary and secondary roads are not expected to be cleared of snow and ice.

“With the bitter cold and record snowfall amounts on the roads and the rails causing unsafe transit conditions, we will start Sunday with limited service,” said Metro General Manager John Catoe. “As road crews make progress on the region’s streets, we will reevaluate driving conditions in hopes of resuming bus service. As our crews make progress keeping the above-ground rails snow- and ice-free, we will again start serving above-ground stations. For now, the responsible decision is to limit service until conditions are safe for our customers and employees,” he said.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-seven stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 39 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 39 above-ground stations are closed. Sunday morning the system will open at its usual 7 a.m. time, with trains servicing stations at 30-minute intervals however that service will only be to underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only
Orange and Blue Lines – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only
Yellow Line – Service from Pentagon to Crystal City only

Because MetroAccess provides door-to-door service, it requires those vehicles to travel into neighborhoods on secondary roads, most of which are expected to remain impassable for the majority of the day. Additionally, MetroAccess officials do not want to risk accidents or risk having vehicles get stuck due to heavy snow and icy conditions, so service will be suspended the entire day on Sunday.


During the night, heavy-duty diesel-powered trains will continue to move back and forth along the exposed sections of track, de-icing them and keeping the tracks as clear as possible.
Metrorail employees and contractors also will be working throughout the night tonight to continue to clear the rails of ice and snow and to clear platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. Dozens of railcars are being stored in the underground tunnels this evening to keep them free of snow and ice. Staff also must keep rail yards as ice-free as possible.

About 100 escalators have been closed by the heavy snow and ice, and rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street level into and out of the stations as they are safer than escalators in this type of heavy snowfall.

Posted Image

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Saturday, December 19, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to its 39 underground stations starting at 1 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions hindered train movement. Metrobus and paratransit service also were stopped at 1 p.m. on Saturday due to unsafe road conditions.

The decision to limit train service was made due to heavy snowfall that began to cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains.

As of 9 p.m. approximately 91,000 trips were taken in the Metrorail system on Saturday.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess.

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#8 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 December 2009 - 03:11 PM

Note section describing process to restore above ground Metrorail service:

For immediate release: December 20, 2009

Metrobus service expands to 23 routes
Metrorail continues underground only; No MetroAccess service Sunday


As more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow, Metrobus service is expanding to offer more service just one day after record snowfall wreaked havoc on the regions roadways. Twenty-three routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Intervals between buses are expected to be longer than usual, with most headways in the 20-minute range.

Limited service has resumed on the following bus routes in the District of Columbia: the 70 line, the 90 line, the S line, the L line, the V8, the 30 line, the X2, the 80 line, the U8, the 50 line, the A2, A6, W2, W6 and W8. In Virginia the 16 line in Arlington and Fairfax counties is operating. In Montgomery County the K6, Q2, 45, 46 and 48 are operating. In Prince George’s County the C29 and B30 are running. The B30 runs from BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport to the Greenbelt Metrorail station. Customers who are returning from the airport to the station and need to get downtown will be transported to the nearest open Metrorail station via a free shuttle bus.

Customers may want to take advantage of the next bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Metro officials cautioned riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

Meanwhile, the Metrorail system will continue operating underground-only at this time. MetroAccess will remain closed all day today (December 20). Officials will continue to evaluate rail and road conditions throughout the day with an eye toward expanding bus and rail service.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-seven stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 39 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 39 above-ground stations are closed. Sunday morning the system opened at its usual 7 a.m. time, with trains servicing stations at 24- to 30-minute intervals to the underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only
Orange and Blue Lines – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only
Yellow Line – Service from Pentagon to Crystal City only

As of 2 p.m. today, 35,530 trips had been taken in the Metrorail system.

Clearing the above-ground tracks is a process that takes several steps. The heavy duty diesel-powered equipment, known as prime movers, clear the majority of the snow from the two non-electrified tracks. Once they are finished doing their job on the service tracks, they will shift their focus into the rail yards, where hundreds of trains and miles of additional tracks remain under more than a foot of snow. More railcars are needed for weekday commuters than are needed for weekend service, so it is crucial that the rail yards are cleared.

Dozens of railcars were stored in the underground tunnels Friday and Saturday nights to keep them free of snow and ice, however hundreds of railcars had to be stored in the rail yards, where they remain buried.

Once the prime movers are off the rails then trains equipped with de-icing equipment run on the tracks to ensure that the electrified third rail is clear of snow and ice. These trains apply a de-icing agent and they make several sweeps of the tracks. For that reason they are referred to as “polishers.” The next step to prepare the tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlockings or switches, which allow trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. For instance, if a train becomes disabled, the trains behind the disabled train can only move around it by switching tracks at an interlocking. If the interlockings are not clear of the snow and ice, there is no way to maneuver around disabled trains.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, and the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains, Metro officials are likely to resume service to above-ground stations in phases.


“The region saw record amounts of snowfall and we are working diligently to clear the snow and ice from the tracks so that we can expand our service area and resume service to our above-ground stations,” Metro General Manager John Catoe said. “Our snow-clearing efforts have been more challenging than usual because of the heavy amount of snowfall.”

Road conditions have thwarted the efforts of many Metro employees who have had difficulty reporting to work. In some instances, supervisors in SUVs have gone to the homes of employees to pick them up and take them to their worksites.

Metrorail employees and contractors who were able to get to their worksites were working throughout the night today to continue to clear the rails of ice and snow and to clear platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. They have been focusing mainly on the entrance areas of underground stations, including shoveling of snow off of exposed escalators, many of which have come to a halt due to packed ice and snow in moving parts. About 80 escalators that serve underground stations have been stopped by the heavy snow and ice, and rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street into and out of the station when possible.

Contractors also are in the process of clearing paths to above-ground stations in preparation for their reopening. Customers should expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 15 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks also are expected to have large snow piles on them as the surfaces are cleared.

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Saturday, December 19, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to its 39 underground stations starting at 1 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions hindered train movement. Metrobus and paratransit service also were stopped at 1 p.m. on Saturday due to unsafe road conditions.

The decision to limit train service was made due to heavy snowfall that began to cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Resources at Metro’s Customer Call Center are limited and waits for a customer service agent are very long today.



News release issued at 2:50 pm, December 20, 2009.

#9 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 December 2009 - 07:04 PM

For immediate release: December 20, 2009

First stretch of above-ground Metrorail track reopens
Metrobus running 23 routes; No MetroAccess service Sunday


Metro officials will reopen the Yellow Line Bridge over the Potomac River at 4 p.m. today (December 20), reconnecting that area of Northern Virginia with the District of Columbia via the Metrorail system.

The Yellow Line will operate from Crystal City in Arlington, VA, to L’Enfant Plaza in the District of Columbia with trains serving stations in that stretch of track every 12 to 15 minutes. As of 4 p.m., the Yellow Line stations in service include Crystal City, Pentagon City, Pentagon and L’Enfant Plaza.

Other than moving trains between the Pentagon and L’Enfant Plaza via the Yellow Line Bridge, the remaining above-ground stations and track remain closed at this time. The Yellow Line Bridge represents the first stage of what is expected to be a series of staggered reopenings of above-ground track that have been closed since Saturday afternoon, December 19.

As more of the region’s roads are cleared of snow, Metrobus service also is expanding to offer more service just one day after record snowfall wreaked havoc on the regions roadways. Twenty-three routes are operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Intervals between buses are expected to be longer than usual, with most headways in the 20-minute range.

Limited service has resumed on the following bus routes in the District of Columbia: the 70 line, the 90 line, the S line, the L line, the V8, the 30 line, the X2, the 80 line, the U8, the 50 line, the A2, A6, W2, W6 and W8. In Virginia the 16 line in Arlington and Fairfax counties is operating. In Montgomery County the K6, Q2, 45, 46 and 48 are operating. In Prince George’s County the C29 and B30 are running. The B30 runs from BWI/Thurgood Marshall Airport to the Greenbelt Metrorail station. Customers who are returning from the airport to the station and need to get downtown will be transported to the nearest open Metrorail station via a free shuttle bus.

Customers may want to take advantage of the next bus prediction technology to get an idea when the next bus will be arriving by logging onto Metro’s web site or calling 202-637-7000 and saying, “next bus.” Buses are expected to be moving slowly on the roads, which remain slippery.

Metro officials cautioned riders to be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

MetroAccess will remain closed all day today (December 20). Officials will continue to evaluate rail and road conditions throughout the day with an eye toward expanding bus and rail service.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-seven stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 39 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 39 above-ground stations are closed. Sunday morning the system opened at its usual 7 a.m. time, with trains servicing stations at 24- to 30-minute intervals to the underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only
Orange and Blue Lines – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only
Yellow Line – Service from L’Enfant Plaza to Crystal City only at 12 to 15-minute intervals

Clearing the above-ground tracks is a process that takes several steps. The heavy duty diesel-powered equipment, known as prime movers, clear the majority of the snow from the two non-electrified tracks. Once they are finished doing their job on the service tracks, they will shift their focus into the rail yards, where hundreds of trains and miles of additional tracks remain under more than a foot of snow. More railcars are needed for weekday commuters than are needed for weekend service, so it is crucial that the rail yards are cleared.
Dozens of railcars were stored in the underground tunnels Friday and Saturday nights to keep them free of snow and ice, however hundreds of railcars had to be stored in the rail yards, where they remain buried.

Once the prime movers are off the rails then trains equipped with de-icing equipment run on the tracks to ensure that the electrified third rail is clear of snow and ice. These trains apply a de-icing agent and they make several sweeps of the tracks. For that reason they are referred to as “polishers.” The next step to prepare the tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlockings or switches, which allow trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. For instance, if a train becomes disabled, the trains behind the disabled train can only move around it by switching tracks at an interlocking. If the interlockings are not clear of the snow and ice, there is no way to maneuver around disabled trains.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, and the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains, Metro officials are likely to resume service to above-ground stations in phases.

“The region saw record amounts of snowfall and we are working diligently to clear the snow and ice from the tracks so that we can expand our service area and resume service to our above-ground stations,” Metro General Manager John Catoe said. “Our snow-clearing efforts have been more challenging than usual because of the heavy amount of snowfall.”

Road conditions have thwarted the efforts of many Metro employees who have had difficulty reporting to work. In some instances, supervisors in SUVs have gone to the homes of employees to pick them up and take them to their worksites.

Metrorail employees and contractors who were able to get to their worksites were working throughout the night today to continue to clear the rails of ice and snow and to clear platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. They have been focusing mainly on the entrance areas of underground stations, including shoveling of snow off of exposed escalators, many of which have come to a halt due to packed ice and snow in moving parts. About 80 escalators that serve underground stations have been stopped by the heavy snow and ice, and rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street into and out of the station when possible.

Contractors also are in the process of clearing paths to above-ground stations in preparation for their reopening. Customers should expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 15 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks also are expected to have large snow piles on them as the surfaces are cleared.

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Saturday, December 19, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to its 39 underground stations starting at 1 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions hindered train movement. Metrobus and paratransit service also were stopped at 1 p.m. on Saturday due to unsafe road conditions.

The decision to limit train service was made due to heavy snowfall that began to cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. Hundreds of snow-trained employees and contractors have been working throughout the night and into today to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations including platforms, sidewalks and parking facilities.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep the third rail warm enough to prevent ice from forming.

How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed during a major storm. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Resources at Metro’s Customer Call Center are limited and waits for a customer service agent are very long today.

News release issued at 3:48 pm, December 20, 2009.

#10 CNJRoss

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Posted 20 December 2009 - 07:48 PM

For immediate release: December 20, 2009

Metrobus service suspended as of 7 p.m. Sunday due to ice
Limited Metrobus, MetroAccess service expected Monday; Metro staff continue to clear above-ground tracks


The limited Metrobus service that had been available today (December 20) will be suspended at 7 p.m. tonight due to the re-icing of roads. Officials will reevaluate conditions in the morning.

For Monday morning, commuters should expect very limited bus service as well as MetroAccess service as icy conditions on roadways continue to be a barrier to providing service. MetroAccess service for Monday will be limited to ¾ of a mile from all bus routes that are operating. MetroAccess customers will be contacted if their trips will be cancelled.

Metro staff continue to make progress in clearing the above-ground tracks, however there have been reports of some re-icing of the electrified third rail as the temperatures drop and the winds are blowing snow back onto the tracks.

Yellow Line Metrorail service was expanded late Sunday afternoon, but with that bit of good news also came unwelcome news of the re-icing of local roadways as temperatures continued to drop into the evening.

Metro officials reopened the Yellow Line Bridge over the Potomac River at 4 p.m. today, reconnecting that area of Northern Virginia with the District of Columbia via the Metrorail system and within a half hour the Yellow Line was extended three more stations to include Archives/Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter, Gallery Place-Chinatown and Mt. Vernon Sq./Convention Center Metrorail stations.

The Yellow Line is operating from Crystal City Metrorail station in Arlington, VA, to Mt. Vernon Sq./Convention Center Metrorail station in the District of Columbia with trains serving stations in that stretch of track every 12 to 15 minutes.

Other than moving trains between the Pentagon and L’Enfant Plaza via the Yellow Line Bridge, the remaining above-ground track remains closed at this time. The Yellow Line Bridge represents the first stage of what is expected to be a series of staggered reopenings of above-ground track that have been closed since Saturday afternoon, December 19.

Fewer than two dozen Metrobus routes were in service today due to snowy and icy conditions that persist on the region’s roadways. As of 5:30 p.m., 22 routes were operating limited service in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. All of those routes saw buses called back to the garages by 7 p.m. due to the refreezing of roadways.

Limited service was established today on the following bus routes in the District of Columbia: the 70 line, the 90 line, the S line, the L line, the V8, the 30 line, the X2, the 80 line, the U8, the 50 line, the A2, A6, W2, W6 and W8. In Virginia the 16 line in Arlington and Fairfax counties is operating. In Montgomery County the K6, Q2, 45, 46 and 48 are operating. In Prince George’s County the B30 was also running.

Riders should be mindful of slippery roads, which are being used as walkways because most sidewalks remain covered with snow.

MetroAccess remains closed today. Officials will continue to evaluate rail and road conditions throughout the evening with an eye toward reestablishing bus, paratransit and expanding rail service when conditions are safe enough to do so.

Metro has 86 stations and 106-miles of track. Forty-seven stations along 50.5 miles of track are located underground and 39 stations along 55.5 miles of track are above ground. All 39 above-ground stations are closed. Trains have been servicing stations at 24- to 30-minute intervals to the underground stations as follows:

Red Line – Service between Medical Center and Union Station only
Orange and Blue Lines – Service between Ballston and Stadium-Armory only
Green Line – Service between Fort Totten and Congress Heights only
Yellow Line – Service from Mt. Vernon Sq./Convention Center to Crystal City only at 12 to 15-minute intervals

Clearing the above-ground tracks is a process that takes several steps. The heavy duty diesel-powered equipment, known as prime movers, clear the majority of the snow from the two non-electrified tracks. Once they are finished doing their job on the service tracks, they will shift their focus into the rail yards, where hundreds of trains and miles of additional tracks remain under more than a foot of snow. More railcars are needed for weekday commuters than are needed for weekend service, so it is crucial that the rail yards are cleared.

Dozens of railcars were stored in the underground tunnels Friday and Saturday nights to keep them free of snow and ice, however hundreds of railcars had to be stored in the rail yards, where they remain buried.

Once the prime movers are off the rails then trains equipped with de-icing equipment run on the tracks to ensure that the electrified third rail is clear of snow and ice. These trains apply a de-icing agent and they make several sweeps of the tracks. For that reason they are referred to as “polishers.” The next step to prepare the tracks for service is to clear the snow and ice from interlockings or switches, which allow trains to switch tracks, reverse direction or turn around. For instance, if a train becomes disabled, the trains behind the disabled train can only move around it by switching tracks at an interlocking. If the interlockings are not clear of the snow and ice, there is no way to maneuver around disabled trains.

As stretches of track are cleared of snow and ice, and the tracks are deemed safe for moving passenger trains, Metro officials are likely to resume service to above-ground stations in phases.

Road conditions have thwarted the efforts of many Metro employees who have had difficulty reporting to work. In some instances, supervisors in SUVs have gone to the homes of employees to pick them up and take them to their worksites. More than 100 bus operators who were originally scheduled to work today called in to report that they were not able to report either because they were unable to drive to the bus garages or because they called in sick. More than 100 train operators and station managers also did not report for duty today for the same reasons. If road conditions do not improve, staffing levels may be a challenge for Metro on Monday as employees may be unable to report for duty.

Metrorail employees and contractors who were able to get to their worksites were working throughout the night Saturday and will to continue to work throughout the night on Sunday to clear the rails of ice and snow and to clear platforms, sidewalks, parking facilities and pathways to rail stations. In addition to the tracks, employees and contractors have been focusing on clearing the entrance areas of underground stations, including shoveling of snow off of exposed escalators, many of which have come to a halt due to packed ice and snow in moving parts. About 80 escalators that serve underground stations have been stopped by the heavy snow and ice, and rail customers are encouraged to use station elevators from the street into and out of the station when possible.

Customers can expect to see surface parking facilities piled with snow, consuming approximately 15 percent of the spaces where vehicles usually park. The top level of parking decks also are expected to have large snow piles on them as the surfaces are cleared. Parking lot clearing also will continue throughout Sunday night.

Heavy accumulation of snow on the rails on Saturday, December 19, forced Metrorail officials to limit train service to underground stations starting at 1 p.m. when rapidly deteriorating weather conditions impacted the safe movement of trains. Metrobus and paratransit service also were stopped at 1 p.m. on Saturday due to unsafe road conditions.

The decision to halt above-ground train service was made due to heavy snowfall that began to cover the electrified third rail, which is situated eight inches above the ground. The third rail must be clear of snow and ice because it is the source of electricity that powers the trains.

Metro started the weekend with 2,200 tons of bulk rock salt to treat Metro roadways and parking lots and 18,000, 50-pound bags of de-icer for treating sidewalks and platforms. More than 300 snow-trained employees plus contractors have been working day and night throughout the weekend to treat snowy and icy surfaces at Metrorail stations.

Metro also is using “heater tape,” which has been installed on sections of track with significant grades/inclines and in critical areas in the rail yards. The heater tape is a cable clipped onto the electrified third rail that is turned on when temperatures dip below the freezing mark. It helps keep ice from forming on the third rail.


How to get Updates on Winter Weather Conditions

There are a variety of ways for customers to stay informed about Metro service levels. Metro constantly updates local news media of Metro service changes. Information is also available on Metro’s home page at www.metroopensdoors.com. Customers can also subscribe to e-Alerts and receive up-to-date service disruption information on Metrorail and MetroAccess. Resources at Metro’s Customer Call Center are limited because employees were unable to get to their offices, and as a result, waits for a customer service agent were very long today.




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