Two Controlled Blasts Planned for Area Near the Medical Center Metro Station on January 26

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 25, 2018

On Friday, January 26, weather permitting, two, controlled, underground blasts are planned at the Medical Center Metro station in Bethesda. The first will occur between 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. and the second either between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. or between 7 and 8 p.m. The blasts are part of the construction process for the MD 355 Crossing Project.

 

Vehicle and pedestrian traffic will be unaffected. However, pedestrians will be prohibited from entering the Medical Center Metro Station approximately five minutes prior to the blast, and going through the fare gates one minute prior to the blast, until the blast has concluded.

 

A warning siren will sound five minutes and one minute prior to the blast. It is anticipated that very minimal vibrations will be felt and that the alarm horns will be heard only by people in the immediate vicinity.

 

About the Crossing Project:

This work is part of the ongoing construction of the Crossing Project at the Medical Center Metro Station, which will build: 1) A shallow, pedestrian underpass connecting the National Institutes of Health and the bus/commuter transit center on the west side with the Naval Support Activity Bethesda/Walter Reed National Military Medical Center on the east side of Rockville Pike; and 2) Deep elevators on the Navy side of MD 355 to the Metrorail mezzanine.  When completed by the end of 2021, the Crossing will provide a safer environment for people and vehicles in this heavily trafficked area.

 

A Safety Reminder:

As construction of the Crossing Project at the Medical Center Metro Station continues, residents are reminded to exercise caution as they walk, bike or travel near the construction zone. Pay attention to all posted signs, walk or bike only on designated crosswalks, sidewalks and paths, and do not walk in the road or in the construction zone.

 

See photos of the construction project online.

 

Release ID: 18-019
Media Contact: Phil Alperson, Montgomery County BRAC Coordinator 240-777-2595