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Topics - Sand Box John

#1
DC Transit Today / Silver line opening date set
June 24, 2014, 12:44:40 AM
http://www.wmata.com/about_metro/news/PressReleaseDetail.cfm?ReleaseID=5731

For immediate release: 06 23 2014 11:01 AM EDT

Metro announces Silver Line opening date
Rail service to begin at noon Saturday, July 26


Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles today announced the opening date for Silver Line service.

"We have set the opening date for the Silver Line as Saturday, July 26," said Sarles.  "The five new Silver Line stations will open to customers at noon, and the first Silver Line train will depart Wiehle-Reston East, bound for Largo Town Center, at that time."

The announcement of an opening date follows two weeks of progress by the Airports Authority and their contractor to resolve open work items.  Sarles noted that there are still remaining items — such as obtaining Certificates of Occupancy — that are expected to be resolved prior to the opening date.

Silver Line trains will operate between Reston and Largo at the same frequency as most other lines.  During rush hours, trains will run every 6 minutes; at off-peak times, trains will run every 12 to 20 minutes.  Five new stations will be added to the system: McLean, Tysons Corner, Greensboro, Spring Hill and Wiehle-Reston East.

To finalize employee familiarization and confirm schedules, Metro plans to conduct a week of "simulated service," starting Sunday, July 20.  During the service simulation, Silver Line trains will run on the system without carrying passengers to or from the five new stations. However, the "simulation" trains will carry passengers between East Falls Church and Largo Town Center.

As a result of Silver Line service, riders at stations from East Falls Church to Court House will see trains arrive more frequently at all times, and riders from Rosslyn to Stadium-Armory will notice more frequent service outside rush hours.  On the Blue Line, trains will operate every 12 minutes at all times of the day, and during rush hours, trains at Vienna, Dunn Loring and West Falls Church, will arrive and depart every 6 minutes.

Riders can check fares and travel times, get station information and learn more about the project by visiting silverlinemetro.com.

Metro took control of the first phase of the Silver Line less than a month ago, on May 27.  The milestone, known as the "Operational Readiness Date" (ORD), marked the point where care and control of the line was formally transferred from the Airports Authority to Metro.

###

Bring your SmarTrip card as rides will not be free.
#2
Beyond the Beltway / Greyhound Connect
May 22, 2014, 11:09:12 PM
Saw one of these heading eastbound on US-50 on the eastern shore this evening. destination sign was dark, vehicle was displaying Texas tags. 


Freightliner cutaway.
#3
Concession made in Dulles Rail project
06 06 2012 1245 EDT
Adam Tuss
wtop.com

Airports authority drops labor agreement for Silver Line project
06 06 2012 1222 EDT
Dana Hedgpeth
Washington Post
#4
I think MWAA nailed it on the architecture for the station at the airport. Being the Harry Weese purest that I am when it come to metrorail station architecture, this is a really good exception to that rule.

The station will have 4 escalators, 4 elevators between the mezzanine and the platform instead of the now standard 2 and no stairs.

Ripped these from Refined Locally Preferred Alternative
Section 106 Determination of Effects Report: Historic Architecture (3.03 MB PDF file).


Looking northeast across Saarinen Circle.


Looking northwest across Saarinen Circle.


Platform looking west.


3D section at pedestrian tunnel

The rest of the documents can be had at Project Resources Phase II

You will find the pictures with accompanying essays I have written on the construction progress of the DCMP along with some more airport rendering at: cambronj.blogspot.com DCMP Airport Station
#5
Your chance to chime in on what you think the stations should be named.

Fairfax County Silver line station name survey
#6
In order to increase service on the Orange line WMATA will divert selected Blue line trains across the Fenwik Bridge and up the mid city E and F routes beginning 04 2012. Former Blue line slots through Rosslyn will be used by the Orange line. The Blue line trains that would have terminated at Largo will be replace by Orange line train. Color of new line to be determined. Previous documents on this new service had the line color as Aqua and Brown. From what I understand the styling of the system map will be different then the existing maps.

Blue/Yellow Line Service Realignment (2.27 MB PDF file)

In order to create the new service WMATA will have to modify more the 2600 station signs, replace over 5000 system maps in stations and aboard the trains and replace more then 1200 fare charts.

This is the first phase of the transitioning of the routing of trains through the urban core to accommodate the future Tysons Dulles Loudoun County Silver line. No word on if the pylon strip maps will also be modified to show the Silver line.
#7
Today Metro issued the following statement
For immediate release: January 21, 2011

The Metro Board of Directors has agreed upon Richard Sarles as Metro's new Chief Executive Officer and General Manager and will have more to say on this matter at its meeting on Jan. 27, at which time a vote will be taken.

News release issued at 6:02 pm, January 21, 2011.

Richard Sarles named Metro general manager
The Associated Press
January 21, 2011 6:22 PM

Richard Sarles chosen for top spot at Metro
By Ashley Halsey III and Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writers
Friday, January 21, 2011; 8:24 PM

WTOP 103.5 FM reported the story on the air at 1807 EST.

Related story:
Gov. O'Malley endorses Sarles for Metro GM
Adam Tuss, wtop.com
January 21, 2011 - 12:48pm
#9
Newsroom / 7k Railcar Contract Awarded
May 27, 2010, 11:49:40 PM
Kawasaki wins $886 million contract
Matt Olberding
Lincoln Journal Star
05 27 2010

Metro to buy new rail cars
Getting There blog by Robert Thomson 05 27 2010
Washington Post

Kawasaki Rail Car, Inc., to build new Metrorail cars
For Dulles rail extensions; replace Metro's Series 1000 rail cars
WMATA Press Release 05 27 2010

Seems the board has adjusted the procurement numbers from what was originally recommended by the WMATA staff.

Recommended:
• Base contract: 64 cars – Dulles Phase 1
• Option 4: 300 cars – Fleet Renewal (1000 Series)
• Unfunded
• Option 3: 100 cars – Mid-Life Rehabilitation (4000 Series)
• Option 1: 64 cars – Dulles Phase 2
• Option 2: 130 cars – Growth 75% Eight-Car Trains
• Option 5: 90 cars – Growth 100% Eight-Car Trains
*Total Project Scope = 748 Railcars

Procurement contract awarded:
• Base contract 128 cars – Dulles Phase I and II
• Option 1: 300 cars – Fleet Renewal (1000 Series)
*Total Project Scope = 428 Railcars

I would hazard a guess there are provisions in the contract to allow for the option of procuring of the other 220 cars that were in the original recommendation.

Odd that there was nothing said about the rehabilitation 100 4k Bredas.
#10
First Modern Streetcar to Debut in the District
DDOT to Host DC Streetcar Showcase May 5-8; First Opportunity for Public to Board One of DC's Modern Vehicles
#11
WMATA opens the first segment of the metrorail system 4.2 miles Rhode Island Ave to Farragut North.

I was there along with thousands of others.


Before the crowds arrived.


Mayor Walter Washington


Presentation of the Colors.


The ceremony begins.


The ceremony


Ribbon cutting
WMATA Photo


First train out


Opening day program
WMATA Photo


Line for opening day rides
WMATA Photo


Line for opening day rides
WMATA Photo


All ages there opening day
WMATA Photo
#12
Newsroom / NTSB Hearing on 06 22 2009 Red line wreck
February 27, 2010, 11:42:18 AM
The NTSB held a public hearing over three days 02 23-25 2010 on the 06 22 2009 Red line wreck between Takoma and Fort Totten.

Washington Post stories:

Details on public hearing for June Metro crash
No subscription required link
Tuesday, February 23, 2010

NTSB hearing to focus on D.C. Metro automated controls, gaps in oversight
No subscription required link
By Lena H. Sun and Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

2 near-misses and June crash linked, Metro official testifies
No subscription required link
By Lena H. Sun, Ann Scott Tyson and Joe Stephens
Washington Post Staff Writers
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

NTSB hearing to focus on D.C. Metro automated controls, gaps in oversight
No subscription required link
By Lena H. Sun and Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Metro's mixing of signal part brands could have caused crash, maker tells NTSB
No subscription required link
By Lena H. Sun, Ann Scott Tyson and Joe Stephens
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, February 25, 2010

Editorial
Metro safety delays could be measured in deaths
No subscription required link
By Robert McCartney
Thursday, February 25, 2010

NTSB:
Collision of Two Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority Trains Near Fort Totten Station, Washington, DC

Opening and Closing Statement by the Chairman, Board of Inquiry,
Agenda and Witness List,
Exhibit Items Presented at the Public Hearing and the Entire Public Docket (211 document totaling 255 MB)
Archive of the webcasts (three days of hearings),
Past Press Releases
#13
Newsroom / David Gunn called in to assess agency
February 18, 2010, 08:45:24 AM
Ex-general manager David Gunn to assess D.C. area Metro system

By Ann Scott Tyson
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 18, 2010
#14
The Blender / Snow
January 30, 2010, 07:08:15 PM
My back yard in Hebron Maryland as of 01 30 2010 18:55

#15
Beyond the Beltway / Some Charlotte CATS bus shots
January 30, 2010, 01:47:50 PM
Pictures were taken a couple of weeks after the LYNX light rail opened (11 24 2007). Being that I am not an aficionado of transit buses I need someone to identify their make and model so I can properly identify them in my photo catalogs.



#16

Progress on the installation of the streetcars track along H Street and Benning Road as part of DCDoT Great Streets Initiative is far further along then what has been done on the Anacostia Streetcar Project.

The entire length of Benning Road from 16th Street to east of Oklahoma Avenue. totally complete.

As seen in the first picture below H Street is less further along. But then DCDoT is totally rebuilding H Street from door step to door step between 2nd  and 15th Street NE.

The last 4 pictures show the loading platform at Oklahoma Avenue. Based on the length of the platform DCDoT plans to run their streetcars in single units only. In my opinion this was not a wise decision.


H Street looking east.


Benning Road and 17th Street NE looking east.


Benning Road and 17th Street NE looking west.



Benning Road and 17th Street NE looking west.


Benning Road and 17th Street NE looking west.


Benning Road and 16th Street NE looking west.


Benning Road and 16th Street NE looking west.


Benning Road and 16th Street NE looking east.



Benning Road and 16th Street NE looking east


Benning Road and 26th Street NE looking east.


Benning Road and 26th Street NE looking east.


Streetcar Platform, Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue NE.



Streetcar Platform, Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue NE looking east.


Streetcar Platform, Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue NE looking east.
WMATA metrorail elevated in background.


Streetcar Platform, Benning Road and Oklahoma Avenue NE looking west.
#17
When I went on my trip to Virginia to photograph the construction progress on the Dulles Corridor Metrorail Project I went through Anacostia to see how things a moving along on that project.

I was surprised at how little of the line was actually under construction.


Progress to the south, South Capitol Street.


Progress to the south, South Capitol Street.


Shop lead turnout parts, South Capitol Street.


Shop lead turnout parts, South Capitol Street.


Shop lead turnout parts, South Capitol Street.


Location of Shop lead turnout, South Capitol Street.


South Capitol Street.


Location of turnout, South Capitol Street and Firth Sterling Avenue


Curve in intersection of South Capitol Street and Firth Sterling Avenue.


Northbound track Firth Sterling Avenue and South Capitol Street.


Northbound track Firth Sterling Avenue.


Northbound track Firth Sterling Avenue.


Northbound track Firth Sterling Avenue.

Anacostia Streetcar Project Picasa Web Album

Anacostia Streetcar Project, maps.google.com.
#18
1982 Metro Wreck Killed 3 People
Raw Video from the previous deadliest crash in Metro's history. This happened in a tunnel near the Federal Triangle Station on January 13, 1982. The crash occurred shortly after Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the 14th Street Bridge.
WUSA TV9

Air Florida Crash Revisted
Digital Correspondent Dave Statter compares the crash of US Airways Flight 1549 to the Air Florida Crash in 1982.
WUSA TV9
#19
From The District of Columbia Department of Transportation Face Book web site:


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore, moving towards a crane to be transferred to a truck


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore, Cars 902 and 903


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore, a glimpse inside


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore, passengers can open the doors with the push of a button


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore, a close-up of one of the trucks on car 901


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore, the delicate operation to transfer the vehicles from the cargo skids to flatbed trucks


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore


December 15, 2009, Port of Baltimore
#20
Safety issue lurks under Dulles rail bridge plan
Federal transit agency investigates delay in testing foundations built in 1977

By Lisa Rein
Washington Post Staff Writer
Sunday, November 22, 2009


Tracy A Woodward The Washington Post

A question of safety
(graph showing the location of the column foundation footings)

I have made it know for many years in this forum and others of the existence of the provision built in the K Route Orange line easement to accommodate the construction of the future Tyson, Dulles, Loudoun County N Route Silver line.

I don't see this being all that big of an issue. These footing, when originally built, were designed to WMATA's established loading standards. They have sat unused for more then 30 years. During those 30 years they have not been subjected to the pounding of weight from passing trains. WMATA has hundreds of similar pier footings throughout the system that are older that have never failed. Those older footing have been carrying the load of trains a hell of a lot longer then these that have not.

I am not buying the electrolysis induced corrosion argument. The folks that designed and built the system were very meticulous about bonding and ground their structures to minimize electrolysis induced corrosion. VDOT, MDSHA and DCDPW have numinous bridge foundation structures adjacent to WMATA's tracks that have not suffered from electrolysis induced corrosion.

The article mention that WMATA could not locate any of the records or documents on the foundation footing. Did they think to check VDOT plan and record archive? The article mentions that it was a contractor working for VDOT that did the construction of the column foundation footings.

I have been aware of the column stub between tracks K3 and K1 as seen in the photos above sense before the K Route Orange line opened to Vienna in on 06 07 1086.

What I didn't know is there were 12 other foundation footing constructed at the same time column stub was built.

The alignment shown in the FEIS did not utilize any of the column foundation footings. There is no mention in the FEIS for the reason why the column foundation footings were not to be utilized.