What’s Hot in BRAC?

Thursday, September 25, 2008

What’s Hot in BRAC?

NNMC HOT information

All personnel need to be very cautious of the new traffic changes and drive very safely and slowly. Obey all traffic rules and pay close attention to all directional signage and lane designations. The new traffic pattern affects all drivers coming in and out of the North Gate. The temporary road guides drivers through G-Lot with signage and between barriers. Pathways for pedestrian and bicycle traffic that connect North Wood to North Palmer Road are clearly marked. The new traffic pattern will be in affect through December 2008.

Parking on campus has become very limited due to the BRAC construction. Personnel are highly encouraged to use other modes of commuting such as mass transit, rideshare, biking, or walking. Additionally, patients, visitors, and employees are reminded that general parking is available in lots G, E, D, K, H, I and along Stone Lake Road (between Lot K and Lot N). Parking spaces at the Navy Lodge, the Fisher Houses, the Navy Exchange, the Bowling Alley and any other retail establishments are restricted to patron parking only.

Due to limited parking availability, vanpooling information sessions are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at 7:30 and 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m.; and 12:30, 2:30 and 4:30 p.m., respectively. Hosted by a local company, vanpooling helps to reduce commuter stress, helps employees to arrive to work on time, is cost effective and is a ‘‘green” alternative to solo driving. All personnel are encouraged to attend one of the sessions to find out about vanpool services in their areas.

NNMC PATIENT/STAFF access

Temporary ER Entrance: The temporary entrance located on the northwest side of Building 9 is open. Patients, staff and visitors must use this entrance when going to the Emergency Room. Additional directional signage has been installed inside and outside the hospital to assist personnel in locating the ER. This entrance is for patient pick up and drop off, and ambulances only.

NNMC UNDER construction

Construction Zone: The construction zone is fully operational. Only authorized personnel on official business are allowed in the zone. All personnel must wear proper protective equipment. At a minimum, this includes hard hats, safety vests and steel-toed shoes. All personnel are highly encouraged to be cautious and careful when in this area, especially when crossing to and from the Metro station.

NNMC COMMUTER information

Commuter Information Pamphlet⁄Literature Racks: Three brand new commuter information pamphlet racks have been installed in key areas throughout the Medical Center. The racks are in the following locations: Building 9, Floor 1, at the bottom of the escalators, just below the pharmacy; Building 9, Floor 1, next to the coffee shop that serves Starbucks; and in Building 2, just off Main Street near the Red Box DVD Rental station and the new Dippin’ Dots vending machine. Everyone is encouraged to stop by the pamphlet racks to view information about county and regional bus and rail routes (to include Metro, VRE and MARC), carpooling⁄vanpooling assistance and biking, guaranteed ride home and ‘‘Live Near Your Work” programs.

Commuter Solutions: Have you visited the Commuter Solutions Web page lately? Visit http:⁄⁄www.bethesda.med.navy.mil⁄Professional⁄Public_Affairs⁄BRAC⁄BRAC_ Headlines⁄commuter.aspx to see the latest information on how to make the daily commute to NNMC easier. This information can also be found on the NNMC Intranet.

Interested in Carpooling?: Visit http:⁄⁄www.mwcog.org⁄commuter2⁄index.html to view the details of a regional ridesharing program. Commuter Connections pairs up carpoolers from NJ, MD, PA, VA, WV and NC! Enter a desired departure time from home⁄work into the database, and shortly after receive information identifying potential matches for carpooling. You can contact the potential matches, discuss guidelines for carpooling and determine if the individuals are a good a fit. Register for carpooling at: http:⁄⁄maps.mwcog.org⁄CCNewWebsite⁄commuter⁄ridesharing⁄register.html.