What’s Hot in BRAC?

Thursday, October 2, 2008

What’s Hot in BRAC?

NNMC HOT information

Medical Swing Space (MSS, Navy Exchange Parking Lot) – Trailer units for the new MSS are currently being delivered to the campus and will continue to arrive through Oct. 17. In total there are 40 modular units that will eventually construct a two-story facility. The units will arrive through the University Road gate off of Jones Bridge Road, staged in designated areas of the Navy Exchange parking lot, and then placed and assembled by a crane. Depending on potential delays (i.e., weather), it is expected that movement of the units will be conducted during the week.

Safety – New ‘‘Slow- Pedestrian Crossing” signs have been placed around the hospital center. All personnel must obey all traffic laws and be very cautious when approaching pedestrian crosswalks. Additionally, in the near future, new portable speed bumps will be installed in key locations around the campus to help deter speeding. Furthermore, additional lighting has been installed at the Emergency Room south well and at the temporary North Palmer Road to help illuminate these areas during the early morning and late evening hours. Personnel are reminded to be safety conscientious when traveling through these locations.

Parking – 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, ridesharing, biking or walking. Additionally, patients, visitors, and staff 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.

Vanpooling – Due to limited parking availability on campus, personnel are encouraged to join the new vanpool program at National Naval Medical Center. 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. Most importantly, participation in a vanpool will guarantee you a parking space here at the campus. The vans are available in 7-, 9-, 12- and 15-seat passenger van sizes. All personnel are encouraged to find out about vanpool services in their areas. For more information or to start a vanpool, visit www.vanride.com.

Metrocheks – Effective Jan. 4, Metro will be discontinuing the production of Metrocheks in order to make a full transition to SmarTrip® cards. Those who still have Metrocheks after this date can still use them at turnstiles, and will also be able to transfer the unused balance to SmarTrip® cards, if you choose to do so. In addition, after March 31, Metro will not be able to accommodate replacement of any Metrocheks, if they are damaged, lost or need to be replaced. As a solution, the DOD will be issuing two forms of media fare: paper fare and smart benefits (or smartrip vouchers.) Ideally, participants would be able to transfer all subsidy funds to SmarTrip® cards, however not all transit providers are going to accept this type of payment. For example, Virginia Railway Express, Maryland Area Regional Commuter train, vanpools, and other transit modes will only accept SmartBenefits®. Therefore, two media fare, to be provided at the subsidy distribution, may be necessary for those who use these mass transit services. Finally, the first distribution of the paper fare and smart benefits vouchers by DOD will be in April 2009. Further information will follow on this subject as the date draws nearer.

NNMC UNDER construction

The pedestrian sidewalk leading to Building 7, also known as Circle 7, on the northeast side of the building will be closed for a Storm Water Management project for the next few weeks. Additional signage will be installed to direct personnel within the hospital to the proper entry⁄exit and clinics affected by the closure of the walkway. Long term there will be a pathway constructed from the Circle 7 entry⁄exit along the side of the building that will connect to the walkway in front of the Security Office entrance.