What’s Hot in BRAC?

Thursday, October 23, 2008

What’s Hot in BRAC?

NNMC HOT information

Medical Swing Space (MSS, Navy Exchange Parking Lot): Still on schedule for completion by late November, all trailers for the new two-story Medical Swing Space are in place. The following departments will start moving into the new spaces over the Thanksgiving weekend: Orthopedics and Podiatry. The following weekend, Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy will move. Other clinics moving to the MSS are highly encouraged to start preparing for their scheduled moves now!

Buildings A & B: Both projects are on schedule. The tower crane for Building A is up and operational. Two more cranes will be erected during the first week of November. The placement of concrete footings, concrete columns and the installation of the perimeter wall footings continue. At the Bldg. B site, the caisson installation and the relocation of the existing 10 ft. waterline at the north end of the project site is complete. Excavation for the concrete foundations and the placement of footings continue.

NNMC UNDER construction

Fisher Houses: With the expected proffer of the third Fisher House on the horizon, construction for these houses is expected to start in Spring 2009.

National Intrepid Center of Excellence (NICoE): The construction start date for this project has been revised until January 2009.

Radiology: A temporary administrative swing space for radiology is under construction and is expected to be completed by Monday. The temporary space is located in Building 9 on the south west end of the first floor.

Medical Gas Outage: Due to low patient volume during the Thanksgiving holiday, there will a medical gas outage. Backup system and emergency tanks will be in place. More information will be provided as the date approaches.

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. In fact, all spaces under construction (e.g. Medical and Admin Swing Spaces) are considered to be a construction site. Proper safety gear must be worn.

NNMC COMMUTER information

Temporary Parking Spaces: Temporary parking areas located at the intersection of Taylor and Van Rypen Roads (additional 25 parking spaces) and at the tennis courts located between Lots H and I (additional 45 parking spaces) are open. Because parking will most likely continue to be very limited for the duration of the BRAC project, personnel are highly encouraged to use other modes of commuting such as mass transit, rideshare, biking, or walking. Personnel can pick up more information on other commuting options at the literature racks located in Building 9, Floor 1, or call Jeff Miller at 301-319-4897.

Alternative Commuting Options: Parking on campus is 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, all personnel are encouraged to join the new vanpool program at the 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.