What’s Hot in BRAC?

Thursday, November 6, 2008

What’s Hot in BRAC?

NNMC HOT information

Medical Swing Space (MSS, Navy Exchange Parking Lot): All trailers for the new two-story Medical Swing Space are in place. The contractor is working on the interior build-out of the trailers. For instance, ongoing work includes installation of the elevators and electrical transformer. The second floor is 98 percent complete. The following departments will start moving into the new spaces over the Thanksgiving weekend: Orthopedics and Podiatry. The following weekend, Occupational Therapy, Chiropractics and Physical Therapy will move. Other clinics moving to the MSS are highly encouraged to start preparing for their scheduled moves now!

Circle 7 Entrance: The demolition of the canopy is almost completed. Once completed, the contractor will begin the utility work and install the temporary walkway, which will wrap around Building 7 to the sidewalk near the Security entrance. The project is expected to be completed by mid-November.

North Palmer Road: The installation of the new North Palmer Road is on schedule. One hundred plus parking spaces will be regained in Lot G once the project is completed in early December.

NNMC UNDER construction

Buildings A & B: Both projects are on schedule. The contractor is conducting utility work for the sites. The tower crane for Building A is up and operational. The placement of concrete footings, concrete columns and the installation of the perimeter wall footings continue. At the Building B site, excavation for the concrete foundations and the placement of footings continue.

Medical Gas Outage: Due to renovations there will be a medical gas outage during the Thanksgiving holiday. Backup systems 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, eye protection 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 e-mail Jeff Miller at jeffrey.miller@med.navy.mil.

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 http:⁄⁄maps.mwcog.org⁄CCNewWebsite⁄commuter⁄ridesharing⁄register.html.

Commuter Solutions: Have you visited the Commuter Solutions Web page lately? Visit the Web site: 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.