What’s Hot in BRAC?

Thursday, December 4, 2008

What’s Hot in BRAC?

NNMC HOT information

North Palmer Road: The new North Palmer Road reopens Monday. With the reopening of this road, 100 plus parking spaces will be regained in Lot G. Security personnel will be present to direct the traffic. Patients, visitors, and staff members using the new North Palmer entry⁄exit gate are highly encouraged to use caution, obey traffic laws, and reduce their speed.

Medical Swing Space: The Orthopedics and Podiatry clinics have moved and are attending to patients in their new spaces. Physical Therapy, Chiropractics and Occupational Therapy clinics continue moving this week and resume seeing patients Monday. Also, a new shuttle service to the MSS is available.

The schedule is as follows:

Location Time

Building 10 to MSS 6:10 to 8:55 a.m.

Building 10 to MSS to Metro 8:55 a.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Building 10 to MSS 2:45 to 5:30 p.m.

NNMC UNDER construction

Buildings A, B: Both projects are on schedule. First tower crane is up and running; delivery of last two cranes scheduled for the first week of December. Building B’s concrete operations are proceeding as scheduled and the steel delivery for this building is expected to arrive in January. The mobile cranes for the steel work are also expected to arrive in mid-January 2009.

New Pathway: Construction on a new asphalt pathway between Mercy Hall and the future site of the National Intrepid Center of Excellence is completed. The temporary plywood walkway that connects Building 10 to the Navy Exchange will be removed this week.

Temporary Emergency Room: Renovations to the current Orthopedics Clinic in Building 9, 1st Floor will begin soon. Once renovated, the Emergency Department will move into this area to provide emergency care while their permanent location in Building B is being constructed. Signage and security personnel will be posted in designated areas to help direct patients and staff.

Canopy cover for ER entrance: A cover for what is commonly known as the South Well to the Emergency Room entrance is being designed to provide protection from small objects or debris while Building B is being constructed. The cover will shield parts of the South Well and extend from Wood Road to the current Emergency Room entrance.

Lot G Water Line: Water⁄Sewer line renovations at Lot G begin Dec. 15. The two-phased project will cause a temporary loss of 11 parking spaces from Lot G during phase one, and a loss of 32 parking spaces during phase two. However, the project timeline was accelerated to coordinate with the holidays and the subsequent reduced demand on staff parking during this time. The renovations will be completed by Jan. 5, and all parking spaces will be reclaimed.

Logistics Tunnel: Excavation for the underground connection between Building A and the Staff Parking Garage (Building 54) is underway. In January, Brown Drive will be modified to allow the excavation to continue. Eventually, Brown Drive will curve into the area of the future Patient Parking Garage. The new, temporary, road will include jersey barriers, reflective tape, flood lights, appropriate signage and other safety measures. This whole process is expected to last several months.

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, safety glasses⁄goggles, and steel-toed shoes. All personnel are highly encouraged to be cautious and careful when in this area. Proper safety gear must be worn.

NNMC COMMUTER information

Metrocheks: The Internal Revenue Service has adjusted the 2009 limits for Transportation Fringe Benefits. Currently, the Metrochek maximum distribution is $115 per month. This amount has been raised to $120 starting in January. Staff members who received the last distribution will receive an extra $5 at the January distribution if their trip subsidy justifies the additional funds.

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, M, D, R, K, T, S, H, I, along Stone Lake Road (between Lot K and Lot N.) and at the two temporary parking locations – Near Flag Officer Housing⁄E Lot and the tennis court between H and I lots. 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.

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 fit.

NNMC GATE & security

Crossing Guard Assistance: Tuesday through Thursday from 6:30 to 8 a.m. and 3 to 4:30 p.m. security personnel will assist and properly guide pedestrian and vehicular traffic between the staff parking garage and the hospital.