[Archived] Metro to Conduct Emergency Response Drill at Eisenhower Avenue Station March 13

For Immediate Release: March 9, 2016

Metro Transit Police will conduct an emergency drill Sunday, March 13, around the Eisenhower Ave Metrorail Station, to allow emergency personnel to practice responding to a simulated train derailment.  The exercise will begin at 8:30 a.m., and will conclude no later than 2 p.m.  The public may see a train stopped on the tracks, and a large number of emergency vehicles around the station.

The exercise, which will take place on the elevated track and tunnel between Eisenhower Ave and King St-Old Town stations, will simulate real-world conditions to test coordination and communication between on-scene emergency responders, Metrorail operations staff, Metro Transit Police and partner agencies.   The Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria Fire Department (including the Office of Emergency Management) will participate.  More than 100 emergency responders and volunteers are expected to take part.  The exercise is not open to the public.

From approximately 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Sunday, the Eisenhower Ave and Huntington stations will be closed to the public.  Metro has announced detailed information about service detours, including free shuttle bus service.  Sign up for MetroAlerts to receive specific notifications when stations reopen.

For media inquiries about the City of Alexandria’s role in this exercise, contact Andrea Blackford, Senior Communications Officer, at andrea.blackford@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3959.