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9th Street Tunnel partially reopens after bus fire
Nearly 24 hours after a Metrobus caught fire in the 9th Street Tunnel, several lanes have been reopened to traffic. Crews are still working to repair lighting in part of the tunnel.
WASHINGTON - The 9th Street Tunnel in downtown Washington partially reopened on Friday after a Metrobus caught fire during Thursday’s rush hour.
9th Street Tunnel Fire
What we know:
The fire began around 6:30 p.m. Thursday inside the tunnel. Metro officials said the bus operator escaped safely, and no passengers were on board. As toxic smoke filled the tunnel, some drivers abandoned their vehicles while others tried to turn around, leaving many stuck and unsure how to get out. Several motorists reported hearing explosions.
D.C. Fire and EMS Chief John Donnelly said time was critical in the response. The department deployed 41 units and 125 personnel. Firefighters used suppression foam and ran roughly 900 feet of hose to establish a water supply. Investigators believe the fire was mechanical in nature.
Tunnel partially reopens Friday
Why you should care:
Starting at 5 p.m. Friday, two southbound lanes of the tunnel are open to traffic. The right lane is still closed "until further notice," officials said, as crews continue repairs.
"Motorists traveling southbound through the 9th Street Tunnel should remain alert for shifting traffic patterns within the work zone," Metro officials said. Because the lane closure may cause delays, drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes."
WMATA said the bus involved in Thursday's fire had been inspected in March. It was a 2015 hybrid model, and Metro is temporarily grounding all 32 hybrid buses for immediate inspections. The agency does not expect the move to affect service.
District Department of Transportation Director Sharon Kershbaum said Friday afternoon that the tunnel’s steel beams and structural elements were not damaged. She said ceiling and wall tiles fell during the fire. Crews removed loose tiles and concrete to prevent debris from falling on vehicles as the tunnel reopens.
Kershbaum said about 150 feet of lighting was destroyed, and crews are installed conduits. Asphalt beneath the fire was damaged but has been patched, with temporary striping added. She said the ventilation system worked properly and cleared smoke quickly.
READ MORE: Metro bus fire shuts down 9th Street tunnel in Northwest D.C.; closure ongoing
Detours and closures
- 9th Street Expressway SB past Constitution Avenue remains blocked.
- All lanes of the Expressway are shut down due to a vehicle fire.
- Constitution Avenue NW has reopened; expect an extended closure.
The Source: Information in this article comes from the DC Fire and EMS Department.