Heather Curtis
WMAL.com
WASHINGTON (WMAL)– Metro’s undertaking a huge project to make sure first responders can use their radios in tunnels during emergencies.
When firefighters were trying to rescue people from a smoke-filled train at L’Enfant Plaza Metro station in January 2015, they were met with a major obstacle: their radios weren’t working in the tunnels.
Metro has now started a project that will install cables on the walls of 100 miles of tunnel. The cables are expected to improve underground coverage for emergency radios and cell phones.
According to a press release, the transit agency is conducting tests along a 6,000 foot stretch of tunnel between Glenmont and Forest Glen. Once that testing’s done, Metro will have a better idea of the timeline for the $120 million project, which is being paid for through the agency’s capital improvement program.
Installation of the cables will disrupt service at night and on the weekends.
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