UPDATE: Rhode Island Avenue Station to reopen noon today following structural inspections

Following the completion of extensive structural inspections and remediation efforts at the Rhode Island Avenue Station, Metro is advising customers that the station will reopen at noon today with normal Red Line service.

The station was closed on Friday, after two incidents of concrete and debris falling from the mezzanine ceiling. In an abundance of caution and to ensure public safety, Metro employed the assistance of a third-party expert to assess the soundness of the structure.

Over the two-day period, engineers conducted a visual inspection of all structural elements and determined there were no structural concerns that would pose a hazard to the riding public.

During the inspection process several areas of loose concrete, likely deteriorated due to exposure to environmental elements, were identified and repaired. Additionally, quarter-inch safety/debris netting was installed across the entire length of the station as a precautionary measure.

Station personnel on Wednesday first reported that a metal bracket and small pieces of concrete debris had fallen from the mezzanine ceiling and the station was temporarily closed. Upon completion of repairs, the station reopened Thursday morning. A second incident of falling concrete was subsequently reported on Thursday evening about 40-feet away, necessitating a more robust inspection.

Additional, more wide-ranging inspections will be conducted over the coming weeks to evaluate and recommend a long-term solution to remediate the concrete deterioration caused by environmental conditions.

News release issued at 11:49 am, September 4, 2016.