(Andrew Harnik/Examiner)
Joggers and tourists walk around Pepco workers while they work to repair damage at 7th and Madison Street SW on the National Mall after an underground explosion blew manhole covers off and caused traffic congestion in Washington, DC on Wednesday February 21, 2007.

Michael Neibauer, The Examiner
2007-02-21 21:16:00.0
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 A manhole explosion and fire in Southwest Washington Wednesday blew out dozens of traffic signals and backed up roads for miles during the height of the morning rush.

Combined with icy spots on some well-traveled D.C. and suburban parkways, the commute was a nightmare for area residents, tying up major roads - Interstates 495, 395 and 66, and 16th Street - across the region for hours.

The manhole explosion and fire occurred at about 3 a.m. at Seventh Street and Madison Avenue Southwest on the National Mall. The blast knocked out power to 73 Pepco meters, many of which were traffic signals, said Robert Dobkin, Pepco spokesman.

By 9 a.m., traffic was backed up some 14 miles on I-395. The D.C. Department of Transportation brought in temporary generators just to get the signals working on Constitution Avenue, while police officers directed traffic on Independence Avenue and 14th Street. Pepco had most, but not all, of the signals working by noon. Commuters making their way into the District had few alternatives. Ice forced the National Park Service to close Beach Drive, while salt crews de-iced lanes of Rock Creek Parkway.

Three accidents on the George Washington Parkway, one involving a seven-month pregnant park service employee, tied up the Virginia highway. And a growing number of potholes regionwide further slowed the advance. The pregnant car accident victim suffered cuts due to the deployment of her airbag, said Bill Line, NPS spokesman.

mneibauer@dcexaminer.com