9th Street Tunnel partially reopens after Metrobus fire causes closure

11 articles · Updated · FOX 5 DC · Apr 23

Two southbound lanes reopened at 5 p.m. Friday, while the right lane remains closed for repairs after a Metrobus fire damaged lighting and tunnel infrastructure.
Crews are repairing 150 feet of destroyed lighting and removing loose tiles; the tunnel’s structural elements were not damaged. Metro temporarily grounded all 32 hybrid buses for inspection but expects no service disruptions.
The fire began Thursday evening, prompting a major emergency response and tunnel closure. No injuries occurred, and the ventilation system functioned properly. Drivers should expect delays and shifting traffic patterns as repairs continue.

How will this incident impact Metro's plan to purchase 100 more hybrid buses?

With federal funding cuts looming, can Metro truly afford to keep its fleet safe?

Does this fire expose hybrid buses as a dangerously flawed transit technology?

Was grounding an entire bus fleet a necessary precaution or a disruptive overreaction?

The bus was inspected last month. What critical mechanical failure was missed?