Powell Street Station modernization continues through Sept. 2012

BART is continuing asbestos removal work within the Powell Street BART Station.

BART has been removing existing fireproofing material that was applied to the steel beams installed when the station was built nearly 40 years ago. The common fireproofing material from that time contains traces of asbestos. BART is taking great care as we remove these materials. Be assured this work is in no way hazardous to our customers, employees or to the contractor doing the work. All of this work is contained and closely monitored for the safety of all who work in, or are passing thorough, the area. Protective enclosures are being constructed of plywood and plastic sheeting to isolate the work from the public. The entire enclosure is under negative pressure from a HEPA filter. In the event of a puncture to the plastic sheeting or loose blue tape, the negative pressure inside the enclosure will pull outside air in, maintaining containment until the opening can be repaired.

These protective enclosures may cause you to have to use an alternate route through the station. Please be aware of signage and directional information from employees. We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause.

The station air is monitored 24 hours a day by an independent firm to verify compliance with all applicable codes. The firm doing the work is licensed and certified to do hazardous material abatement. The work is expected to last until September of 2012.

If you have questions about this project, you may contact John Gee: [email protected] or 510-287-4928. If you need language assistance services, please call BART’s Transit Information Center at (510) 465-2278.