Falling plaster closes Union Station’s main hall

The main hall of the District's Union Station was closed Friday evening after plaster from the roof damaged in the Aug. 23 earthquake dislodged and fell to the ground.

“We closed the Main Hall this evening as a precaution,” Union Station general manager Mark Polhemus said. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of Union Station visitors and workers.”

Officials said the main hall was closed about 6 p.m., after a piece of plaster fell from the ceiling and struck a restaurant worker. The worker was not significantly injured, officials said.

In the wake of the 5.8-magnitude quake, which rattled much of the eastern United States, workers removed loose plaster from the ceiling of the main hall. Crews conducted temporary repairs, and an inspection determined that the damage did not pose a danger to patrons.

Officials on Friday night were working to hang above-head netting to prevent any additional plaster from potentially dropping to the floor. The main hall was expected to reopen by 6 a.m. Monday.

Officials said AMTRAK police and Union Station security would be on hand to direct visitors.

© Copyright 2013 The Washington Times, LLC. Click here for reprint permission.