Metro News Release

For immediate release: February 15, 2007

Metro To Install New Tile Flooring In Some Stations

After 30 years, Metro is changing the look of its tile floors in a handful of its 86 rail stations.

Metro’s Board today approved a 12-inch square porcelain tile in a warm-reddish brown color as the new look of its floor tiles after 30 years of a hexagonal terra cotta tile.

Last October, Metro’s Board agreed to replace the terra cotta hexagon quarry tiles with new tiles near the platform edges at the Minnesota Avenue and Deanwood Metrorail stations on the Orange Line because those platforms needed to be replaced.

After receiving input from the Riders Advisory Council and the Elderly and Disabled Committee, it was decided the new square porcelain tile was the most economical configuration as the tiles will prove to be more durable and will decrease future maintenance costs

“The new glazed tiles are five inches larger. They are more slip resistant and are easier to maintain. They are less porous and therefore the concrete is less susceptible to water damage,” said David Couch, Infrastructure Renewal Programs director.

Metro will spend $2.8 million to replace the tiles and deteriorated sections of the platforms at the stations by summer 2008. The stations opened in 1978. Cracks and leaks have weakened parts of the concrete platforms over the years. The agency will spend another $8 million to replace the remaining hexagonal tiles surrounding the escalators and elevators and the remaining sections of the platform by fall 2009.

The large 12-inch tiles will be used in future stations and platform replacement projects. The tiles are also the same used in several New York City subway stations.



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News release issued at 12:00 am, February 15, 2007.