Metro News Release
For immediate release: August 20, 2010
Union Station Metrorail station elevators to undergo rehabilitation work
Elevators to be out-of-service for 12 weeks
Metro will modernize both the platform to mezzanine and the mezzanine to the Union Station level elevators inside the Union Station Metrorail station beginning Tuesday, Aug. 31, to return the units to a state of good repair and to ensure service reliability and safety.
During the 12-week elevator modernization project, Metro will operate shuttle buses upon request between the Judiciary Square and New York Ave-Florida Ave-Gallaudet U Metrorail stations with a stop at the Union Station Metrorail station. Customers can call 202 962 1825 before their trip to arrange for a shuttle bus to pick them up. Riders can also ask a station manager for assistance in calling for shuttle pick-up.
An elevator modernization of this magnitude includes replacing a majority of the mechanical parts and the elevator cab equipment to ensure the elevator operates safely and reliably for customers. The modernization project will extend the life cycle of the elevator. The rebuilding process typically takes 12 weeks. Metro has 271 elevators system-wide, more than any other transit system in North America.
Signs indicating the specific type of mechanical work and the estimated date of the unit's return to service in November will be displayed in the platform level of the station. Customers may also view the status of all elevators and escalators on Metro’s website:
http://www.wmata.com/rider_tools/metro_service_status/elevator_escalator.cfm
Modernizing the elevators at Union Station is one of several Red Line rehabilitation projects designed at maintaining a state of good repair between the Judiciary Square and Rhode Island Avenue Metrorail stations. Work to be performed in these locations throughout the summer and fall will focus on improved reliability and safety, such as traction power upgrades, installation of new enlarged kiosks, automatic train control and communications upgrades, station sign upgrades, public address system upgrades, installation of new suspended ceilings for underground stations, air conditioning and ventilation equipment rehabilitation and replacement, new skylight systems for above ground stations, and elevator and escalator rehabilitation.
The Red Line rehabilitation program is the first in a series of contracts for all five Metrorail lines as part of an overall system infrastructure renewal program designed to keep the rail system safe and reliable by keeping it in a state of good repair.
The $177 million Red Line rehabilitation program is expected to be completed by the summer of 2013.
For additional information on Metrorail elevator and escalator work, visit http://www.wmata.com/rail/elevators_escalators/.
###
News release issued at 11:16 am, August 20, 2010.