Metro News Release
For immediate release: September 8, 2010
Metro to replace track switch to comply with NTSB recommendation, maintain a state of good repair
Columbus Day Weekend track work will close two Blue and Orange Line stations and no Blue and Orange Line service at Metro Center
Metro will close two Blue and Orange Line stations and there will be no Blue and Orange Line service at the Metro Center Metrorail station during the three-day Columbus Day Holiday Weekend from 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, to closing on Monday, Oct. 11, as the agency undertakes a major rehabilitation and rebuilding project to improve safety, to comply with a recommendation made by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and maintain service reliability and a state of good repair. The Farragut West and McPherson Square Metrorail stations will be closed and there will be no Blue and Orange Line service at the Metro Center Metrorail station during the Columbus Day Holiday weekend. Red Line service will continue through Metro Center. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 5 a.m.
To help riders get through the work zone, Metro will operate free shuttle buses around the station closures. Customers should build an extra 40 minutes into their travel plans if they need to pass through the work zone.
During the Columbus Day weekend, Metro will replace four track switches, which comprise the entire rail interlocking at the McPherson Square Metrorail station which was an NTSB recommendation. In addition, Metro will conduct several additional projects in the area of the closure to maximize the amount of work to be done while there are no trains in the area.
Columbus Day Weekend Blue and Orange Line Metrorail Service
The Blue and Orange Lines will each be split in two sections throughout the three-day Columbus Day Holiday Weekend. Blue Line trains will operate between the Franconia-Springfield and Foggy Bottom Metrorail stations and between the Largo Town Center and Federal Triangle Metrorail stations. Orange Line trains also will operate in two sections, between the Vienna-Fairfax/GMU and Foggy Bottom Metrorail stations and between the New Carrollton and Federal Triangle Metrorail stations.
From 10 p.m., Friday, Oct. 8, to closing on Monday, Oct. 11, Metro will operate free shuttle buses around the station closures. Additional information on shuttle bus routes will be available in the next few weeks.
Additional Weekend Events
Throughout the Columbus Day Holiday Weekend, there will be several events throughout the region that may impact Metrorail riders. On Sunday, Oct. 10, the Washington Redskins will play at FedEx Field at 1 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 9, and Monday, Oct. 11, the Washington Capitals will play at the Verizon Center at 7 p.m. On Saturday, Oct. 9, the DC United will play at RFK Stadium at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 10, there is a concert at the Verizon Center at 8 p.m. Metro reminds customers riding or connecting to the Blue and Orange lines who will be attending these events to add at least 40 minutes into their travel time.
Customer Assistance
From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 10, to Monday, Oct. 12, Metro administrative employees will be working between the Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle Metrorail stations to assist customers connecting to the shuttle buses.
To alert customers about this work, Metro will distribute a free brochure, place notices and signs in Metrorail stations, take out paid newspaper advertisements and make train and station system announcements.
The Trip Planner on Metro’s Web site will not reflect the impact of this work on its schedules. Customers should allow more time for their trips because of this work. For more information on traveling by Metrobus or Metrorail, customers may call (202) 637-7000 or TTY (202) 638-3780, or visit www.metroopensdoors.com.
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News release issued at 1:12 pm, September 8, 2010.