Metro News Release
For immediate release: October 11, 2010
Metro winds down Columbus Day Holiday weekend track work for safety
Farragut West, McPherson Square and the lower level of Metro Center to reopen Tuesday morning
The replacement of four rail switches at the McPherson Square Metrorail station and several maintenance projects on the Blue and Orange Line that has resulted in the closure of the Farragut West and McPherson Square Metrorail stations and no Blue or Orange Line service at the Metro Center Metrorail station is progressing on schedule. Farragut West, McPherson Square and the lower level of the Metro Center Metrorail station are expected to reopen on time on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
This weekend, Metro has been replacing four track switches, which comprise the entire rail interlocking at the McPherson Square Metrorail station, which was a National Transportation Safety Board safety recommendation. Metro is also installing 215 new track fasteners; replacing old track, installing new tunnel safety lights, testing emergency call-box phones, replacing blue emergency call box lights and repairing water leaks in the tunnels.
The free shuttle buses have been busy throughout the weekend with buses filling up as trains empty at the Foggy Bottom-GWU and Federal Triangle Metrorail stations. Through Sunday, Oct. 10, about 64,947 people have used the shuttle buses to help complete their trips.
Metro administrative employees along with Metro Transit Police officers have been on site guiding customers from the rail platforms to the shuttle buses. They also have been busy answering questions. Customers are reminded to follow guidance from Metro employees and use the crosswalks to get to shuttle buses near the Metrorail stations. Also, customers can expect some delays with shuttle service due to congestion on the streets today (Oct. 11).
In addition to this weekend’s work on the Blue and Orange Line, Metro has been single-tracking on the Red Line from Shady Grove to Twinbrook for platform repairs at the Rockville Metrorail station and single-tracking on the Yellow Line from Braddock Road to Huntington to make landscaping repairs at the Huntington station. Maintenance work be completed tonight and normal service will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 12.
News release issued at 8:49 am, October 11, 2010.