Metro News Release
For immediate release: December 9, 2010
Renovation to improve reliability, service on three Metro lines this weekend
Upgrades to improve efficiency, performance
This weekend (Dec. 10-12) Metro will upgrade its platforms, replace a track switch and install new rail to improve long-term reliability and service. As a result of this crucial work, which is critical to maintain the railroad in a state of good repair, trains on the Red, Blue and Orange lines will be single-tracking, and riders should expect their trips to take up to 30 minutes longer than usual.
Red Line Platform Repairs and Switch Installation
Metrorail customers traveling between the Shady Grove and Twinbrook Metrorail stations should add at least 30 minutes to their travel time because Metro will install new rail cross ties and repair the deteriorated platform at the Rockville Metrorail station to bring it back to a state of good repair. Trains will share one track between these locations from 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 to closing on Sunday, Dec. 12.
Metrorail customers traveling between the Silver Spring and Wheaton Metrorail stations should add at least 20 minutes to their travel time while Metro replaces track switches to improve rail system safety at the Forest Glen Metrorail station. The track switch replacement is work that has been recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board. Trains will share one track between these locations from 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 to closing on Sunday, Dec. 12.
On Saturday, Dec. 11, and Sunday, Dec. 12, Red Line trains will depart the Shady Grove and Glenmont Metrorail stations approximately every 22 minutes. From 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., a more frequent service will be offered on the Red Line and will operate approximately every 12 minutes between the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Silver Spring Metrorail stations.
Blue and Orange New Rail Installation
Metrorail customers traveling between the Eastern Market and Stadium-Armory Metrorail stations should add at least 20 minutes to their travel time because Metro will weld new rail on the tracks in that area. Trains will share one track between these locations from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11 and Sunday, Dec. 12.
Blue Line Single Tracking
Metrorail customers traveling between the Braddock Road and Van Dorn Street Metrorail stations should add at least 30 minutes to their travel time because of maintenance work related to the Wilson Bridge Project. Trains will share one track between these locations from 11 p.m. Friday, Dec. 10 to closing on Sunday, Dec. 12.
This weekend, all Blue and Orange Line trains will operate approximately every 20 minutes.
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News release issued at 10:05 am, December 9, 2010.