Metro News Release
For immediate release: December 16, 2010
Renovation to improve reliability, service on three Metro lines this weekend
Upgrades to improve efficiency, performance
This weekend (Dec. 17-19) Metro will replace a track switch, install new rail and communications cable in support of expanded cell phone coverage 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 Switch Installation
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. 17, to closing on Sunday, Dec. 19.
Blue Line Communications Cable Installation
Metrorail customers traveling between the Stadium-Armory and Addison Road-Seat Pleasant Metrorail stations should add 30 minutes to their travel time while personnel install communications cable in support of expanded cell phone coverage throughout the Metrorail system. Trains will share one track between these locations the entire weekend from 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 17, to closing on Sunday, Dec. 19.
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. 17, to closing on Sunday, Dec. 19.
Orange Line Rail Installation
Metrorail customers traveling between the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU and West Falls Church-VT/UVA Metrorail stations should add at least 30 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 the entire weekend from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, and Sunday, Dec. 19. During this time, every other Orange Line train traveling in the direction of the Vienna/Fairfax-GMU Metrorail station will terminate at the West Falls Church-VT/UVA Metrorail station and return to the New Carrollton Metrorail station.
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News release issued at 9:12 am, December 16, 2010.