Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 19, 2011

Metro to replace all escalators at Foggy Bottom-GWU entrance

Metro to install three new escalators, a staircase and a canopy

Metro will install three new escalators, a staircase and a canopy at the Foggy Bottom-GWU Metrorail station entrance to replace the older, unreliable units beginning Jan. 24.

During the escalator replacement portion of the work, construction workers will remove one escalator from service at a time and have one unit going in the up direction and another unit going in the down direction.

“While we regret the inconvenience to customers, after one year customers will benefit from three brand new escalators they can rely on,” said Metro General Manager Richard Sarles. “For the first time, the station will have a staircase to improve passenger flow and increase capacity to move people through the station.”

To alert riders about this work, Metro will place signs at the Foggy Bottom-GWU station entrance, send e-Alerts, post information on its Web site, and make system announcements.

The work will involve the removal or replacement of all escalator parts -- steps, handrails, safety devices, and the electrical systems within each unit.


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News release issued at 8:10 am, January 19, 2011.