Metro News Release
For immediate release: April 28, 2011
Weekend renovation to improve reliability, service on Red and Yellow Lines
Upgrades to improve efficiency, performance
This weekend (April 29 to May 1) Metro will continue its efforts to rebuild the Metrorail system by upgrading its track and infrastructure systems. As a result of this critical work, trains on the Red and Yellow lines will single-track from 10 p.m., Friday, April 29, to closing on Sunday, May 1. When the work is complete, it will mean riders will have a safer, smoother ride.
Red Line Service
From 10 p.m. Friday, April 29, to closing on Sunday, May 1, Red Line trains will share one track between the Shady Grove and Twinbrook Metrorail stations as personnel upgrade the surface underneath the tracks to make a smoother ride. Red Line trains also will share one track between the Takoma and Forest Glen Metrorail stations as personnel make upgrades to the automatic train control system, upgrade the surface underneath the tracks and replace rail ties to make it a smoother ride.
Throughout the weekend, Red Line trains will depart the Shady Grove and Glenmont Metrorail stations approximately every 24 minutes. From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, and Sunday, May 1, more frequent service will be offered on the Red Line with trains operating approximately every 12 minutes between the Friendship Heights and Takoma Metrorail stations.
Yellow Line Service
From 10 p.m., Friday, April 29, to closing on Sunday, May 1, Yellow Line trains will share one track between the Huntington and Braddock Road Metrorail stations as personnel replace rail fasteners.
Metro has a six-year, $5 billion Capital Improvement Program (CIP) that is focused on safety and maintaining the Metro system in a state of good repair. In FY2012, the CIP includes projects such as replacing escalators; retrofitting track; replacing track circuitry, signs and chain markers on the right of way; rehabilitating third rail, running rail and track pads; rehabilitating 12 Metrorail stations; purchasing 150 new police radios; the replacement of 100 Metrobuses and the rehabilitation of 100 more; rehabilitating three bus garages; and installing 30 track turnouts.
The Trip Planner on Metro’s Web site will not reflect the impact of this work on its schedules. 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 12:37 pm, April 28, 2011.