Metro News Release
For immediate release: September 26, 2011
Metro postpones major track work to accommodate rescheduled Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial celebration event
System to open at 5 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16; no track work
Metro General Manager and CEO Richard Sarles today announced that the system would postpone its scheduled major track work to accommodate the celebration of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial on Sunday, Oct. 16.
Calling it an event of national significance, Sarles said Metro has canceled all scheduled track work on Sunday, Oct. 16. Metro had planned to work on the Red, Blue, Yellow and Orange lines, including a closure of the Red Line between New York Avenue and Fort Totten stations.
“We will adjust our plans to accommodate the rescheduling of this once-in-a-lifetime event,” said Richard Sarles, Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer. “While the rebuilding efforts of the Metrorail system are critical, we recognize the national significance of this event and will reschedule our work for a later date to ensure that customers have a seamless travel experience.”
On Sunday, Oct. 16, Metrorail will open at 5 a.m. – two hours early, operate more eight-car trains to provide additional capacity, and offer free parking at all rail stations. Metro customer service ambassadors will also be on hand at stations within walking distance of the Memorial to provide assistance and distribute special brochures.
More information about getting to the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial
News release issued at 11:25 am, September 26, 2011.