Metro News Release

For immediate release: January 8, 2013

Metro updates major track work calendar

Communities and customers encouraged to use as event and travel planning tool

Metro has updated its major track work calendar detailing major rebuilding and construction projects through June 30, 2013.

The calendar — available at wmata.com/trackwork — shows the date, affected stations, busing plan and a description of the work to be performed for several upcoming weeks.

"I encourage our customers, community groups and other stakeholders to check the calendar for advance notice of the major projects we plan to undertake over the next six months," said Richard Sarles, Metro General Manager & Chief Executive Officer. "It is important to understand that these are not merely 'maintenance' projects; we are effectively rebuilding this transit system."

In 2011, Sarles introduced a new approach to major track work that replaces trains with buses to contain the inconvenience associated with out-of-service tracks. Prior to 2011, Metro relied more heavily on weekend single tracking to operate trains around major work areas.

When single tracking is in effect, trains must wait their turn, leading to delays and affecting service from one end of a line to the other. By isolating work zones, Metro can operate near-normal weekend service levels elsewhere on a line where major track work is taking place.

Metro still uses single tracking to perform track work for smaller projects on weekends and late evening hours on weekdays.

News release issued at 3:41 pm, January 8, 2013.