Metro News Release

For immediate release: April 29, 2013

Metrorail weekend rebuilding work May 3-5

Fort Totten platform reconstruction last weekend

Metro is investing $5.5 billion to install new rail, ties, platforms, escalators, signals, lighting, communication systems, and more. It represents the largest capital investment -- and work effort -- since the system's original construction in the early 1970s.

This weekend's rebuilding work will result in service changes on the Red, Orange, Blue and Green lines beginning at 10 p.m. Friday and continuing through system closing on Sunday night.

There is no scheduled track work this weekend on the Yellow Line. Trains will operate normally between Huntington and Fort Totten.

Red Line - 10 p.m. Fri., May 3 through closing Sun., May 5

  • Free shuttle buses will replace Red Line trains between Glenmont and Fort Totten stations to allow for the activation of a new train control room at Silver Spring, platform reconstruction at Fort Totten and Takoma, track renewal and insulator replacement.
  • Five stations will be closed: Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring and Takoma.
  • Trains will operate between Shady Grove and Fort Totten every 10 minutes during daytime hours and at regular weekend intervals at other times.
  • Free shuttle buses will operate between Glenmont and Fort Totten on two routes: Express buses will operate non-stop between Glenmont and Fort Totten stations. Customers using express buses should add about 30 minutes to their travel time. Local buses will operate between Glenmont and Fort Totten, with intermediate stops at Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring and Takoma stations. Customers using local buses should add up to 50 minutes to their travel time.

Orange Line - 10 p.m. Fri., May 3 through closing Sun., May 5

  • Orange Line trains will single track through two work zones: between Clarendon and Foggy Bottom to allow for fiber-optic cable installation, and between Stadium-Armory and Cheverly for platform reconstruction at Deanwood, rail renewal and fastener maintenance.
  • Throughout the weekend, Orange Line trains will operate every 26 minutes between Vienna and New Carrollton.
  • Customers will experience this longer travel time on the platform. Once the train departs, it is not expected to experience additional delays en route.

Blue Line - 10 p.m. Fri., May 3 through closing Sun., May 5

  • Blue Line trains will single track between Arlington Cemetery and Foggy Bottom to allow for fiber-optic cable installation.
  • Throughout the weekend, Blue Line trains will operate every 26 minutes between Franconia-Springfield and Largo Town Center.
  • Customers will experience this longer travel time on the platform. Once the train departs, it is not expected to experience additional delays en route.

Green Line - 10 p.m. Fri., May 3 through closing Sat., May 4

  • From 10 p.m. Friday through closing on Saturday, free shuttle buses will replace Green Line trains between Congress Heights and Branch Avenue stations to allow for necessary track upgrades and renewal.
  • During this time, four stations will be closed: Branch Avenue, Suitland, Naylor Road, Southern Avenue.
  • On Friday night and all day Saturday, Green Line trains will operate between Greenbelt and Congress Heights at regular weekend intervals.
  • Free shuttle buses will operate between Congress Heights and Branch Avenue on two routes: Express buses will operate non-stop between Branch Avenue and Congress Heights stations. Customers using express buses should add about 25 minutes to their travel time. Local buses will operate between Branch Avenue and Congress Heights, with intermediate stops at Suitland, Naylor Road, and Southern Avenue stations. Customers using local buses should add up to 50 minutes to their travel time.

Green Line – Sun., May 5 ONLY

  • On Sunday, Green Line trains will single track between Branch Avenue and Congress Heights to allow for necessary track upgrades and renewal.
  • Throughout the day, trains will operate every 30 minutes between Branch Avenue and Greenbelt.
  • Customers will experience this longer travel time on the platform. Once the train departs, it is not expected to experience additional delays en route.

For schedules, "next train" arrival information and alternate bus options, customers are encouraged to visit wmata.com. Customers can access this information on Metro's new mobile website by entering wmata.com into their smartphone browser. For assistance by phone, call Metro customer information at (202) 637-7000 [TTY 202-638-3780].

News release issued at 12:04 pm, April 29, 2013.