Metro News Release
For immediate release: February 18, 2015
Bethesda Station to temporarily close this weekend to advance escalator project
Buses replace trains between Bethesda and Medical Center, Feb. 21-22
This weekend, Metro’s escalator contractor will install major components of the first new entrance escalator at Bethesda Station.
Bethesda’s entrance escalators are the second longest in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, large gantries will move and position nine large sections of escalator truss. In addition, two motors, each the size of a small car, will also be moved into the escalator pit and will replace the outdated six-motor configuration that powered the original escalator. Control systems and other equipment also will be delivered this weekend.
To support this work, on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, Bethesda Station will be temporarily closed so that construction crews can safely install, align and mechanically fasten the escalator truss sections. For safety reasons, the work, which will take nearly 52 consecutive hours, cannot take place with customers nearby.
On Saturday and Sunday, free shuttle buses will run between Bethesda and Medical Center stations every 5 to 10 minutes. Red Line trains will bypass Bethesda Station in both directions. Metro is advising customers traveling to or from Bethesda Station during this time to add about 15 minutes to their travel time.
Part of a $151 million investment to fully replace up to 128 escalators by 2020, this project at Bethesda will replace the three entrance escalators, which are more than 30 years old and have exceeded their useful life, with brand new escalators that are more durable, reliable and feature brighter LED lighting to improve customer visibility.
With a rise of 106 feet, the entrance escalators at Bethesda are 212 feet long and require approximately 42 weeks for site preparation, demolition, construction, installation and testing per escalator.
Metro has already installed new escalators at Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Pentagon, Van Ness, Georgia Ave-Petworth, Glenmont, Columbia Heights, Friendship Heights, Mt Vernon Square and Bethesda.
News release issued at 5:59 pm, February 18, 2015.