Metro News Release
For immediate release: March 21, 2016
Metro to begin final phase of escalator replacement project at Columbia Heights Station
On April 18, Metro will begin installing two new entrance escalators on the east side of Columbia Heights Station, marking the final phase of a major capital project to replace all seven of the station’s escalators. To date, five of the station’s escalators have been replaced with safer, more reliable units.
In order to expedite the process and reduce the impact to customers, Metro will temporarily close the east side entrance, located on the northeast corner of 14th and Irving streets NW, during the nine-month project. This will allow Metro’s contractor, KONE, to replace the two adjacent escalators at the same time, reducing the project duration by about half.
To enter and exit the station, customers may use the three available escalators, stairs or elevator, all of which are located on the southwest corner of the 14th/Irving intersection.
Metro is investing $151 million to replace more than 130 escalators by 2020. To date, Metro has installed 40 new escalators and an additional 19 escalators are scheduled to be installed this year.
The following stations have escalators undergoing replacement and rehabilitation:
- Bethesda
- Columbia Heights
- Capitol Heights
- Deanwood
- Farragut West
- Federal Triangle
- Friendship Heights
- Georgia Ave – Petworth
- Glenmont
- Huntington
- Mt. Vernon Square
- Van Ness
- Waterfront
- Woodley Park
News release issued at 1:44 pm, March 21, 2016.