Red Line Construction
Red Line Construction Highlights
We've completed the critical Red Line safety repairs and maintenance improvements. The work included repairing a deteriorated concrete ceiling above both tracks between Farragut North and Dupont Circle in an area that dates back to the Metro system's earliest days.
In addition to the safety repairs, we also installed fiber-optic cable for improved communications and future improvements like communications-based train control (CBTC), new edge lighting along the Farragut North, Metro Center, Gallery Place, and Judiciary Sq platforms, replaced grout pads that secure the tracks in place, repaired tunnel leaks, and added extra installation to the third rail to improve safety during cold weather.
These improvements make your Metro safer and more reliable and pave the way for future technology upgrades.
During the shutdown, our dedicated team:
- Used more than 18,000 pounds of concrete and 466 pounds of rebar to replace and repair the deteriorating ceiling above the Red Line tracks and prevent from falling onto the tracks.
- Replaced 3,159 feet of deteriorated rail between Farragut North and Metro Center. The new rail will improve the safety of the rail network and train service on the Red Line.
- Repaired cracks and leaks along the tunnel's concrete walls.
- Installed 1,152 lights for the new platform edge lighting between Farragut North and Judiciary Sq with brighter, more sustainable LED lights.
- Added extra insulation to the third rail power cables between Gallery Place and Judiciary Sq. The insulation will ensure the safe and efficient operation, providing a moisture barrier, of the electrified third rail, which provides power to the trains.
- Installed 15,914 linear feet of fiber optic cables between Farragut North and Judiciary Square. The cable improves signal and communications systems, and paves the way for next generation train signaling system.
