On October 6, Metro began a major capital project to install three new escalators at Bethesda Station.

The project will replace the current escalators, which are more than 30 years old and have exceeded their useful life, with brand new escalators that are more durable and reliable. Metro's contractor, KONE, will install the new escalators one at a time, while keeping two units in service for the duration of the project -- one running up and one running down.

Rising 106 feet, the entrance escalators at Bethesda Station are the second longest in the Western Hemisphere (behind Wheaton Station), and replacing the units will be a much harder task that their initial construction.

Bethesda Escalator Replacement customer brochure (pdf)

How long will the project take?

Each escalator will require approximately 42 weeks for site preparation, demolition, construction, installation and testing. Replacing all three escalators in succession will take a total of about 2 ½ years. Metro engineers will work closely with the project contractor, KONE, to ensure the work is done as safely and efficiently as possible.

Why will it take so long?

The Bethesda Station escalators are the second longest in the Metrorail system and among the longest in the Western Hemisphere, so their replacement is more complicated than an average escalator replacement.  For example, the project is more complicated than the escalator replacement at the Dupont Circle South entrance and will require nearly twice as much crane activity to remove the structure and major trusses that holds each escalator.

To keep the station open, the escalators will be replaced one at a time, rather than all at once.  And for safety reasons, the work can only be conducted when the station is closed to customers and the adjacent escalators are not in service.  Taken together, these factors extend the project timeline to about 2 ½ years.  However, portions of the new escalators are manufactured in advance and are in storage so the project can move forward efficiently.

How will this work affect my trip?

On most days, it won't. Instead of having three escalators available at the entrance, only two will be available during the project: one going up, and one going down. Metro will have escalator technicians on standby at Bethesda to respond immediately to any outage affecting the two available escalators. However, riders should be aware there that in the event of a service disruption, the station may need to be temporarily closed to prevent safety hazards related to overcrowding.

When will Bethesda Station need to be closed?

Metro may need to temporarily close the station to prevent overcrowding during service disruptions or other events – such as a disabled train, medical emergency, infrastructure problem or power failure. This may happen with little advance notice. When the station is temporarily closed, Red Line trains will bypass the station in both directions and passengers on the platform will have to exit the station.

How should I prepare?

Review your options now, and create an alternate plan for the possibility that Bethesda Station is not available. During temporary closures, Metro will provide shuttle bus service between Bethesda and Medical Center Stations.  If you are on the train, exit at Medical Center and you can take a free shuttle bus to Bethesda. For travelers who aren’t in the system yet, you may want to go directly to one of the two nearest alternate stations: Medical Center and Friendship Heights. Medical Center is just over a mile to the north (approximately 20 minute walk) on Wisconsin Ave, and Friendship Heights is less than two miles to the south. Metrobus and RideOn buses also provide good alternatives, so you are urged to familiarize yourself now with local bus routes. 

How will I know if the station is closed?

Sign up for MetroAlerts to receive emails or text messages alerting you whenever there is a disruption on the Red Line or closure of the Bethesda station.  MetroAlerts will send another notification when the station has reopened.  You can sign up at wmata.com/metroalerts.

What is Metro doing to ensure safe operations?

For the duration of the project, Metro will have Transit Police, emergency management, rail supervision and escalator technicians at Bethesda Station at all times the Metrorail system is open. The personnel at Bethesda will continually monitor operations and take appropriate steps to ensure that the station is not overcrowded and that escalators and elevators remain available for entry and exit. While we know that a temporarily closure of Bethesda Station is inconvenient, please understand that your safety is our absolute highest priority.

Bethesda Station Quick Facts

• Bethesda Station opened in 1984
• Bethesda Station serves nearly 11,000 passengers on an average weekday
• Bethesda is the 20th busiest station in the Metrorail system
• Bethesda’s entrance escalators are 212 feet long, the second longest in the Metrorail system and among the longest in the Western Hemisphere
• Total cost for replacing the three entrance escalators is approximately $8.4 million

Customers at Bethesda Station already benefit from a new stairway installed between the mezzanine and platform levels, two new escalators connecting the mezzanine and platform levels, and new, brighter lighting over the mezzanine that has improved safety and visibility.

Stay informed by visiting this page at www.wmata.com/bethesda or call Customer Service at (202) 637-7000.