Service information to the National Museum of African American History

Advisory Effective: 9/23/16 - 9/23/16

Metro is preparing for large crowds expected to attend the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture dedication ceremony and special events this weekend, September 24-25.

The museum's historic grand opening is expected to draw tens of thousands of people, which may result in long lines, full trains and buses, and the possibility of intermittent delays due to large crowds.

GETTING THERE
Metrorail will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Customers planning to attend the dedication ceremony and weekend events are advised to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. The closest Metrorail stations to the museum are:

• Smithsonian
• Federal Triangle

However, the Smithsonian and Federal Triangle stations may become overcrowded. Customers are advised to avoid transferring between Metrorail lines and choose a destination station on the same line as their origin. There are Metrorail stations near the museum on every line.

Here is a list of suggested alternates:

• Metro Center
• Archives
• McPherson Square
• Farragut West
• Farragut North
• L'Enfant Plaza

Customers attending late night events or visiting the museum, should allow plenty of time to reach the station before the last train departs.

Last trains depart Smithsonian:
Orange Line to Vienna at 12:01 a.m.
Orange Line to New Carrollton at 11:57 p.m.
Blue Line to Franconia-Springfield at 11:50 p.m.
Blue Line to Largo Town Center at 12:09 a.m.
Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East at 11:37 p.m.

Last trains depart Federal Triangle:
Orange Line to Vienna at 12:03 a.m.
Orange Line to New Carrollton at 11:55 p.m.
Blue Line to Franconia-Springfield at 11:52 p.m.
Blue Line to Largo Town Center at 12:07 a.m.
Silver Line to Wiehle-Reston East at 11:39 p.m.

Riders will be able to make connections to other lines as follows:

• Green or Yellow lines: Take Blue or Silver line and transfer at L'Enfant Plaza
• Red Line: Take Blue or Silver line and transfer at Metro Center

WEEKEND SERVICE ADJUSTMENTS
Riders are reminded that due to the year-long SafeTrack maintenance program, the Vienna, Dunn Loring and West Falls Church stations on the Orange Line will be closed for a scheduled shutdown. Shuttle buses will be available. Customers should consider using the Silver Line or traveling from East Falls Church as an alternate to avoid the shutdown area. More information can be found at wmata.com/SafeTrack.

In addition, there are weekend service adjustments scheduled on the Red, Orange, Blue, Silver and Yellow lines that may affect your weekend travel. Please review our advisory for complete details.

Metrobus customers should also expect detours and delays due to road closures in the area. For additional details, view the bus advisory. For additional information, view the advisory of temporary Metrobus detours.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Travel light. Customers are discouraged from bringing large coolers or other bulky items aboard trains.
• Smoking, eating and drinking are prohibited within Metrorail stations or aboard trains.
• Traveling with a stroller? use the elevator, not the escalators.
• Always stand back from the platform edge for your safety.
• Do not hold the train doors. They do not operate like elevator doors and will not automatically reopen.
• When boarding the train, step all the way into the car to make room for passengers boarding behind you.
• On Metrorail, it is customary for riders to stand to the right while using escalators.

SAFETY AND SECURITY

• For your safety, any bag, package or container carried into the Metrorail system may be subject to random, non-invasive security screening by Metro Transit Police.
• Prohibited items at many events include selfie sticks, signs or placards, tripods, alcohol, bicycles, explosives/fireworks, glass containers, coolers, animals (except service animals), weapons, and more. Be sure to check the event website for a complete list. If in doubt about whether an item will be permitted, it is best to leave it home.
• See something suspicious? Say something! Report suspicious activity or unattended items to Metro Transit Police. Call 202-962-2121 or text MyMTPD (696873).

Customers are encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts to receive updated service information by email or text or follow us on Twitter @MetrorailInfo and @MetrobusInfo.