Following three and a half months of construction, disrupted travel patterns and alternative commuting options, the longest shutdown in Metro history has officially ended. Starting yesterday, NoVA commuters now have the option to return to the six Blue and Yellow Line stations—Braddock Road, King Street, Eisenhower Avenue, Huntington, Van Dorn Street and Franconia-Springfield—that were not in commission during Phase I of the Platform Improvement Project, as contractors reconstructed outdoor platforms and various other amenities. From pure excitement regarding new features to frustration with unexpected delays, here’s a look at how commuters in the Northern Virginia and Washington, DC area are adjusting to the reopening of the stations on Monday, Sept. 9.
I moved in May, the weekend of the shutdown. Today I’ll experience a normal commute for the first time #wmata
— TKBlueline (@tkblueline) September 9, 2019
First day back on @wmata and naturally I’m sitting in a lengthy signal delay after waiting 12m for a train. Should have stuck with VRE #wmata @unsuckdcmetro pic.twitter.com/n7iNGf6qOT
— Socratic Inquisition (@SocraticInquis1) September 9, 2019
hey other transit systems: are you feeling envious yet? https://t.co/KALCFzICRi #wmata https://t.co/D3WnjmA3rf
— James Pizzurro (@jamespizzurro) September 9, 2019
That took longer than I expected. Three months of closures and here we are. @unsuckdcmetro @HakunaWMATA https://t.co/LzZJYLTdaG
— Danielle Wolf (@housetohalfgo) September 9, 2019
Who knew I’d be so excited about non-skid tile. Thanks, @wmata! #finally pic.twitter.com/Cn35fuSCe9
— Perry Cooper (@PerryECooper) September 9, 2019
The #MetroShutdown is over – it’s a miracle! #KingStreet #DCMetro @MetroShutdown 🚇 pic.twitter.com/KxTEKZ5I6O
— StikeDC (@StikeDC) September 9, 2019
On Blue line that just left Franconia Springfield. Lots of employees around. Still work left to do in station but the basics are working. While Metro deserves much of the criticism they receive, you have to give them credit for the express bus service this summer. #wmata
— James Sun (@jamessun) September 9, 2019
The results are in from this morning’s rush hour (sorry these are a little late!): 72% and 41% headway and schedule adherence, respectively, for the Blue Line; 66% and 48% for the Yellow Line. #wmata
— MetroHero (@dcmetrohero) September 9, 2019
Received a thank-you gift from #wmata for surviving the summerlong closure of six Blue and Yellow line stations. pic.twitter.com/Gfswx2NcRs
— Michael Hechter (@enviroMHint) September 9, 2019
In conjunction with the reopening of the Metro stations, many restaurants, shops and attractions within the city of Alexandria are offering promotional deals to individuals with a Metro SmartTrip Card until Sept. 15. From local hotel packages to expanded happy hours at nearby restaurants, here’s everything you could save on this week in Alexandria.
This is the final piece in our Summer Platform Improvement Project coverage. See all coverage of the summer shutdown here.
