Metro officials have announced scheduling changes to accommodate passengers affected by the transit authority’s major construction project slated to begin September 10.
Significant track improvements are in store over the coming months for Metro’s Blue and Yellow lines. The project, which includes renovations to the Yellow Line tunnel and bridge, is to ensure a seamless opening of the Potomac Yard Station, Metro officials said. During Phase 1 of construction, which is expected to conclude on October 22, all six stations south of Reagan National Airport — Braddock Road, King Street, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, Eisenhower Avenue, and Huntington — will be closed.
In response to the project, the entirety of which is expected to run through May 2023, Red and Green lines will be adding more routes and replacing some six-car trains with eight-car variants.
“Providing customers with more travel options and more frequent service delivers on our priorities for the region,” General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke said in a release. “As we invest in infrastructure, open new stations and maintain our existing system, we move towards safer, more reliable service.”
Stations that use more than one line will be among those receiving the most significant addition of stops. Notably:
- Blue, Orange, or Silver lines that run between the Rosslyn and Stadium-Armory stations will now arrive every four minutes.
- Blue line trains running between National Airport and Stadium-Armory will run every eight minutes, the same time expected for Orange or Silver lines between East Falls Church and Rosslyn.
- Blue and Silver lines running between Stadium-Armory and Largo will be scheduled for 12-minute intervals.
Customers impacted by the Blue and Yellow line construction project can view a comprehensive list of travel alternatives here.
The stations affected by the construction project are slated to reopen after a six-week shutdown, once the Potomac Yard Station is connected to the route’s existing tracks. The Yellow line, however, will remain shuttered until extensive repairs on the tunnel and bridge are completed.
Passengers who use the six closed stations will be provided free “bus shuttles, free parking, and other convenient travel alternatives, including additional Blue and Green line service to keep customers moving,” Metro officials said.
For a full schedule of the construction project, as well as information regarding free shuttle availability during Phase One and Two of the project, passengers should visit Metro’s Yellow Line Tunnel and Bridge Rehabilitation Project page.
Feature image, Tupungato/stock.adobe.com
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