Six Blue and Yellow line Metro stations that have remained closed in recent months due to ongoing construction reopened Sunday, officials from the transit agency announced.
The stations south of Reagan National Airport — Braddock Road, King Street, Van Dorn Street, Franconia-Springfield, Eisenhower Avenue, and Huntington — were shuttered on September 10 to allow for extensive repairs to the Yellow Line tunnel and bridge. Additionally, crews relocated 2,000 feet of existing track to connect to the new Potomac Yard Station, which has yet to receive an opening date.
And while four of the six reopened stations are traditionally serviced by Yellow Line trains, that line will remain suspended through May 2023, Metro officials said, until construction on the line’s tunnel and bridge is complete. Blue and Green line trains will service all six stations until then.
“Trains will run every 15 minutes between Franconia-Springfield and Largo on the Blue Line, with Blue Plus service operating every 15 minutes between Huntington and New Carrollton,” Metro officials said in the announcement.
Although major construction and train testing has been completed at the Potomac Yard Station, which will sit between the Braddock Road and Reagan National Airport stops, the transit agency announced recently that the station’s opening would be delayed until 2023 due to soil issues that are impacting ground stability between tracks.
“Watching the test trains go through the station reminds us we are nearing the finish line of this large and significant capital project that will serve the region for decades to come,” Metro General Manager Randy Clarke said in the release. “We thank our customers and partners for their patience as the team ensures we provide the safest and best experience for this beautiful station.”
Metro will continue to offer free shuttle service during rush hour for passengers going to and from Virginia and DC until the entire project’s completion.
Read more about travel alternatives for affected passengers here.
Feature image courtesy of WMATA
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