For immediate release: May 5, 2022

Metro encourages Orange Line riders to plan ahead for weekend pre-construction work for Platform Improvement Project

Metro anima a los pasajeros de la línea naranja a planificar con antelación a los trabajos previos a la construcción del fin de semana para el Proyecto de mejora de plataformas.

En español

Metro is reminding Orange Line riders to plan ahead for scheduled track work on May 7-8 and May 15-16, as construction crews prepare for this summer’s planned closure of five Orange Line stations east of Stadium-Armory from May 28-September 5, 2022. In coordination with the work for the Platform Improvement Project, Metro will also repair several aerial structures on this portion of the Orange Line and install station improvements.

In early May, the weekend closures will allow crews to finish demolishing mezzanine tile, begin installation of slip-resistant tiles in the mezzanines, complete crack repairs, install platform shoring, run conduit and install safety handrails around the platform canopies. During this time crews will also pour concrete at several bridges on the Orange Line segment to prepare for bridge bearing replacements that will occur during the station closures.

As part of the project, Metro is also advising customers of changes on the Blue and Silver lines on weekends through the summer when work will extend to the aerial structure between Stadium-Armory and Benning Road. Free shuttle buses will replace trains, with service suspended between the two stations. Additionally, Orange Line service will instead operate between Vienna and Ballston on weekends.

SERVICE INFORMATION:

Free shuttle bus service offered during the upcoming weekends will replicate the free shuttle service customers can expect to see this summer:

  • During the weekends of May 7-8 and 15-16, Orange Line service will end at Stadium-Armory. The free shuttle buses offered on the Orange Line will replicate the service customers can expect to see this summer during weekdays.

Due to these weekend shutdowns and other pre-construction activities, customers are advised that parking restrictions and bus relocations will be in effect at all five stations. Below is the complete rail and shuttle service plan for the upcoming weekends, which includes some work in other areas of the system that is unrelated to the summer shutdown:

Weekend of May 7-8

  • No rail service between Stadium-Armory and New Carrollton.
  • New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood and Minnesota Ave stations closed.
  • Orange Line trains will operate between Vienna and Stadium-Armory.
  • Free shuttle buses will operate as follows:
    • Local service between New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Stadium-Armory.
    • Express service with limited stops at New Carrollton, Landover and Stadium-Armory. 
    • Express service with limited stops at Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Stadium-Armory.

Weekend of May 14-15

  • No rail service between Stadium-Armory and New Carrollton and between College Park and Greenbelt.
  • New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Greenbelt stations closed.
  • Additional service details will be available the week prior to the closure at wmata.com/weekend.
  • Free shuttle buses will operate as follows:
    • Local service between New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Stadium-Armory.
    • Express service with limited stops at New Carrollton, Landover and Stadium-Armory. 
    • Express service with limited stops at Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Stadium-Armory.
    • Local service between College Park and Greenbelt.

Summer, beginning May 28

Weekends

Rail Service

  • No rail service between Stadium-Armory and New Carrollton and between Stadium-Armory and Benning Road.
  • New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, and Minnesota Ave stations closed.
  • Orange Line trains operate between Vienna and Ballston. Customers should transfer to/from the Silver Line at Ballston to continue their trip.
  • Blue and Silver line trains will operate in two segments: between Largo and Benning Rd and between Stadium-Armory and Franconia-Springfield/Wiehle-Reston East.

Free Shuttle Bus Service

  • Local service between New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Stadium-Armory.
  • Express service with limited stops at New Carrollton, Landover and Stadium-Armory. 
  • Express service with limited stops at Deanwood, Minnesota Ave and Stadium-Armory.
  • Local service between Benning Rd and Stadium-Armory.

Additional Resources  

Metro will keep customers and stakeholders informed during the summer shutdown at wmata.com/platforms. Customers are encouraged to sign up to receive the latest project information and stakeholders and members of the media are encouraged to use the resources available in the project’s communications toolkit

About the Platform Improvement Project 

Metro’s Platform Improvement Project is dedicated to making platforms safer and more accessible for all customers. As part of this multi-year project, Metro is rebuilding deteriorated platforms at 20 outdoor Metrorail stations. While station platforms are reconstructed, Metro is using the time to make improvements that enhance the customer experience with a higher level of safety, accessibility and convenience. Key customer experience improvements include new slip-resistant tiles, brighter energy-efficient LED lighting, larger digital display screens, new stainless-steel platform shelters with power outlets and new surveillance systems. 

Metro’s Capital Improvement Program 

Metro is investing in system safety, reliability and the region's economy through its 10-year, $15 billion capital program. For the first time in Metro's history, the capital program is bolstered by dedicated funding from Maryland, Virginia and the District of Columbia. The capital program will improve the customer experience and keep the region's infrastructure in a state of good repair by investing in new railcars and buses, improving stations and platforms, upgrading fire-suppression and emergency response systems, replacing and repairing tracks, tunnels, bridges, signals and communications systems, rebuilding decades-old bus garages and providing modern customer amenities such as passenger information systems. By spending local taxpayer dollars for capital projects, Metro is seeking to reinvest in our hometown economy, creating jobs and encouraging participation from disadvantaged, minority-owned, and small businesses in the region.