October 8-11, Washington, D.C., Metro will install a new track switch, repair and upgrade its platforms and conduct make landscaping repairs on the Blue, Orange, Red and Yellow lines to improve long-term reliability and service. The track switch on the Blue and Orange Line that will close the Farragut West, McPherson Square and the lower level of the Metro Center Metrorail station is work that was recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board to improve rail safety. There will be no train service through those stations on the Blue or Orange Lines.

As a result of this work, which is critical to maintain the railroad in a state of good repair, riders can expect delays of up to 40 minutes and if possible, should try to avoid passing through the work zone on the Blue and Orange lines.



Blue and Orange Line Track Switch Installation. 

Metro officials will replace a track switch to improve rail system safety and conduct several additional projects between the Farragut West and the lower level of the Metro Center Metrorail station, which will necessitate the closure of the Farragut West and McPherson Square Metrorail stations and the closure of the Orange and Blue Lines at Metro Center throughout the Columbus Day Holiday Weekend, (Oct. 8-11). The Red Line through Metro Center will not be affected. The track switch replacement is work that has been recommended by the National Transportation Safety Board to improve the safety of the rail system. Normal service will resume on Tuesday, Oct. 12, at 5 a.m.



In addition, track workers will focus on replacing old components to keep the rail system in a state of good repair. They will replace four track switches, which comprise the entire rail interlocking at the McPherson Square Metrorail station, install 215 new track fasteners, replace old track, install new tunnel safety lights, and repair water leaks in the tunnels. 

The Blue and Orange Lines will each be split in two sections throughout the Columbus Day Holiday Weekend

Metro scheduled this important safety improvement during the course of the holiday weekend because Monday, Oct. 11 is the Federal Columbus Day holiday when rail system usage is significantly lower than usual because government offices are closed. More than 40 percent of rush hour riders are federal employees.



Red Line Platform Repairs. Metrorail customers traveling between the Shady Grove and Twinbrook Metrorail stations should add at least 30 minutes to their travel time because Metro will repair the deteriorated platform at the Rockville Metrorail station to return it to a state of good repair. Trains will share one track between these locations the entire weekend.

Yellow Line Landscaping Repairs. 

Metrorail customers traveling between the Huntington and Braddock Road Metrorail stations should add at least 30 minutes to their travel time because Metro will conduct landscaping repairs at the Huntington Metrorail station to return it to a state of good repair. Trains will share one track between these locations the entire weekend.