WMATA Reopens Two Stations and Continues Work on Orange Line

Photo: WMATA

WASHINGTON – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will reopen two stations on its Orange and Silver Lines while its Orange Line enters a second phase of construction.

Crews are close to reopening two stations on WMATA’s Orange and Silver Lines. The East Falls Church and West Falls Church stations were closed for construction, namely the installation of fiber-optic cables and new rail. Both stations will re-open on Monday, June 26^th. Through July 16^th, the Vienna and Dunn Loring stations on its Orange Line will remain closed as WMATA starts its second phase of work. The second phase entails installation of fiber-optic and replacement of rail between Vienna and West Falls Church. 

With almost 1800 tons of rail removed and replaced with 220 welds and new rail to form a continuous rail, the installation “also required rail distressing under compressive force to withstand the rigors of extreme temperatures.” In addition, vegetation and anything else that could be deemed hazardous was cleared on and along the track including 42,000 feet of “trees, bushes, grasses, and invasive vines that if not addressed risk causing drainage issues or may lead to damage in severe weather.”

The Metro Chief of Infrastructure, Andy Off, stated that the “team replaced 15.5 miles of track, installed nearly 36 miles of fiber-optic cable, replaced two diamond interlockings, and installed 13 new switch machines. . . [the team is] working to keep the system safe and reliable, and we thank our customers and visitors to the area for their understanding and patience.”

During construction, free shuttle bus service will be available for commuters. WMATA reassures its riders that they “will continue to have normal or near normal service outside the work zones” and trains will arrive at stations between Rosslyn and Stadium-Armory and between L’Enfant Plaza and Mt Vernon Sq every 4-6 minutes.

Once Orange Line construction is complete, work will start on the Green Line, namely installation of fiber-optic cables. Because these cables run down the center of the track, construction will force the stations between Fort Totten and Greenbelt to close July 22nd-Sept 4^th.

More service information, rail service, and bus options are available here.