WASHINGTON — The next round of 24/7 Metrorail track work — from Monday through Sunday — will bring one of the most significant disruptions to Metro service of the entire nearly yearlong plan.
Here are the five key things to know about the latest maintenance surge, which affects Red Line routes in Maryland. The full details on the work between Takoma and Silver Spring and the workarounds for riders are in the WTOP track work guide:
1. It’s the first time round-the-clock work hits Red Line riders
The first day of each work zone has proved especially challenging as riders figure out just how disruptive the delays may be and what alternatives are available. But regional leaders are concerned about the first day of this surge, due to the more than 200,000 trips on a regular weekday that will be affected by the single-tracking and service reductions. One upside is that this work zone is happening in early August when rush-hour crowding and traffic are typically lighter.
Riders who are aware of the workarounds may fare better, since they can figure out alternatives early.
2. There is at least some impact along nearly all of the Red Line
The major disruption is on the eastern leg of the Red Line, between Glenmont and NoMa-Gallaudet stations. Only one out of every four trains that are typically scheduled at rush hour will actually be running along that stretch. There will be a handful of additional trains between Glenmont and Silver Spring stations, but not enough to carry all of the commuters who usually use the stretch.
Other Red Line riders will also see reduced service because trains between NoMa and Grosvenor stations will run 25 percent less frequently than usual at rush hour.
Next week, the work shifts to the Shady Grove end of the line.
3. There are some workarounds
Riders who typically drive to stations on the east side of the Red Line have the option of driving to Green Line or MARC stations. Carpooling or commuter buses from park and ride lots are other options.
Riders with space to change clothes at their destinations can also use bike routes that are specially marked from Red Line stations to and from West Hyattsville, or to bike all the way in.
For others, Montgomery County Ride On is offering “Red Line Shuttles” to connect Silver Spring, Fort Totten and Takoma stations and to add service on the other side of the Red Line between Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
Additional options, which may be more direct or convenient for some riders, include existing bus routes — some of which will have additional service. In the District, these bus routes may be among the best bets:
- Metrobus 79 limited stop down 16th Street
- Metrobus Route 80 between Fort Totten, Brookland, Union Station, Farragut Square and the Kennedy Center
- P6 between Anacostia, Navy Yard, Archives and Rhode Island Avenue
- G8 connecting Brookland, Shaw-Howard, Metro Center and Farragut Square
Capital Bikeshare is also adding corral service at Union Station.
4. Parking changes in D.C., Bethesda and Silver Spring areas
To open up more lanes for traffic, Montgomery County and D.C. are limiting parking on major corridors.
In Montgomery County, the temporary no parking at meters applies along MD-355 (Wisconsin Avenue), MD-97 (Georgia Avenue) and U.S. 29 (Colesville Road).
The District Department of Transportation is extending rush-hour parking restrictions 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the evening along Rhode Island Avenue, North Capitol Street and 16th Street Northwest.
Drivers should check signs carefully before parking in a routine spot. There are signs indicating the temporary restrictions, which drivers are warned will be “strictly enforced.”
5. This is just a warmup
Takoma Park Mayor Kate Stewart said she hopes the region learns from this work zone, since a similar, even larger disruption is coming this fall.
From Oct. 10 through Nov. 1, Metro plans to entirely shut down the Red Line tracks between the NoMa-Gallaudet and Fort Totten stations. It is expected to be the most disruptive work zone for many riders and it comes — not in the middle of summer when many people have shifted commutes or are on vacation — just as people are beginning to settle into school-year traffic patterns.
The work in October will cut service by at least 40 percent along the entire Red Line, with the exception of some additional rush hour trains between Shady Grove and Grosvenor-Strathmore.
