WASHINGTON — After six weeks, Metro’s longest scheduled 24/7 work zone ends this week, but one that could have an even larger impact on a greater number of people begins Saturday, Oct. 29.
Here are five things to know this week:
1. It’s finally (almost) over
The Orange Line work impacting Vienna and Dunn Loring is scheduled to end Wednesday night, with full service restored Thursday morning.
For the first part of the week, though, continuing to avoid those two stations remains the best bet, since Metro’s regularly scheduled rush-hour service from West Falls Church east is not affected by the work. The Silver Line, VRE or buses are also options. See more workarounds in WTOP’s complete surge guide.
Metro 24/7 work plan manager Laura Mason said last week that work was ahead of schedule thanks to improved weather and many Metro workers running 12-hour shifts, in some cases six days per week.
2. A few days without scheduled rush-hour work
There is no scheduled 24/7 work on Thursday or Friday, although there is still evening or midday work.
Mason said that in addition to allowing Metro to get equipment and materials in place for the next round-the-clock work zone, it offers a chance to give some of the workers days off.
3. The next work zone has huge impact
Beginning Saturday, Oct. 29, the Red Line will have reduced service for weeks as crews shut down the tracks between NoMa-Gallaudet and Fort Totten.
Brookland-CUA and Rhode Island Avenue stations will be closed, and nearly all other Red Line stations will see significantly fewer trains than usual at rush hour.
The work zone runs through the Tuesday before Thanksgiving.
4. The workarounds
With the closure of Beach Drive adding to traffic issues for some affected riders, other options are key.
MARC’s Brunswick Line could be an option for commuters, along with the Green or Yellow Line stations between Greenbelt and Fort Totten.
Like the roads, all trains are expected to be crowded.
There are limited shuttle buses connecting Fort Totten, Brookland, Rhode Island Ave. and NoMa-Gallaudet, and there is some additional service on regular bus routes.
Drivers who stick with the roads need to watch out for extended parking restrictions in Silver Spring and many parts of the District.
Read more in the complete WTOP track work guide for the upcoming surge.
5. Marine Corps Marathon
The Red Line shutdown could impact fans cheering on runners at the Marine Corps Marathon on Sunday.
The marathon already made changes to address Metro’s new policy banning early openings for any reason.
Runners have until 8:55 a.m. to cross the start line, a full hour after the official start.
The 10K begins at 9:15 a.m., but the course is now completely in Arlington rather than crossing to the National Mall.
Metro does plan to run some additional service on the Blue and Yellow lines beyond typical weekend levels when the system opens at 7 a.m.
The marathon is offering shuttle service for runners from National Harbor, the Ronald Reagan Building downtown, Crystal City and Ballston.
