Press Releases - Department of Transportation

Metro to Close Some Downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver Line Stations for Maintenance From Dec. 20-30

For Immediate Release: Thursday, September 19, 2024

Beginning Dec. 20, Metro is altering train service and closing some Downtown Blue, Orange, and Silver stations as part of a major construction project to improve tracks, signaling, and make a smoother ride for customers. 

Free shuttle buses will replace trains during the 11-day project. Work will be completed in two phases.

From Dec. 20-26, Farragut West, McPherson Square, and the lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) at Metro Center will be closed.

From Dec. 27-30, Farragut West, McPherson Square, lower level (Blue, Orange, Silver service) at Metro Center, Federal Triangle, Smithsonian, and the lower level of L'Enfant Plaza (Blue, Orange, Silver service) will also be closed.

Stations will reopen Dec. 31.

Construction includes replacing grout pads, replacing fasteners and studs, welding open joints, upgrading platform edge lighting, and more.

Metro strategically picked closure dates to minimize customer impact. Typically, this time of year has lower ridership. One longer closure also prevents months-worth of weekend shutdowns in the same area. Metro has reached out to several community and business groups to let them know about the upcoming work.

During the closure, shuttle buses will replace train service at affected stations, providing customers with alternate access to stations. Shuttles will also use the existing bus lanes on H and I streets to speed travel.

The following closures will take effect:

Dec. 20 through Dec. 26

Station Closures

• Farragut West
• McPherson Square
• Metro Center (lower level/Blue, Orange, and Silver service closed)

Service

• Blue Line will operate from Franconia-Springfield to Foggy Bottom (trains every 12 minutes).
• Orange Line will operate in two segments from Vienna to Clarendon (trains every 12 minutes) and Federal Triangle to New Carrollton (trains every 16 minutes).
• Silver Line will operate in two segments from Ashburn to Foggy Bottom (trains every 12 minutes) and Federal Triangle to Downtown Largo (trains every 16 minutes).

Dec. 27 through Dec. 30: 

Station Closures

• Farragut West
• McPherson Square
• Metro Center (lower level/Blue, Orange, and Silver service closed)
• Federal Triangle
• Smithsonian
• L’Enfant Plaza (lower level/Blue, Orange, and Silver service closed)

Service

• Blue Line will operate from Franconia-Springfield to Foggy Bottom (trains every 12 minutes).
• Orange Line will operate in two segments from Vienna to Clarendon (trains every 12 minutes) and Federal Center SW to New Carrollton (trains every 8 minutes).
• Silver Line will operate in two segments from Ashburn to Foggy Bottom (trains every 12 minutes) and Federal Center SW to Downtown Largo (trains every 8 minutes).

All stations affected by the winter closures will reopen on Dec 31.

Detailed information about the shuttle bus service will be available in the coming weeks. Metro encourages all passengers to stay informed and plan their travel accordingly.

Metro previously announced this work in February and other upcoming major work through 2026.

For updated Metro information on upcoming major construction follow on X @wmata, @metrorailinfo, @metrobusinfo, and  sign up for Metro Alerts via text and email.

Release ID: 24-112
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta, 240-372-2282