Blue Line riders be aware: there’s some rehabilitation work coming up this month that will close parts of the route in Fairfax, though replacement buses will be available.
Metro reminded riders in a release that the upcoming track work is scheduled to run from Saturday, July 5, through Saturday, July 26.
“The work will close Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St. stations, but free local and express shuttle buses will replace trains during construction,” the release said. “Free parking will also be available at the affected stations during construction.”
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) said the construction work aims to keep the system in good repair and prevent larger service disruptions.
“One construction period allows crews to get more work done at a time instead of months of weekend closures,” the release said. “The work is also being completed during months when ridership is typically lower.”
The construction work will extend to the Yellow Line later this month, with trains single-tracking between the Huntington and Braddock Road stations on the weekends of July 12-13 and 19-20).
“Crews will replace ties and fix ballast that supports the tracks and creates a smoother ride,” WMATA said.
More on what to expect from the press release:
Closed stations: Van Dorn St and Franconia-Springfield (parking garages/lots remain open)
Shuttle alternatives:
- Local shuttle: Service between Franconia-Springfield to Van Dorn St. to Eisenhower Ave. to King St.-Old Town every 8-10 minutes.
- Express shuttle: Service between Franconia-Springfield and Pentagon every 8-10 minutes.
Work to be completed:
- Upgrading the train control system and replacing an obsolete signal system to serve as a bridge to the next generation signaling system.
- Rail renewal, tie replacement, ballast tamping, and grout pad replacement for a smoother, safer ride.
- Repairing lighting to improve visibility.
According to WMATA, its summer construction period will be shorter this year than in previous seasons, spanning just two months. Next month, the work will shift to the southern end of the Green Line, closing three stations on the Maryland end of the line from Aug. 2-31.
