Preparations for platform reconstruction project this weekend, as buses replace trains at six stations south of Reagan National Airport

Metro is reminding customers that this weekend, May 4-5, buses will replace trains on the Blue and Yellow lines south of Reagan National Airport to allow for structural inspections and pre-construction activity associated with this summer’s major platform reconstruction project. Six stations south of the airport will be closed – Braddock Road, King St-Old Town, Eisenhower Ave, Huntington, Van Dorn Street and Franconia-Springfield – with trains replaced by free shuttle buses.

The advance work this weekend is necessary due to the complexity of the project and will allow Metro’s contractor, Kiewit, to begin construction on the first day of the summer shutdown, Saturday, May 25. Crews will perform inspections on the six platform structures, install cable supports, stage heavy equipment and materials, and other pre-construction activity.

Also this weekend, Metro and Alexandria DASH will conduct a dry run of shuttle bus operations, providing an opportunity for bus operators to familiarize themselves with the routes.

To date, Metro’s contractor has reconfigured bus stops and roadways to accommodate shuttle buses, created temporary construction staging areas, and mobilized equipment. Outside the Eisenhower Ave Station, the project team is using platform “mock ups” to help train workers, test construction methods and resolve technical issues prior to work beginning.

Service information

Blue Line:

• Trains will operate regular service levels between National Airport and Largo Town Center only. Shuttle buses will replace Blue Line trains between Reagan National Airport and Franconia-Springfield. Allow additional travel time.
• Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, King St-Old Town, Braddock Rd, Huntington and Eisenhower Ave stations will be closed.

• Free shuttle bus information:
• Blue Line shuttle buses (provided by DASH) will operate between Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, King St-Old Town and National Airport.
• No stop at Braddock Road station.
  
  
• Customers traveling to/from Braddock Rd must use a Yellow Line shuttle.

Yellow Line:

• Trains will operate regular service levels between Reagan National Airport and Fort Totten only. (Note: On Saturday, trains will begin/end at Mt Vernon Square between 7 a.m. and 11:15 a.m., and between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)
• Shuttle buses will replace Yellow Line trains between Crystal City and Huntington. Allow additional travel time.

• Huntington, Eisenhower Ave, King St-Old Town and Braddock Road stations will be closed.

• Free shuttle bus information:
  
• Yellow Line shuttle buses will operate between Huntington, Eisenhower Avenue, King St-Old Town, Braddock Road and Crystal City.
• No stop at Reagan National Airport.

• Customers traveling to/from Reagan National Airport must use a Blue Line shuttle.

While work is being done to prepare for the platform reconstruction, Metro will use the opportunity to perform additional maintenance and repairs, including switch replacement, aerial structure inspection, rail and tie renewal, and grout pad replacement.

From May 25 through September 8, the six stations south of Reagan National Airport will be closed to rebuild crumbling platforms that have deteriorated from decades of exposure to wind, rain, salt and other outdoor elements.