Opening early and under budget: Red Line construction wraps up one day ahead of schedule with normal service resuming Saturday

Extended service until 2 a.m. on all lines New Year’s Eve

Metro today announced that Red Line construction between the Dupont Circle and Gallery Place stations will be completed early and $250,000 under budget, following construction for critical tunnel repairs and infrastructure upgrades. Normal Red Line service will resume one day earlier than planned, starting at 7 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 30.

With the Red Line work completed, the weekend will be free of any scheduled track work going into New Year's Eve when train service systemwide will be extended to 2 a.m. to accommodate workers and revelers ringing in the new year. In addition, 24/7 DC bus service is now available on 14 routes for those in the District traveling after the rail system closes.

Service on the Red Line has been suspended since Monday, Dec. 18, to repair the deteriorating concrete beams and ceiling that date to the system’s original construction. Additionally, the work zone was extended Dec. 22-24 with no Red Line service between Gallery Place and Union Station. Free shuttle buses replaced trains during construction, providing more than 172,000 passenger trips to date between the affected stations.

"We appreciate all of our customers, businesses, the District and the effort our Metro staff who worked through the holidays to get this critical work done," said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. "Maintaining the safety and reliability of the system is vital. Thanks to Mayor Bowser and the District Department of Transportation, we were able to use special dedicated bus lanes created for this project to minimize the impact to customers."

Construction Highlights

• Metro's construction team used more than eight tons of concrete and 466 pounds of rebar to rebuild the Red Line tunnel ceiling to prevent concrete from falling onto trains.
• The team replaced 3,159 linear feet of running rail between Farragut North and Metro Center.
• Workers installed 1,152 lights for the new platform edge lighting between Farragut North and Judiciary Sq with brighter, more sustainable LED lights.
• Added extra insulation to the third rail power cables between Gallery Place and Judiciary Square to provide a moisture barrier of the electrified third rail, which powers the trains.
• To prepare for its next generation train signaling system, Metro installed 15,914 linear feet of fiber optic cables between Farragut North and Judiciary Sq.

The Red Line construction is part of Metro's 10-year, $15 billion Capital Improvement Program, investing in system safety, reliability, and the region's economy. The capital program will improve the customer experience and keep the region's infrastructure in a state of good repair. In spending local taxpayer dollars for capital projects, Metro is reinvesting in our hometown economy, creating jobs, and encouraging participation from disadvantaged, minority-owned, and small businesses in the region.

New Year's Eve & New Year's Day Service Information

In addition to resuming normal Red Line service, all lines will run on a Sunday schedule Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 2 a.m. on New Year's Eve and midnight on New Year's Day. For last train times on New Year's Eve, check the station page and add two hours.

On Sunday, $2 all day weekend fares will apply, providing an easy, affordable option to attend New Year’s Eve festivities. On Monday, New Year's Day, regular weekday fares will be in effect all day, including $2 fares after 9:30 p.m.

Metrobus service will operate on a Sunday schedule both days, including 24/7 DC bus service on 14 routes in the District. Schedules vary by route. Check timetables for route specific information.

MetroAccess will provide normal service on both days; however, scheduled recurring subscription trips will be canceled on New Year’s Day. Customers wishing to travel on Jan. 1, may make a reservation online or call 301-562-5360 (TTY 301-588-7535).

Parking will be free at all Metro owned garages and lots on both days, except for Morgan Blvd and Downtown Largo where non-riders are subject to a $15 Special Event Parking Fee during events at FedExField. Metrorail riders who use the same SmarTrip® card to ride to Morgan Blvd or Downtown Largo and exit the parking facility following a qualifying trip will not be charged upon exiting. A qualifying Metro ride is one that begins at a station other than Downtown Largo, Morgan Blvd, Addison Road, Capitol Heights, or Benning Road.

The $15 rate is in effect at the time of kick-off and remains in effect until two hours after the event.

Customers are encouraged to go to wmata.com/MetroPulse for real-time service information. Sign up to receive MetroAlerts text and email messages, follow us on X @metrorailinfo @metrobusinfo @wmata, or go to wmata.com/alerts for the latest service information.

Metro's customer service is also available to respond via social media, chat, or by calling 202-637-7000 (automated information available 24/7). Representatives are available on New Year’s Eve from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and New Year’s Day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.