Metro announces schedule delays for Rockville Canopy Replacement Project
Shady Grove and Rockville Stations Now Expected to Reopen in January
*Updated November 5, 2021 to clarify issues with GFRC panels
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Metro announced today a delay in the reopening of Shady Grove and Rockville stations for the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project. Red Line customers can now expect the stations to reopen in mid-January 2022.
Work on the project was halted to allow Metro to bring additional trains into service from the Shady Grove Rail Yard to address the railcar shortage caused by the removal of Metro’s 7000-series fleet. Additional materials issues with the canopy’s glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels are also impacting the project schedule. Free bus shuttle service will continue to operate at Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook stations throughout the project.
To support Metro's goal to safely restore Metrorail service to the region, Metro is retrieving 32 railcars from the Shady Grove Rail Yard. The rail yard has been closed during the shutdown, and a protective construction platform was placed over the tracks at Rockville Station, prohibiting trains to pass through. To access the railcars, the construction site’s platform will be dismantled and reconstructed once the railcar movement is complete.
“The trains stored at Shady Grove Rail Yard will provide relief to our system by reducing crowding and wait times for customers, while we continue the work to bring 7000-series trains back into service,” said Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld.
The adjusted timeline also enables Metro to address issues with the canopy’s GFRC panels. Panels that meet quality criteria have already been installed. However, Metro identified issues with other panels that cracked during shipping and is working directly with the manufacturer to ensure the remaining panels are shipped ready for installation.
“Metro is committed to completing the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project with the highest quality materials. It’s more important we get the project done right the first time. We appreciate the community’s patience as we strive to improve the station and make it safer for everyone,” Wiedefeld said.
Signage at the stations and other communication materials will be updated to reflect this new timeline, and an exact opening date will be provided as the materials issues are resolved. Complete service information and project updates are available at wmata.com/rockvillecanopy.
Customer Information
Service
- No rail service at Shady Grove and Rockville stations. Red Line trains will continue to operate at open stations.
- Free shuttle bus service will remain available throughout the project:
- Local service with stops at Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook stations, every 10 minutes when the Metrorail system is open.
- Express service between Shady Grove and Twinbrook, between 4:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. weekdays only, every 5 minutes during peak periods, 10 minutes off-peak.
- Amtrak and MARC service will continue to operate during construction with no service disruptions at Rockville.
- Free parking at Shady Grove and Rockville stations.
- Shady Grove and Rockville customers should consider parking at Twinbrook or White Flint as an alternative. Visit wmata.com/parking for more information about parking availability.
About the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project
Metro’s Rockville Canopy Replacement Project will replace the aging canopy structure over the platform at Rockville Station and make additional customer improvements. More information is available at wmata.com/rockvillecanopy