Preparing for stations reopening on January 16

Published: December 16, 2021 | En Español

Construction Update

  • Last week, Metro announced Shady Grove and Rockville stations will reopen on January 16, 2022. The final stage of the canopy project – installing glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels on the canopy’s steel structure – will not be complete when the stations reopen. When Rockville Station reopens in January, the canopy will provide cover for customers, but will remain temporarily unfinished until Metro determines the best type of exterior cladding needed to complete the canopy.
Birds eye view of roof decking installation at Rockville Station
Bird’s-eye view of roof decking installation at Rockville Station

  • Construction of the canopy’s steel structure is nearly complete, with only minor welding work remaining. Currently, installation of the metal roof decking is underway. The metal roof decking is being fused to the existing steel structure and will span the 300-foot canopy. 
Welding the metal roof decking
Welding the metal roof decking

  • Other progress underway includes installation of electrical conduit, which will help power critical communications equipment and customer experience improvements like information screens and speakers. Once complete, the total conduit length across the canopy will stretch nearly seven miles–more than 66 Washington Monuments!
Installation of electrical conduit
Installation of electrical conduit

ICYMI: 

Additional Station Work Completed

In addition to the Rockville Canopy Replacement Project, Metro is taking advantage of the station closures to advance other capital projects including:
  • Rockville Station’s Park & Ride has been repaved, restriped and is now ready for customers. Learn more about Metro’s parking projects.
Paved Park & Ride Lot at Rockville Station
Paved Park & Ride Lot at Rockville Station

New faregates at Rockville Station
New faregates at Rockville Station

Retracing History

With progress comes preservation. The Red Line expansion to Rockville Station in the 1980s meant the City of Rockville and Metro had to develop a plan for the existing MARC station, which was in the path for the proposed new Rockville Station. Through communication and partnership with the local community, the 400-ton MARC station was lifted off its foundation, moved to the south and had its façade reoriented. This allowed Rockville Station to occupy its current location while preserving the historic transportation corridor.

Trivia: Based on the original footprint, how far south did the MARC station have to be moved?
GIF of Rockville Station in 2021 and 1983
GIF of Rockville Station in 2021 and 1983

Happy Holidays

Thank you for your patience during the station closures. Metro will return with updates after the new year to prepare you for the reopening of both stations on January 16.