Opening early, under budget: Downtown Metrorail construction wraps up a day ahead of schedule

Construction work on the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines in Downtown D.C. will wrap up early and more than $450,000 under budget, following ten days of critical track repairs and infrastructure upgrades.

Normal service will resume on Monday, Dec. 30, at 5 a.m.

With the work completed, Metro will be free of any track work heading into New Year’s Eve.

On New Year's Eve,fares will be free after 8 p.m. and train service will be extended to 2 a.m.to accommodate workers and revelers ringing in the New Year. In addition,24/7 bus serviceis available on 14 routes in the District.

Since Dec. 20, service on parts of the Blue, Orange, and Silver lines between Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle has been suspended. The work zone extended to Federal Center SW from Dec. 27-29. Free shuttle buses replaced trains during construction, providing service between the affected stations. Metro thanks the District Department of Transportation for assistance with bus lanes during the project.

“We appreciate our customers’ patience as we complete this critical work,” said Metro General Manager and CEO Randy Clarke. “This is the busiest section of our system, which required critical work to keep the system reliable and safe.

“I want to thank our great team for working through the holidays and cold weather to get work done during a time that is least impactful to customers.”

This month’s major construction project improved tracks and signaling, resulting in a safer and more reliable ride for customers. One dedicated closure prevented 10 weekends of track work in the same area.

Crews completed the following work:

• Replaced nearly 2,400 feet of track.
• Replaced grout pads, rail fasteners, and studs, which hold the tracks in place.
• Conducted water mitigation work, which keeps the tunnels dry.
• Replaced insulators, which protect the powered third rail.
• Replaced signaling switch machines for more reliable service.
• Upgraded platform edge lighting with more efficient LED lights.
• Deep cleaned stations.

The construction was part of Metro's six-year, $12 billion Capital Improvement Program, investing in system safety, reliability, and the region's economy. The capital program improves the customer experience and keeps the region's infrastructure in a state of good repair.

This is the third straight major construction project that was completed earlier than planned.