Summer 2026 Red Line Major Construction

From July 6-Sept. 6, 2026, Metro will complete major construction on the Red Line. During this period, trains will not operate between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights. Free parking will be available at North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations.

Free shuttle buses will replace trains at the following stations: Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda.

During this period, Red Line trains will operate every six minutes during the daytime and every ten minutes during late night service in two segments:

• Between Shady Grove and North Bethesda
• Between Friendship Heights and Glenmont

Anticipated construction activities

The construction will:

• Create a second mezzanine at Bethesda station to integrate the MTA Purple Line
• Rehabilitate the platform at Grosvenor-Strathmore by replacing slab edges and tiles, adding new lighting, and modifying drainage
• Maintain the raised railway across Rockville Pike/MD 355 between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center
  

Free shuttle service

Trains will not run from North Bethesda to Friendship Heights while this work is ongoing. All shuttle service is ADA accessible.

The free shuttle buses will run every 5-8 minutes during Metro Rail operating hours. Seven and a half lane miles of dedicated bus lanes along Rockville Pike/MD 355 will help expedite shuttle service. Metro is working in coordination with the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) to implement the bus-only lanes from July 6-Sept. 6. Enforcement of the bus-only lanes will not take place prior to that time. For more information about the bus lanes, please visit MDOT's website.

Shuttle stop locations

Resources

• System Map [Effective July 6-Sept. 6, 2026]
• Summer 2026 Red Line Major Construction Handout
• Summer 2026 Red Line Free Shuttle Stops
• May 6 Community Meeting Presentation