DC Metro Upgrades Infrastructure This Winter
DC Metro to single-track Blue, Orange, Silver Lines between Foggy Bottom and Rosslyn for five weekends
DC Metro Adds Weekend Single-Tracking Work
Metro riders traveling through downtown Washington will face longer commutes on weekends starting January 18. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will single-track trains between Foggy Bottom and Rosslyn on Blue, Orange, and Silver Lines for five consecutive weekends through February 15, transit officials said. The work affects two of the system's busiest stations as part of WMATA's Winter 2025 infrastructure program.
Infrastructure Maintenance Drives Winter Schedule
The construction program includes track work, platform reconstruction, tunnel repairs, and system upgrades across the regional rail network, according to the transit agency. WMATA typically schedules intensive maintenance during winter months when ridership runs lower than peak seasons. Officials said the work aims to maintain and improve aging infrastructure, though specific budget figures for the Winter 2025 program weren't available. The agency operates under Federal Transit Administration oversight requiring regular infrastructure maintenance.
Five Weekends of Modified Service Planned
Single-tracking operations will run on weekends January 18, January 25, February 1, February 8, and February 15 between the two stations. The work affects three rail lines serving the Potomac River crossing connecting downtown DC and Northern Virginia. Officials didn't provide specific delay estimates but advised riders to allow extra travel time during construction periods. The number of workers involved in the construction activities hasn't been announced.
Work Continues Through Mid-February
The construction program runs through Winter 2025, with the Foggy Bottom-Rosslyn single-tracking scheduled to conclude February 15. Officials said they'll release additional details about other construction activities as the program progresses, though a specific completion date for the entire winter program wasn't provided. The agency typically notifies riders several weeks before major service changes through station announcements and digital channels.
Riders Advised to Plan Extra Travel Time
Commuters using affected lines on weekends should expect longer trips and possible crowding during single-tracking operations. Officials recommend checking service status before traveling and considering alternative routes when possible. Moovit provides real-time updates for WMATA routes including construction-related delays and schedule changes. The transit system serves approximately 600,000 to 700,000 riders on average weekdays, though weekend ridership runs lower.
