DC Metro Upgrades McPherson Elevator for Better Access
McPherson Square Station elevator closed through September for modernization work
Metro Closes McPherson Elevator for Two Months
Metro's McPherson Square Station elevator connecting the mezzanine and street level closed in July for a two-month modernization project, transit officials said. The elevator will remain out of service through September, affecting passengers who rely on accessible transportation at the downtown DC station. WMATA hasn't specified which nearby stations riders should use as alternatives or released details about how many passengers typically use this elevator daily.
The modernization project is part of Metro's ongoing capital improvement program to maintain aging infrastructure across the transit system, according to the agency. McPherson Square Station opened in 1977 as part of the original Metro system, making its infrastructure nearly 50 years old. Transit agencies typically conduct elevator modernization every 20-25 years to maintain compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act requirements and ensure reliable accessible service. The cost of the project hasn't been publicly disclosed.
WMATA classified the work as medium severity, indicating that while it'll affect some riders, alternative accessibility options remain available in the area. The station serves the Orange, Blue, and Silver Lines in downtown Washington. Officials haven't said which specific technical improvements are being made during the modernization or provided data on typical daily elevator usage. The agency advised passengers with mobility needs to plan alternative routes or use nearby stations with functioning elevators but didn't specify which stations.
The project began in July 2025 and is expected to wrap up in September 2025, though officials haven't provided a specific completion date. Metro typically notifies riders several weeks before major accessibility changes, and the agency said it'll provide updates on the rehabilitation progress through its service status page. Details about the specific timeline for when additional information will be available weren't provided.
Passengers with mobility needs should plan extra time for their commutes and consider alternative stations during the closure period. The modernization is part of broader infrastructure maintenance efforts across Metro's system, with similar elevator and escalator projects ongoing at multiple stations. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on Metro service and accessible station information throughout the Washington area.
