DC Metro Upgrades Pentagon City Elevator Access
Metro begins three-month elevator rehab at Pentagon City Station with alternative access available
Metro Starts Pentagon City Elevator Rehab
Metro's begun a three-month rehabilitation project on the east side Hayes Street elevator at Pentagon City Station, transit officials said November 5. The elevator will remain out of service during construction, though riders requiring accessible access can use an alternative elevator on the west side of South Hayes Street that's been operating since September 17. Officials didn't disclose the project's specific cost or completion date.
Alternative Access Ensures Continued Service
The rehabilitation is part of WMATA's ongoing effort to modernize aging infrastructure across its system, according to the transit agency. Metro operates over 1,700 elevators and escalators, one of the largest such systems in North America. The west side elevator was added in September 2025 specifically to provide redundancy during the east side rehabilitation. Officials said the timing ensures passengers won't lose elevator access, though they haven't specified how many riders typically use elevators at the station.
Project Part of System-Wide Modernization
Pentagon City Station opened in 1977 as part of the original Metrorail system, making its infrastructure nearly 50 years old. Transit officials said the rehabilitation addresses equipment that's reached the end of its service life. The agency maintains system-wide elevator and escalator availability rates between 90-92%, according to WMATA performance data. Details about specific technical improvements being made to the elevator weren't provided.
Three-Month Timeline Expected
The project began in November 2025 and is expected to take approximately three months, which would mean completion in early 2026. Officials haven't announced a specific completion date. WMATA didn't identify the contractor performing the work or provide a detailed construction timeline beyond the three-month estimate.
Riders Can Access Real-Time Updates
Passengers requiring elevator access should use the west side entrance on South Hayes Street during construction. The alternative elevator provides the same street-to-platform access as the east side facility. Transit apps like Moovit provide real-time elevator status updates and can help riders plan accessible routes through Pentagon City Station during the rehabilitation period.
