Metro Adds Weather Protection at Arlington Cemetery

Metro installs weather-protective canopies at Arlington Cemetery station through 2026

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Metro Adds Canopies at Arlington Cemetery Station

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Metro's installing protective canopies at both entrances of Arlington Cemetery station to shield riders and escalators from weather. The project began June 5, 2023, and will continue through summer 2026, transit officials said. Two canopies are being erected—one at the north entrance and one at the south entrance on opposite sides of Memorial Drive.

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The canopies are part of a systemwide initiative to install or replace nine canopies across Metrorail by 2026, according to the transit agency. These structures protect escalators from rain, snow, and ice, which can damage mechanical components and reduce equipment lifespan. Weather exposure is a leading cause of escalator failures at outdoor Metro stations. The protective covers help extend escalator reliability and reduce maintenance costs over time.

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Canopy steel has been erected at both station entrances, and crews are currently installing skylight framing and glass, officials said. All construction work takes place during non-revenue hours when trains aren't running. Both station entrances remain open throughout the project, and the two elevators on the north side of Memorial Drive that service both platform sides continue operating normally. Officials didn't specify exact completion milestones for remaining construction phases.

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The project's scheduled to wrap up by summer 2026, giving crews three years to complete both canopy installations. Metro's conducting all work during overnight and early morning hours to avoid disrupting weekday and weekend service. Officials said the extended timeline allows for careful installation while maintaining full station access.

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Riders can expect normal station access throughout construction, with both entrances and elevators remaining operational. The canopies will provide weather protection for customers using the escalators once completed. Moovit provides real-time Metro updates and service alerts for Arlington Cemetery station and all Metrorail lines.