Metro Reconfigures Southern Avenue Station Access

Metro closes 85% of Southern Avenue Kiss & Ride lot through 2026 for infrastructure work

2026-04-23, Moovit News Team

Headline

Metro Closes 85% of Southern Avenue Kiss & Ride

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Drivers who drop off Metro riders at Southern Avenue Station will lose access to most parking spaces as the agency closes up to 85% of the Kiss & Ride Lot indefinitely. Metro began the reconfiguration project in June 2024 and reopened the lower level of the Park & Ride Lot to offset the loss, transit officials said. The project's scheduled to continue through December 31, 2026.

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Metro Kiss & Ride lot at Southern Avenue Station with construction barriers and signage visible, showing reconfigured parking area with vehicles and station entrance in background. Alt text: Southern Avenue Metro station Kiss & Ride lot reconfiguration construction project. Composition: Wide angle showing construction zone barriers, remaining parking spaces, and station facility to illustrate scope of parking reduction.

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The reconfiguration addresses long-term facility needs at the Green Line station in Southeast Washington. Metro's conducting the work to improve station infrastructure, though officials haven't specified what improvements the project will deliver. Kiss & Ride lots typically provide short-term parking for passenger drop-offs and pickups, while Park & Ride facilities offer all-day parking for commuters. The agency said the reopened Park & Ride lower level will help accommodate drivers affected by the Kiss & Ride closure.

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Daily parking's now available in the Park & Ride lot with standard Metro rates applied, officials said. All construction zones are clearly marked with posted signs for safety, and vehicles parked in marked construction zones are subject to towing by Metro Transit Police. Passengers should call 202-962-2121 for information about towed vehicles. The construction timeline's tentative and subject to change throughout the project duration, Metro said.

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Metro Park & Ride lot lower level at Southern Avenue Station showing reopened parking spaces with rate signage and painted parking lines. Alt text: Southern Avenue Metro Park & Ride lot lower level reopened parking spaces. Composition: Ground-level view emphasizing available parking spaces, rate signs, and facility lighting to show alternative parking option for riders.

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Passengers should expect loud noises and traffic or pedestrian detours throughout the construction period, which runs through late 2026. Metro will update its advisory as construction progresses, officials said. The agency advised passengers to stay clear of construction zones and follow all safety instructions during the work.

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Riders using Southern Avenue Station should plan for limited Kiss & Ride access and consider using the Park & Ride lot or alternative drop-off arrangements. Metro didn't provide details on how many parking spaces remain available in the Kiss & Ride lot or specific improvements the project will deliver. Moovit provides real-time updates and alternative route planning for Metro riders adjusting to the station changes.