Metro Upgrades Arlington Cemetery Station Infrastructure

Metro installs weather canopies at Arlington Cemetery station to protect escalators through 2026

Metro Adds Canopies at Arlington Cemetery Station

Metro's installing weather-protective canopies at Arlington Cemetery station's north and south entrances, transit officials said. The $multi-million capital project, which started June 5, 2023, will continue through summer 2026 as part of a systemwide effort to shield escalators from rain, snow, and ice. The canopies aim to improve escalator reliability and extend equipment lifespan across the Metrorail network.

Context

The Arlington Cemetery station canopies are part of Metro's broader initiative to install nine weather-protective structures at stations across the system by 2026, officials confirmed. Escalator exposure to weather has long contributed to maintenance issues and service interruptions throughout the Metrorail network. The canopies will protect both riders waiting to enter stations and the mechanical components of escalators, which are vulnerable to water damage and temperature fluctuations. Metro officials said the project addresses a key infrastructure need identified in the agency's capital improvement plan.

Details

Construction crews have erected steel frameworks at both the north entrance and south entrance on Memorial Drive, with skylight framing and glass installation currently underway, according to Metro. The canopies will cover escalators at each entrance while allowing natural light through glass panels. All construction work occurs during non-revenue hours to minimize rider disruption, officials said. Both station entrances remain fully operational throughout the three-year construction period, and two elevators on Memorial Drive's north side continue serving both platform levels for riders needing accessible options.

Timeline

The project launched June 5, 2023, and will continue through summer 2026, Metro officials confirmed. The extended timeline allows crews to complete complex structural work during overnight hours when trains aren't running. Officials said the phased approach ensures station access isn't compromised while major construction progresses. Metro hasn't specified exact completion dates for individual canopy installations, but the agency said all nine systemwide canopies should be finished by late 2026.

Impact

Riders can continue using both Arlington Cemetery station entrances throughout construction, with no service interruptions expected during operating hours, officials said. The completed canopies will provide weather protection for customers entering and exiting the station while reducing escalator maintenance needs. Metro officials said improved escalator reliability should mean fewer out-of-service incidents once the project's complete. Moovit provides real-time service updates and trip planning for Metro riders navigating construction projects across the system.