Metro Upgrades Arlington Cemetery Station Protection

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

Metro Adds Canopies at Arlington Cemetery Stop

Metro's installing weather-protective canopies at Arlington Cemetery station's north and south entrances on Memorial Drive. The project started June 5, 2023, and runs through summer 2026, transit officials said. Both station entrances remain open during construction, which happens only during non-revenue hours to minimize rider disruption.

System-Wide Infrastructure Upgrade

The Arlington Cemetery work is part of Metro's broader initiative to install or replace nine canopies across the Metrorail system by 2026. Transit agencies typically prioritize canopy installations at stations with high exposure to weather elements that can damage escalator mechanisms. The protective structures shield both riders and equipment from rain, snow, and ice, extending escalator lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. Metro officials said the canopies are designed specifically to protect the life, longevity, and reliability of station escalators.

Construction Progress and Specifications

Canopy steel has been erected at both the north and south Memorial Drive entrances, with skylight framing and glass installation currently underway. The two canopies cover escalators serving opposite sides of Memorial Drive, providing comprehensive weather protection for the station's primary access points. The two elevators on the north side of Memorial Drive that service both platform sides will remain operational throughout the construction period. Officials haven't specified the exact dimensions or cost of the canopy structures.

Multi-Year Timeline

The three-year construction timeline reflects the complexity of installing large-scale protective structures over active transit infrastructure. All construction work takes place during non-revenue hours when trains aren't running, which extends the overall project duration but prevents service interruptions. Metro officials said the phased approach allows the station to remain fully accessible while crews complete the installation work.

Rider Information

Riders can expect both Arlington Cemetery station entrances to remain open throughout the construction period, with no changes to train service or elevator access. The overnight construction schedule means most customers won't encounter active work during regular commuting hours. Moovit provides real-time updates for Metro routes and station accessibility information to help riders plan trips during the ongoing canopy installation project.