Metro Upgrades Arlington Cemetery Station with Canopies

Metro installs weather 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, 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 and riders from rain, snow, and sun. Both station entrances remain open during construction, which takes place during non-revenue hours to minimize disruption.

Systemwide Infrastructure Upgrade

The Arlington Cemetery work is part of Metro's broader initiative to replace or install nine canopies across the Metrorail system by 2026, officials said. The canopies are designed to protect both customers and critical escalator equipment from weather exposure, extending the machinery's operational life and reliability. Transit agencies typically prioritize escalator protection because weather damage can lead to costly repairs and service interruptions. Officials said the investment aims to reduce long-term maintenance costs while improving the rider experience.

Construction Milestones Reached

Crews have completed steel erection at both the Memorial Drive entrances, with skylight framing and glass installation currently underway at the north and south sides, according to Metro. The canopies will cover escalators at each entrance, providing continuous weather protection for equipment that serves thousands of daily riders. Two elevators on the north side of Memorial Drive that service both platform sides continue to operate throughout construction. Officials said all work occurs during overnight hours when trains aren't running to avoid affecting service.

Three-Year Construction Timeline

The project launched in June 2023 and won't wrap until summer 2026, officials confirmed. Metro hasn't provided specific completion dates for individual construction phases, though recent progress suggests work is advancing on schedule. The extended timeline reflects the complexity of installing large-scale weather protection structures at an active transit facility. Officials said the phased approach allows crews to maintain full station access while completing the infrastructure upgrades.

Rider Access Maintained

Riders can continue using both Arlington Cemetery station entrances throughout the three-year construction period, with elevator service remaining available for customers who need accessible options. Officials said the overnight construction schedule is designed to keep disruptions minimal during peak travel times. Moovit provides real-time service updates and trip planning for Metro's rail network, helping riders navigate any temporary changes at Arlington Cemetery and other stations systemwide.