Metro Upgrades Judiciary Square Station Access
Metro installs new stairway and canopy at Judiciary Square north entrance by fall 2026
Metro Adds Stairway, Canopy at Judiciary Square
Metro's installing a new stairway and canopy at Judiciary Square Station's north entrance on F Street between 4th and 5th Streets NW. The project started in January 2023 and is part of the agency's larger Canopy Installation Project, which'll add nine canopies and three stairways across the system. The new stairway's scheduled to open in fall 2026, with canopy construction beginning immediately after.
System-Wide Infrastructure Investment
The Judiciary Square work represents one component of Metro's broader infrastructure initiative to improve station access across Washington's rail system. The Canopy Installation Project demonstrates the agency's commitment to maintaining facilities in a state of good repair while enhancing weather protection for riders entering and exiting stations. Metro officials said the improvements address aging infrastructure at multiple locations, though specific cost figures for the Judiciary Square project weren't available. Transit agencies typically prioritize canopy installations at entrances with high foot traffic and limited weather protection.
Construction Details and Scope
The project involves installing both a new stairway and protective canopy at the station's north entrance, which serves the area between 4th and 5th Streets NW. Construction's been underway since January 2023, with the stairway component scheduled for completion in fall 2026. Canopy installation will begin after the stairway opens, also in fall 2026, though officials haven't provided a completion date for the canopy work. The entrance will remain open to passengers throughout construction, and existing escalators will continue operating during the installation process.
Timeline and Implementation
Work began in January 2023 and will continue through fall 2026 when the new stairway's set to open. Canopy construction will start immediately after the stairway's completed, also beginning in fall 2026. Officials haven't announced when the full project will be finished or when the canopy will be operational. The phased approach allows Metro to keep the entrance accessible while upgrading infrastructure.
Rider Access During Construction
The north entrance remains open throughout construction, with existing escalators continuing normal operation while the new stairway and canopy are installed. Metro's designed the work to minimize disruption to daily commuters using the station, which serves the Judiciary Square area in downtown Washington. Riders can track project updates through MetroAlerts and the MetroPulse mobile app. Moovit provides real-time service information and trip planning for Metro's rail system.
