Metro Upgrades Judiciary Square with New Access

Metro builds new stairway and canopy at Judiciary Square's north entrance by fall 2026

2026-04-25, Moovit News Team

Metro Adds Stairway, Canopy at Judiciary Square

Metro's building 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 install nine new canopies and three new stairways at various station entrances across the system. The new stairway's scheduled to open in fall 2026, with canopy construction beginning after that.
Washington Metro Judiciary Square Station north entrance at F Street NW showing construction area with existing escalators and station signage

System-Wide Infrastructure Investment

The infrastructure investment demonstrates Metro's ongoing commitment to maintaining its system in a state of good repair, transit officials said. The Canopy Installation Project represents a significant capital improvement effort designed to enhance weather protection and accessibility at station entrances throughout the Washington region. Metro's been prioritizing entrance improvements as part of its long-term maintenance strategy, focusing on stations where additional weather protection and improved access can benefit daily riders. The work addresses aging infrastructure while adding modern amenities to stations that've served the region for decades.

Construction Details and Station Access

During construction, the station entrance will remain open to passengers, Metro confirmed. The escalators at the station will continue to operate while the new stairway and canopy are being installed. Officials said the work's designed to improve station infrastructure while minimizing disruption to daily transit operations. The north entrance location at F Street between 4th and 5th Streets NW serves riders accessing the Red Line station near federal courthouses and office buildings in downtown Washington.

Project Timeline and Completion

The new stairway's scheduled to open in fall 2026, Metro announced. Canopy construction will begin after the stairway opens, also in fall 2026. The project's been underway since January 2023, with work progressing in phases to maintain station access throughout the construction period. Officials haven't specified an exact completion date for the canopy installation beyond the fall 2026 start timeframe.
Metro station canopy construction showing modern weather protection structure being installed at subway entrance with workers and equipment visible

Rider Information and Updates

Riders using Judiciary Square Station can expect continued access to the north entrance throughout the construction period, with escalators remaining operational. The new stairway will provide an additional access point when it opens in fall 2026, improving station capacity and offering riders more options for entering and exiting. Moovit provides real-time updates and service information for Metro's Red Line and all Washington-area transit services, helping riders plan trips and stay informed about station conditions.