Metro Upgrades Rockville Station Elevator Access

Metro begins 10-week elevator modernization at Rockville Station starting April 21, 2026

Metro Replaces Rockville Station Elevators

Riders using Rockville Metro Station's Park Avenue entrance will see elevator work beginning April 21, 2026, as Metro starts a modernization project on two elevators on the east side of Hungerford Drive. The work continues through June 30, 2026, with one elevator remaining operational at all times while the other undergoes replacement. The project's part of Metro's maintenance program covering more than 350 elevators systemwide.

Maintenance Program Context

The modernization work represents Metro's standard approach to elevator maintenance across its system. The transit agency performs monthly and annual maintenance on all elevators, with major rehabilitation projects scheduled every 10 to 15 years to extend equipment life. Metro operates more than 350 elevators throughout its stations, making systematic replacement essential for maintaining reliable service. The Rockville project follows this established maintenance cycle, targeting elevators that've reached the point where comprehensive upgrades deliver better long-term performance than continued repairs.

Replacement Specifications

The project will replace and upgrade all major elevator components, including passenger cabs, controls, motors, and safety devices, transit officials said. Both elevators are located on the east side of Hungerford Drive, also known as Route 355, near the Park Avenue entrance to the station. Metro's staggered construction approach ensures one elevator remains available for riders who need accessible station access throughout the 10-week project. Officials didn't specify the age of the current elevators or provide cost estimates for the modernization work.

Construction Timeline

Work begins April 21, 2026, and runs through June 30, 2026, giving Metro approximately 10 weeks to complete both elevator replacements. The agency will work on one elevator at a time, keeping the second unit operational to maintain accessible station access. Officials said riders should follow posted signs and stay clear of construction zones during the project. Metro will provide updates through MetroAlerts, the MetroPulse app, and customer service channels as work progresses.

Rider Access During Work

Riders needing elevator access at the Park Avenue entrance will continue to have one elevator available throughout construction, ensuring the station remains accessible to people with mobility needs. Those who can use stairs or escalators may find those options faster during the project. Metro advised customers to allow extra time when traveling through Rockville Station during the 10-week construction period. Moovit provides real-time service information and alternative route options for Metro riders adjusting their travel plans around station construction projects.