Navy Yard Station Upgrades 5 Escalators for Riders
Metro replaces five 21-year-old escalators at Navy Yard station through spring 2026
Navy Yard Station Replaces 5 Escalators
Metro riders using Navy Yard-Ballpark station's west entrance will navigate around construction as crews replace five aging escalators. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority started the capital improvement project in September, transit officials said. The escalators, installed when the station opened in 2004, have reached the end of their useful life after 21 years of service.
Aging Infrastructure Drives Replacement
The escalator replacement is part of WMATA's ongoing capital improvement program to modernize aging infrastructure across the system. Metro operates approximately 600 escalators throughout the region, one of the largest escalator systems in North America. Officials said the Navy Yard-Ballpark project addresses equipment that's been in continuous operation for more than two decades. The agency hasn't disclosed the total cost of the replacement work.
Five Escalators Get Complete Overhaul
The project involves three entrance escalators and two platform escalators at the west entrance, located at M and Half Streets SE. Crews are removing the old equipment and installing new escalators designed to provide improved reliability for commuters. Officials haven't released technical specifications for the new escalators or details about the manufacturer. The work requires temporary closures and detours for riders using this entrance to access the Green Line platform.
Spring 2026 Completion Expected
The replacement work will continue through spring 2026, officials said, though a specific completion date hasn't been announced. WMATA typically provides advance notice before major service changes, but the agency hasn't said whether it'll issue additional updates as the project progresses. The west entrance remains accessible during construction, with alternative routes available for riders.
Busy Station Serves Capitol Riverfront
Navy Yard-Ballpark serves the Capitol Riverfront neighborhood and Nationals Park, though officials haven't released current ridership figures for the station. Riders navigating the construction can expect some delays at the west entrance while crews complete the installation. Moovit provides real-time updates and alternative routing options for Metro riders affected by the escalator work.
