November 22, 2017

Are You Ready for Red Line Closures?

by Marina Budimir

Are you a Metro rider on the Red Line? Beginning on Saturday, November 25 through Sunday, December 10, the Red Line will shut down between Silver Spring and Fort Totten, and the Takoma station will be closed to undertake a major capital improvement project. Customers should allow extra travel time and expect some crowding as trains will arrive less frequently than normal. 

Here’s what you need to know:

• No Red Line trains between Silver Spring and Fort Totten November 25 – December 10. Limited free shuttle buses will be available at all times between stations. 
• Takoma Station will be closed. The Park & Ride lot, Kiss & Ride and all metered parking spaces will be closed to the public.
• On the weekend of December 2-3, Silver Spring, Forest Glen, Wheaton, and Glenmont will also be closed. Limited free shuttles will be available between stations. 

Travel Alternatives:

• Metro Alternatives: Commuters who normally use Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen or Silver Spring should consider using Grosvenor, White Flint or Twinbrook. 
• Take MARC and skip the closure: Customers who normally use Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen or Silver Spring on weekdays should consider using the MARC Brunswick Line from Rockville, Kensington or Silver Spring to Union Station then transfer to the Red Line to continue their trip.
• Bus Alternatives: Starting at just $2, customers traveling to/from downtown may also consider Metrobus routes:
  • S2, S4, S9 – 16th Street 
  • 52, 53, 54 – 14th Street 
  • 62, 63 – Takoma – Petworth 
  • 70 – 7th Street 
  • 79 – 7th Street MetroExtra 
• Capital Bikeshare: With just $2 for a trip and nearly 15 stations near the Silver Spring and Takoma metro stations, Capital Bikeshare is an easy and cost-effective way to get around town. Not to mention you’ll get some fresh air and exercise! Download the Capital Bikeshare app to find bikes and docks and even purchase passes.
• Telework and Flexible Schedule: Consider asking your employer if you can work from home 1-2 days a week to ease your commute. Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be the busiest days on the Metro, working from home on those days or shifting your commute time in the morning and evening (flexible scheduling) could also significantly reduce your commute time. 

Visit WMATA’s Back2Good page for more details and updates.