Metrorail Plans Extensive Repairs, Improvements Throughout The Transit System In 2022

WASHINGTON, DC — Although both the Silver Line extension and the Potomac Yard Station opening are expected later this year, Metro is also focused on soon completing its multi-year platform reconstruction effort and other large construction projects in 2022.

Soon, the opening of the Silver Line extension will add six new rail stations, a new rail yard, and 12 miles of track beyond the Wiehle-Reston East Station. Work will also begin in the summer on platform reconstruction and station improvements on the eastern end of the Orange Line in Maryland.

In September, Metro is expected to complete construction on new track that will link the future Potomac Yard Station in Alexandria to Metro's main line. Once performance and safety testing is done, the station is expected to open sometime in the fall.

Metro will also begin a major construction project on the Yellow Line in September, rehabilitating the bridge and steel-lined tunnel near L'Enfant Plaza. Metro's chief engineer identified this as the transit system's top structural priority. Work on the tunnel and the associated closure of the Yellow Line bridge will begin in September. The overall project is scheduled to be finished the following spring.

“In order to maintain a healthy system, Metro needs an aggressive capital program," said Metro General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Paul J. Wiedefeld, in a release. "We will continue working with our regional partners to advance construction and rehabilitation projects that ensure a state of good repair for critical regional infrastructure. While service outages can be disruptive, we know they are foundational for maintaining safe and reliable service."

Metro plans to work on the following projects as part of its 2022 capital improvement efforts:

Platform Improvement Project, May. 27-Sept. 2: Metro will be closing the New Carrollton, Landover, Cheverly, Deanwood and Minnesota Avenue stations to rail service. This will allow work crews to demolish and reconstruct the New Carrollton, Landover and Cheverly stations. The other two stations will receive upgrades. Shuttle service will be available to and from all five stations, with the Stadium-Armory Station serving as the eastern terminus for the Orange Line.

Potomac Yard Station, Sept. 10 – Oct. 22: New tracks will be added south of the Washington National Airport Station to connect the new Potomac Yard Station to the mainline.

Yellow Line Tunnel and Bridge Rehab, beginning Sept. 10: The Yellow Line crossing of the Potomac River between the Pentagon and L'Enfant Plaza stations will be closed for seven to eight weeks. Metro crews will repair the bridge and tunnel between the stations.

The following work will require weekend shutdowns and single-tracking in 2022:

• Drainage pumping station improvements and discharge line piping work at the Medical Center, Wheaton, Metro Center, Federal Triangle and L’Enfant Plaza stations;
• Tunnel leak mitigation repairs between both Silver Spring and Forest Glen, and Tenleytown and Friendship Heights; and
• Final phase of tunnel ventilation pilot project between Cleveland Park and Woodley Park stations.