Shady Grove And Rockville Stations To Reopen Jan. 16, Metro Says

ROCKVILLE, MD — Metro riders will once again be able to catch a train at the Shady Grove and Rockville metro stations, beginning Jan. 16. The stations have been closed for train service to allow for a replacement of the Rockville stations's canopy and work on the tracks between the stations.

The closure was initially supposed to last until Dec. 4, but the Metro announced in early November that the project deadline would be extended to January.

The Rockville Station canopy's steel structure has been installed, but the Metro is still waiting on glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels, which will not be ready for the station's reopening. The Metro said the canopy will provide cover for riders, but the "exterior cladding" will be finished after the reopening.

“Shady Grove and Rockville stations will be ready to welcome back Red Line customers for rail service on January 16,” said Metro General Manager/CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld in a news release. “Our project team continues working to ensure the completed canopy meets Metro’s quality standard and provides customers with a safe and comfortable place to wait for the train.”

Some of the upgrades with the new canopy include new information screens, brighter lighting and modern faregates. The Metro said it performed track repairs and installed more than 7.3 miles of fiber optic cable to enhance radio communications — without the closure, that would have taken nine months of weekend shutdowns and overnight work, it said.

The Park & Ride at Rockville was repaved, and the Pedestrian Bridge was renovated earlier this year. At Shady Grove, the platform canopy, roof and escalators are being repaired and modernized faregates are being installed, the Metro said.

“Metro’s capital program is focused on maintaining and improving the system for decades to come, including our rail stations and facilities,” said Wiedefeld in the release. “We appreciate the community’s patience as we ensure our long-term plans for Rockville Station meet quality and safety standards.”