Making the most of historically low ridership and traffic-free highways, Metro’s announced plans regarding the rebuilding of platforms and connecting the Silver Line to Metro’s existing network is now fully in effect.

Under the expanded plan, Metro will combine this summer’s work demolishing and reconstructing platforms at four Orange Line stations with a separate project on the Silver Line to connect Metrorail to the new “phase II” stations, which are being constructed by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). 

The resulting summer shutdown will close a total of nine stations from Memorial Day weekend through the fall. 

As a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency, ridership at stations west of Ballston totals about 1,200 customers per weekday – less than 5% of normal ridership. 

Under the new plan:

• All stations west of Ballston on the Orange and Silver lines will be closed beginning Saturday, May 23:
  • Orange Line: East Falls Church, West Falls Church, Dunn Loring, Vienna
  • Silver Line: McLean, Tysons, Greensboro, Spring Hill, Wiehle-Reston East
• All trains will begin/end service at Ballston. Orange Line service will run from Ballston to New Carrollton.
• There will be no Silver Line service.
• Free express and local shuttle bus service will be available to provide alternative travel options for essential workers.

Metro’s platform contractor, Kiewit, has implemented new protocols and procedures to ensure that construction crews are as safe as possible in light of the COVID-19 outbreak. Because the effect of these safety measures on the project schedule is not yet known, Metro will announce an expected reopening date for the affected stations after construction gets underway.

Travel alternatives

Metro will provide three free shuttle bus options:

• Orange Line Local: Service between Vienna, Dunn Loring, West Falls Church and Ballston 
• Orange Line Express: Direct service between Vienna and Ballston (no intermediate stops)
• Silver Line Local: Service between Wiehle-Reston East, Spring Hill, Tysons Corner and Ballston 
• Shuttles will run seven days a week, and operate during the same hours as the rail system, currently 5 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. on weekends.

Shuttles will run approximately every 10 minutes on weekdays and approximately every 15 minutes on weekends.

Shuttles will not stop at stations closed due to Metro’s response to COVID-19.

Parking

Metro’s Board approved plans to provide free parking at Vienna and Dunn Loring through the end of the summer shutdown.

No customer parking is available at East Falls Church Station due to construction activity.

Stay at home orders in effect 

As a reminder, face coverings or masks are required when traveling on Metro. This requirement applies in all Metro stations, trains, buses, and MetroAccess vehicles. Per the CDC, face coverings may include bandanas, scarves, neck gaiters or homemade coverings easily made from t-shirts or other materials at minimal cost. Medical-grade masks should be prioritized for first responders and hospitals and should not be used for this purpose.

Use of Metro should be limited to essential travel only, as stipulated under stay-at-home Executive Orders in effect throughout the Metro service area. Essential travel includes first responders, hospital staff, critical government employees, grocery and pharmacy workers, and others who must work during the public health emergency. Unless traveling for an essential purpose, you are urged to stay at home.