If you work in the District, you’ll need to start setting your alarm half an hour earlier this summer to allow time for a longer commute.
The summer shutdown of all Metro rail lines south of Reagan National Airport means commuters who work in DC should add 30 minutes onto their commute time, authorities are advising.
Starting Saturday, May 25, all six Blue and Yellow line Metro rail stations in the Alexandria area will be shut down for platform reconstruction and other major work. The stations will remain closed through the first week of September.
To help commuters, the City of Alexandria, Fairfax County, the Washington Metro Area Transit Authority (WMATA) and other entities have been working together to help residents with their summer commute. This includes free parking at three Metro stations, substantially increased bus and shuttle service, new HOV restrictions on key routes and more.
Still, commuters should be prepared for more traffic and delays as the region learns to commute without a rail system that serves thousands and thousands of commuters every day.
Here’s some advice:
- Plan ahead for your new commute. WMATA has released a new online Trip Planner with information tailored to this summer’s Platform Improvement Project to help riders determine the best bus and shuttle routes.
- Go mobile. Download the mobile apps for WMATA, DASH bus and other transportation systems. You can reload fare cards and get discounts through the mobile apps.
- Free commuter parking will be available at Franconia-Springfield, Huntington, and Van Dorn Street Metro stations. Commuters will be able to take shuttle buses and regular buses, including accessible transportation, from there.
- Consider biking to work. New temporary bicycle racks will be available at each closed Metrorail station. (See this information about switching your commute from car to bike.)
- Think twice before driving. There will be new HOV restrictions on some routes and traffic may be heavier than normal. (Get more info here.)
- Consider telecommuting. Here’s information on how to convince your boss to let you telecommute.
- Be patient. This is going to be a challenge for all of us, and authorities are doing what they can to ensure everyone can get to work this summer.
- Alexandria residents: More information can be found at www.alexandriava.gov/GoAlex.
- Fairfax County residents: More information is at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/transportation/travel-alerts/metro-platforms.
