Metro has announced plans for major capital work on the Blue Line in Virginia, which will modernize the signal system at Alexandria Rail Yard, resulting in improved safety, reliability and on-time performance. But that means some Blue Line stations will be closed this winter at various times.
Since ridership is often lower during the winter (and even lower than normal due to COVID-19), Metro is pushing forward on this project in the coming weeks. Ridership at Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street remains down by 80% or more compared with pre-COVID levels.
The work taking place will shut down the Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations over 10 weekends between now and the middle of March, and those stations will be closed during two weeks in late December and early January. The schedule includes a break in work during Wreaths Across America (Dec. 19), inauguration week (Jan. 16-24) and Presidents Day weekend (Feb. 13-15).
During all closures, local and express shuttle bus service will replace train service at Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn St. Blue Line trains will operate between Huntington and Largo Town Center.
For more information on the closures, go to wmata.com and be sure to check wmata.com or the WMATA app before venturing out this winter for updates.
