Editor's Note: Celebrate the reopening of Metro service with us! Show your Metro card Monday - Friday, 3 - 9 p.m. at Joe Theismann's or Lena's Wood Fired Pizza & Tap. When you do, ask for an Alexandria Living Magazine postcard — there's a special promo code on it that will give you a free year-long subscription (or a year-long extension on your current subscription). And enjoy extended happy hour specials, too!
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After a long summer without Metro trains south of Reagan National Airport, all six greater Alexandria and Springfield Metro stations will reopen Monday at 5 a.m.
“With the resumption of rail service, Metro will no longer run shuttle buses from the stations; however, some shuttles will remain on standby in the event of a disruption. In addition, regular parking fees will resume Monday,” according to WMATA.
Work is not complete, though. While the main portion of the project — platform reconstruction — is done, there are still a few improvements in progress and construction clean-up to do. Commuters should be prepared to walk around construction zones and be patient for a few weeks while final adjustments continue.
Some advice from Metro: “In advance of Monday’s reopening, customers are encouraged to ensure their SmarTrip cards are loaded with sufficient fare to avoid possible lines at station vending machines. Visit wmata.com/smartrip to reload your card online.”
Huntington residents will see the most effects from ongoing construction, followed by riders boarding at the King Street, Franconia-Springfield and Braddock Road stations.
Some information displays may not be operational quite yet – riders should download and use the WMATA app on their mobile phones for train arrival information and more.
Huntington
Riders will board on one side of the platform as Metro single-tracks through the station.
Slip-resistant tile is still being installed in the mezzanine.
Fare vending machines will not be available on the north entrance will be unavailable for a few more weeks. The City of Alexandria mobile commuter store will be in place in the mornings. South side machines will be operational.
In addition, the walkway from the Huntington North garage and the middle garage (3) will remain closed, according to WMATA.
King Street
While the station will be open again, the City of Alexandria and WMATA are continuing work on a large access and safety project around the King Street station. The project is expected to be completed in mid to late 2020, according to Alexandria City officials.
Franconia-Springfield
Trains will be boarded on one side of the station (single-tracking).
Braddock Road
Bike racks will be limited due to construction staging.
“We are incredibly thankful to our customers, residents and nearby businesses for their understanding this summer as we reconstructed six station platforms – at the same time – in the largest and most complex capital project since Metro’s original construction,” WMATA General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld said in Saturday’s press release.
