Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) has announced that construction will commence in July on the first of two major capital projects on the Red Line.
This work will see the tunnel ventilation system being upgraded and repair deteriorating platform canopies.
It is expected to cause significant impacts for customers due to around-the-clock single tracking and station closures.
Metro general manager Paul J Wiedefeld said: “It is important that we continue with this safety critical work so that we are ready and able to resume normal operations as the region reopens. “We will be working around the clock, seven-days a week, to maximize efficiencies and allow us to get the work done more quickly.”
From 17 July to 29 August, Metro and its contractor will install more powerful fans in the tunnels between Woodley Park and Cleveland Park as part of a pilot project to boost tunnel safety in case of a smoke or fire emergency.
During construction phase, trains will single track between Dupont Circle and Van Ness.
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By GlobalDataCrews that are working in the tunnels over 100ft below Connecticut Avenue will install the required infrastructure and new evacuation fans at the base of the ventilation shafts.
After the completion of the ventilation upgrades, Metro will commence work in September to replace the platform canopy at Rockville, with extra canopy repairs at Shady Grove.
Expected to take three months, the canopy project calls for the closure of the Rockville and Shady Grove stations from 11 September through 4 December.
To replace the canopy at Rockville Station, heavy equipment will be required and the existing structure, section by section will be demolished.
The pre-fabricated canopy structure will be lifted into place for installation.
The ventilation improvements and canopy rehabilitation projects are funded through Metro’s six-year, $9.7bn Capital Improvement Program.
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Image: The Jackson Graham Building serves as Metro headquarters. Credit: Ben Schumin
