If your normal commute in NoVA isn't stressful enough, Metro is throwing another challenge to Silver, Orange, and Blue line riders. Commuters who slug to the Pentagon and transfer to the Metro have to take the bus instead.
Starting August 11, 2018, WMATA will be performing maintenance work along the Silver, Orange, and Blue lines for the next 2 weeks. Silver and Orange lines will be single-tracking between McPherson Square and Smithsonian stations, with trains running every 20 minutes, with 50-60% REDUCED service. The bigger impact on slugs is the Blue line shutdown between Rosslyn and Arlington Cemetery from August 11 to August 26.
WMATA is encouraging Metro riders to use other modes of transportation during this shutdown to avoid long delays and overcrowding on platforms. Below are some options that may work for those traveling on the affected Metro lines.
I-95 Commuters:
- Rosslyn commuters slugging to the Pentagon can take Ominride from the Pentagon to Rosslyn/Ballston http://www.prtctransit.org/commuter-bus/schedules/dalecity-pentagon-am.html
- Crystal City commuters slugging to the Pentagon can take ART 43 https://www.arlingtontransit.com/pages/routes/art-43/
I-66 Commuters:
- Pentagon commuters slugging to Rosslyn can take ART 43 https://www.arlingtontransit.com/pages/routes/art-43/
For more information on Metro rail disruptions and alternatives check https://www.wmata.com/service/status/details/2018-Capital-Project-McPherson-Smithsonian-Advisory.cfm
If you planning to drive to avoid all these changes, pickup slugs and cruise on Express lanes for free.