SILVER SPRING, Md. — Metro riders are gearing up for the Red Line's summer shutdown that is expected to impact thousands of public transportation commuters and drivers.
Starting Saturday, the Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen, Silver Spring and Takoma stations will be closed. Metro officials said the Takoma stop will reopen on June 30, but the other four stations will remain closed through the end of August.
"Three months is an extremely long time, but I guess I am willing to adjust," Red Line rider Lyne Williams told WUSA9. She expects the partial closure will add an estimated 30 minutes to her commute.
To help riders Metro has rolled out a plan which includes four free shuttle buses at the impacted stations that will run every 4-8 minutes according to the transit system.
Metro's partial shutdown prompted concern from local officials about potential congestion and the impact on commuters. In response, Maryland transportation officials launched 7 miles of bus only lanes along Georgia Avenue between Glenmont and Silver Spring. State officials say signal timing will also be adjusted to prioritize shuttles.
Metro also made parking at the impacted metro stations free during the closure.
"It seems like such a horrendous hassle," Jan Ericcson told WUSA9. "On the other hand, it would be nice to have all of these improvements."
Maryland transportation officials said the closure is necessary to connect the Purple Line Project to metro, and to also make much needed maintenance repairs.
For more information about the Red Line partial shutdown visit wmata.com
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