Major Metro Chaos Coming This Weekend

If you use the Orange, Silver, or Blue lines, a major track improvement project is going to significantly affect how you commute starting this weekend.

Metro customers should be aware that the project will "significantly affect train service for 16 days, starting this weekend," Metro said in a statement.

"Metro will work around the clock to rebuild track and tunnel infrastructure in the tightest curve in the system, located between McPherson Square and Smithsonian stations," the statement reads. "On weekdays, trains will single track through the work zone at all times."

Combined with the 45-day shutdown of two stations on the Red Line, that means double the headaches for Metro riders. Metro has even taken the extraordinary step of urging customers not to ride Metro at all.

"Customers who use these lines are strongly encouraged to use alternate transportation during the two work-weeks of the project," the statement adds. "Orange and Silver lines will only run every 20 minutes—even at rush hour—and may not have room for all riders. Meanwhile, the Blue Line will operate in Virginia only, between Franconia-Springfield and Arlington Cemetery. Virginia customers traveling to DC should take the Yellow Line to Downtown stations."

This weekend, Metro will close the Farragut West, McPherson Square, and the lower level of the Metro Center station entirely, with limited shuttle bus service replacing trains between Foggy Bottom and Federal Triangle.

All of this comes as Metro prepares to deal with a "Unite the Right" rally near the White House on Sunday afternoon. Metro reportedly had considered special trains for rally-goers, but abandoned that idea after considerable backlash.

"To be absolutely clear, Metro is not preparing a 'special train' for the private use of any group," the statement reads. "As with any ridership-generating event (e.g. large sporting events, concerts, Fourth of July celebrations, and many First Amendment demonstrations), Metro will be prepared to add trains as needed to address crowding if necessary. Should platform crowding become a concern at any particular station, Metro Transit Police may temporarily restrict access for safety reasons, as they do routinely during large events."