Metro Alert: Surge 7 Means Single-Tracking Between Twinbrook, Shady Grove Stations

ROCKVILLE, MD — Montgomery County commuters made it through the first week of a so-called "Surge" of intensive repair to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s rail system on the Red Line, and starting Tuesday, Aug. 9, the Rockville area will really feel the pinch.

The repairs to affect the Red Line have leaders warning that "major rush hour delays" are likely. From Aug. 9-19, Red Line trains will share a single track between Twinbrook and Shady Grove stations.

WMATA's SafeTrack initiative accelerates three years of track repairs into less than a year by significantly expanding maintenance work. SafeTrack's 15 "Safety Surges" – long-duration track outages for major projects in key parts of the system – will cause delays throughout the region.

Surge #7 will be in effect Aug. 9 to 18. These surges are expected to cause major delays on the entire Red Line — the Metrorail system’s busiest line. Metro is urging commuters to find alternatives, particularly during weekday, peak travel hours.

During SafeTrack Surge 7, August 9-18, Metro riders, especially at Shady Grove and Rockville, are encouraged to find alternative ways to work or telework, county officials said. Reduced Red Line service could mean one-hour delays. Prepare for major service disruptions and daily midnight closings.

Here's what to expect in road closures, additional shuttle buses, help for getting around and tips from county officials.

During Surge 7, Montgomery County’s 311 Call Center is extending its hours to assist commuters and will operate from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Critical Information About SafeTrack Surge #7, August 9-18

• Red Line passengers are encouraged to avoid Shady Grove and Rockville stations.
• Continuous single tracking between Shady Grove and Rockville means only one-third of the regular service will be available during peak hours.
• Red Line passengers on the west side of the Red Line are urged to seek alternate transportation, telework or ride at off-peak hours.

What to Expect on Metrorail During Surge #7

• Red Line trains will serve Shady Grove and Rockville every 18 minutes, rather than every six minutes during peak periods.
• Other Red Line trains will have nearly normal service.

Transportation Alternatives
Ride a Bus

• Take a free Ride On “Red Line Shuttle”between the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Shady Grove stations via I-270 weekdays every 10 minutes from 5:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. MCDOT is extending peak-hour service to 4 ½ hours in both the morning and afternoon.
• Take the enhanced Ride On Route 46 bus. Ride On will increase bus frequency to every 10 minutes during peak travel times between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Rockville via White Flint and Twinbrook stations. Regular fares apply.
• Check other bus options
  • Check Park and Ride Lot options using thisinteractive map.
  • Ride On
  • Metrobus

Board Metrorail at Other Red Line Stations

• Board at Twinbrook, White Flint or Grosvenorrather than at Shady Grove or Rockville
• Parking is typically available at Twinbrook and White Flint. Check availability on this map.

Take MARC Train,
which will add extra rail cars.

• Try the Brunswick Line,which has stations in Rockville, Metropolitan Grove, Garrett Park, Kensington, Silver Spring and Union Station (limited parking available near Garrett Park and Kensington stations).
• Connect with Ride On at many MARC stations. Enter station name here to view transit options.
• Buy MARC train tickets at the station or in advance:
  • In Person:
    • Use Quik-Trak ticket vending machines at some stations.
    • On the platform from MARC staff at Rockville and Silver Spring during peak travel times.
    • Onboard with cash only; $20 denominations or less. (Note: MARC charges a $5 surcharge for onboard purchases.)
  • Online: www.mta.commuterdirect.com (Note: When purchasing a ticket, use “Washington, DC” for Union Station.)
  • Silver Spring TRiPS store at the Silver Spring Transit Center, Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Explore Commuter Services Options

• View Montgomery County’s telework videoandwebinar or receive free, expert consulting services from Montgomery County Commuter Services. Call 240-777-8380 or email.
• Consider allowing employees to flex their time.

Consider signing up for the County’s FareShare program for employers that allows them to buy-down the cost of transit or vanpooling for their employees. Contact Montgomery County Commuter Services at 240-777-8380or email.
Try Biking

• Use Capital Bikeshare.
  • Access Capital Bikeshare in Silver Spring, Takoma Park, Friendship Heights, Bethesda, Chevy Chase Lake, Rockville or Shady Grove. See full station map online,
  • Use a credit card for a $2 single trip fare, good for up to 30 minutes, or an $8 daily fare.
  • Limited income residents can call Commuter Services at 240-777-8380 to learn about eligibility for a free, annual, Bikeshare membership.
• Plan your ride by checking the Montgomery County Planning Department’s Level of Traffic Stress map.
• Join a “Learn the Route” free, guided ride, co-sponsored by Montgomery County Commuter Services and led by the Washington Area Bicyclist Association. Call 240-777-8380 or email for more information.

Consider Driving as a Last Resort
For those with limited choices, driving may be the best option, but expect more congestion than usual.

• Drive, park and ride. Check Park and Ride Lot options using this interactive map.
• Check Commuter Connections for ride-sharing information or contact Montgomery County Commuter Services for assistance at 240-773-8747.
• Try a car share vehicle. Montgomery County offersZipcars at some parking garages.

To improve Metrorail safety and reliability, WMATA has accelerated its maintenance of Metrorail to complete three years’ worth of work in one year. This effort is limiting service in certain areas at scheduled times, which Metro is calling Safety Surges. Montgomery County will be most affected by Surges 6, 7 and 10.

For more information, visit Montgomery County SafeTrack, Metro SafeTrack Surge #7 or 240-777-0311 from outside the County or use Maryland Relay Services. Online help from 311 is always available.
Images courtesy of Montgomery County.