Signage Unclear During Metro Shutdown Test Run: Report

ALEXANDRIA, VA—The May 4-5 weekend shutdown of six Blue and Yellow Line Metro stations around Alexandria was a test run of sorts for the longer shutdown coming up this summer. Free shuttle buses replaced trains at Braddock Road, King Street-Old Town, Eisenhower Avenue, Huntington, Van Dorn Street and Franconia-Springfield. A reporter who went to use a shuttle says a key issue needs to be fixed before the longer shutdown.

Greater Greater Washington's Stephen Repetski was at Reagan National Airport, one of the pick-up and drop-off points for shuttles. He was looking to take a Yellow Line shuttle to Huntington, and signage seemed to indicate Blue and Yellow Line shuttles were available at the station. In reality, only the Blue Line shuttle stopped at National Airport.

The Blue Line shuttle had stops at Franconia-Springfield, Van Dorn Street, King Street and National Airport but not Braddock Road. The Yellow Line shuttle had stops at Huntington, Eisenhower Avenue, King Street, Braddock Road and Crystal City. These are two of the routes that will run when the six stations are closed from Memorial Day weekend (May 25) to after Labor Day (Sept. 8).

Repetski said the bus service ran well, but the signage issue is something Metro needs to fix before the shutdown. Read the full report from Greater Greater Washington here.

Start planning your alternative transportation during the Metro shutdown:

• WMATA webpage on project details and alternative transportation
• City of Alexandria's summer Metro shutdown webpage
• Fairfax County's summer Metro shutdown webpage