WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has launched a major two-month construction project on the Red Line today, Monday, July 6, 2026, resulting in a temporary service shutdown between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
The construction work, scheduled to run through September 6, has closed the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations. During the shutdown, Red Line trains will operate in two disconnected segments: from Shady Grove to North Bethesda, and from Friendship Heights to Glenmont. Trains will run every six minutes during the day and every ten minutes late at night.
Travel Alternatives and Commuter Resources:
- Free Shuttle Buses: Free local and express shuttle buses are replacing rail service between the closed stations, operating every 5 to 8 minutes during standard Metro hours.
- Dedicated Bus Lanes: Temporary bus lanes have been installed along sections of Rockville Pike (MD 355) by the State Highway Administration to prevent traffic delays for shuttles.
- MARC Train Discount: Commuters can ride the MARC Brunswick Line from Rockville or Garrett Park to Union Station and Silver Spring at a 50% fare discount during the construction.
The infrastructure project will allow crews to construct a second mezzanine at the Bethesda station for integration with the future MTA Purple Line, perform platform rehabilitation at Grosvenor-Strathmore, and repair the elevated structure. Commuters are advised to plan extra travel time and check real-time shuttle updates at wmata.com/summer2026.
The Washington Herald
editorial@thewashingtonherald.com
Washington, D.C.
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