Metro is preparing for a major summer shutdown along part of the Red Line, with construction set to significantly impact travel through Montgomery County for two months.
From July 6 through Sept. 6, trains will not run between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights as crews carry out a series of infrastructure upgrades. During that time, free shuttle buses will replace rail service at Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda.
The centerpiece of the project is a new second mezzanine at the Bethesda Metro station, designed to connect directly with the future Purple Line. That 16.2-mile light rail line is expected to open in late 2027 and will create new east-west connections across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, linking riders to Metro at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton. The added entrance at Bethesda is expected to improve station access and reduce walking distances for many riders.
Crews will also take advantage of the shutdown to complete additional upgrades, including repairs to the elevated tracks between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center, along with a full platform rehabilitation at Grosvenor. Improvements there will include new lighting, updated tiles, and a rebuilt platform edge.
To keep riders moving, Metro will run two types of free shuttle buses throughout the closure. Express shuttles will travel directly between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights in about 26 minutes, while local shuttles will stop at each station along the closed segment, with travel times of about 10 minutes between stops. Shuttles are expected to run every 5-8 minutes during normal operating hours.
To help keep buses moving efficiently, eight lane-miles of dedicated bus lanes will be set up along key portions of Rockville Pike/MD 355. Metro is coordinating with state and county transportation agencies to implement these bus-only lanes.
Riders can also consider alternatives such as MARC Commuter Rail service from Rockville to Union Station. Additional travel options and support measures are expected to be announced ahead of the closure.
Metro says the work is being scheduled during the summer months when ridership is typically lower to help minimize disruptions. The project was originally announced in February 2024. Normal Red Line service is scheduled to resume on Sept. 7.
