Montgomery County government reminded residents and Metro riders to prepare for major disruptions along the Red Line this summer as a two-month construction project will shut down service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights.
From July 6 through Sept. 6, trains will not operate through a portion of Montgomery County while Metro crews complete a series of infrastructure upgrades, including work tied to the future Purple Line. During the shutdown, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations will be closed to rail service.
To help riders navigate the closure, Metro will provide free shuttle bus service throughout the affected area. Express shuttles will operate directly between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights, while local shuttles will stop at each closed station. Metro estimates the express trip will take approximately 26 minutes, with local shuttle travel times averaging about 10 minutes between stations. Buses are expected to run every 5-8 minutes during normal operating hours.
The centerpiece of the project is construction of a new second mezzanine at Bethesda Metro station, which will provide a direct connection to the future Purple Line. The 16.2-mile light rail system is expected to open in late 2027 and will connect Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park, and New Carrollton while providing new east-west transit options across Montgomery and Prince George’s counties.
Metro will also use the shutdown to complete repairs to elevated tracks between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center, as well as a full rehabilitation of the Grosvenor platform. Planned improvements include new lighting, updated tiles, and reconstruction of the platform edge.
To reduce travel delays, eight lane-miles of dedicated bus lanes will be established along portions of Rockville Pike/MD 355. Metro is coordinating with state and county transportation agencies to implement the temporary bus-only lanes.
Montgomery County officials are encouraging residents to use the free Ride On Trip Planner app to identify alternate transit options during the closure. All Ride On services, including Ride On, Ride On extRa, Flex, and Flash, remain free.
County officials are also encouraging riders who travel into Washington, D.C., to consider using stations on the Glenmont side of the Red Line whenever possible. Several Ride On routes connect residents to stations that will remain open throughout the construction period.
Metro riders may also consider MARC Commuter Rail service between Rockville and Union Station as an alternative during the shutdown.
Free parking will be available at both North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore Metro stations while construction is underway.
Metro says the work was scheduled during the summer months when ridership is typically lower in an effort to minimize disruptions. The project was originally announced in February 2024. Normal Red Line service is expected to resume on Sept. 7.
