Beyond MoCo: Escalator Replacement Project Will Close L’Enfant Plaza North Entrance For Seven Months, Beginning May 9

Beginning Monday, May 9, Metro will close the north entrance at L’Enfant Plaza Station at Maryland Ave and Seventh St to replace the three entrance escalators. The entrance will remain closed for approximately seven months. The work is part of a seven-year, $179 million escalator replacement project to install 130 new escalators by 2028. The project will replace the current escalators with brand-new ones that are more durable and reliable. Construction will require Metro’s contractor, Kone, to close the entrance to remove all three escalators at once and install a new support beam.

During this time, people will still be able to access the station from the two remaining entrances and elevator located at:

  • D St. between 6th St & 7th St SW
  • L’Enfant Plaza Mall Concourse, 9th St & D St SW
  • DOT Courtyard, 7th St & C St SW (Elevator)

Metro’s escalators are custom built to fit each entrance and cannot be purchased off the shelf. The three escalators at the north entrance are more than 39 years old and at the end of their useful life after last undergoing rehabilitation in 2001. Once the north entrance is complete, Metro will begin work to replace the remaining six entrance escalators at L’Enfant Plaza. Construction is expected to take place from September 2023 – October 2025.

Metro’s latest escalator replacement project kicked off in May 2021 and will deliver brand new escalators to one-third of all Metro stations. The project builds on previous work from 2011-2019 that replaced 145 escalators, improved reliability and slashed the average age of escalators from 27 years to just 11.3 years. Another 89 escalators throughout the system are also being rehabilitated to “like-new” condition under a separate contract, replacing all the major components such as motors, steps, handrails, and electrical systems. Overall, 517 of the system’s 618 escalators will be replaced or rehabilitated since the program began in 2011.

Additional information can be found on the Escalator, Canopy and Elevator project page. Customers are also encouraged to sign up for MetroAlerts text or email messages to receive project updates and service information or contact Customer Service at 202-637-7000 with additional questions.

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FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival

Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

Let the enticing aromas of mouthwatering Caribbean dishes tantalize your taste buds. Feast on traditional delicacies prepared by expert chefs, showcasing the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Caribbean. Indulge in flavorful jerk chicken, succulent seafood, and delectable plantain dishes that will transport you straight to the islands.

Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

Don't miss this opportunity to embrace the Caribbean spirit and celebrate the arrival of spring in style! Tickets are available on AllEvents, so secure your spot today. Join us at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival, where cultures collide and unforgettable memories are made.

LIVE PERFORMANCES By: CULTURE Feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, IMAGE BAND, RAS LIDJ REGG'GO with Special Guest SUGAR BEAR FROM E.U. & MORE! & MORE!

MUSIC By: DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME

2 NIGHT Camping packages available: RV/CAMPER $200 | TENTS $150 Starting on Friday May 17 @ 5pm | 30 RV SPACES | 30+ TENT SPACES

KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

Bethesda Film Fest

The 2024 Bethesda Film Fest will feature five short documentary films made by filmmakers from Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. Screenings will be held Friday April 5 and Saturday April 6 at Landmark Bethesda Row Cinema.

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