Metro has extended the length of its current SafeTrack surge on the busy Red Line -- and said that the additional work will also delay later surges as it overhauls of the rail system.
The schedule changes will "allow for the completion of additional work on crossover tracks, address new safety recommendations and account for the impact of extreme heat, humidity and other weather impacts," Metro said in a news release Tuesday.
Here's the new schedule:
Surge 7
The current Surge 7, which affects the Red Line, will be extended through Aug. 21. On weekdays, Red Line trains will single-track between Shady Grove and Twinbrook.
There's a new weekend shutdown, though. On Aug. 20 and Aug. 21, free shuttle buses will replace trains between Grosvenor and Shady Grove. During this time, White Flint, Twinbrook, Rockville and Shady Grove stations will be closed.
Surge 8
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Surge 8 will now begin on Aug. 27 and continue through Sept. 11. On weekdays, Blue Line trains will single-track between Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations.
There'll now be three consecutive weekends of shutdowns during the surge. Free shuttle buses will replace trains along segments of the Blue Line.
From Aug. 27 to Aug. 28 and from Sept. 10 through Sept. 11, buses will replace trains between Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street. The Franconia-Springfield Station will be closed.
Buses will replace trains between Franconia-Springfield and King Street Sept. 3 through Sept. 5. The Franconia-Springfield and Van Dorn Street stations will be closed.
Surge 9
The ninth surge will now begin on Sept. 15, and it will continue through Oct. 23. Orange Line trains will single-track between the Vienna and West Falls Church stations on weekdays.
There will be four weekend shutdowns during the ninth surge.
Buses will replace trains between Vienna and East Falls Church Sept. 24 through Sept. 25 and Oct. 1 through Oct. 2. Vienna, Dunn Loring and West Falls Church stations will be closed.
From Oct. 8 through Oct. 9 and from Oct. 15 through Oct. 16, Vienna and Dunn Loring stations will be closed. Buses will replace trains between Vienna and West Falls Church.
In mid-September, Wiedefeld will announce updated schedule information for surges that were originally scheduled for October or later, according to Metro.
