DC/VA/MD: Metro To Reopen Yellow Line On May 7 After Eight Months Of Construction On Bridge, Tunnel

After an eight-month closure, the Yellow Line will finally reopen to riders on May 7, Metro announced on Tuesday.

The Yellow Line has been out of service since September due to the rehabilitation of the Potomac River tunnel and bridge, both built in the 1970s and in need of repair for water intrusion and other issues. The tunnel leaks were Metro’s biggest infrastructure priority.

“I want to thank our customers for their patience while we completed this critical work to ensure safe, reliable service for decades to come,” said General Manager and Chief Executive Officer Randy Clarke. “I’m also very proud and thankful to the dedicated women and men who worked to deliver this complex project on schedule and on budget.”

The $384 million rehabilitation project includes replacing expansion joints and bearings on the 3000-foot bridge, welding together 1,200 steel plates, and sealing the entire mile-long tunnel to prevent water leaks, which can spark the third rail and cause smoke and fire events. Tunnel work also included replacing miles of existing cables, light fixtures, and fire suppression systems. ..............(more)

https://dcist.com/story/23/04/04/metro-will-reopen-yellow-line-may-7/