Metro is set to undertake significant construction work at three Red Line stations from July 6 through September 6. To ease disruptions, temporary bus lanes have been established to ensure efficient shuttle bus operations.
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How the summer Red Line closure will impact commuters
This summer, Metro’s temporary closure of three Red Line stations will likely increase traffic along the already busy Maryland Route 355. WTOP assessed the newly designated bus lanes, designed to keep shuttle buses moving smoothly throughout the Metrorail’s summer downtime.
From July 6 to September 6, construction will necessitate the closure of Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations, preventing public access and Metrorail service at these locations.
During this construction period, Metro will provide free shuttle bus service connecting the North Bethesda station to the Friendship Heights station. Some shuttle routes will offer express service between these two stops, while local buses will operate along Route 355 for added convenience.
In our review of the approximately 7.5 miles of new bus lanes, which have been implemented by the Maryland State Highway Administration, we observed that these lanes are designed to assist shuttle buses in navigating through summer traffic on Rockville Pike and Wisconsin Avenue effectively.
The dedicated bus lanes feature distinct markings along much of the 7.5-mile stretch in the right travel lane. Solid white lines indicate areas reserved solely for buses, while dotted white lines in certain locations—particularly in downtown Bethesda—mark areas where vehicles can enter the bus lane to make right turns.
These dedicated bus lanes will operate from Monday to Saturday, from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., throughout the duration of the Red Line closure.
As part of Metro’s extensive improvement project, the Bethesda station will receive a new mezzanine to link Metrorail with the upcoming Purple Line. Additionally, rehabilitation work will take place on the Grosvenor-Strathmore platform, alongside various replacements planned near both the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center stations.
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