WMATA delays reopening of Rockville, Shady Grove stations

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has delayed the reopening of the Shady Grove and Rockville stations on the Metrorail Red Line until mid-January 2022.

The Rockville Canopy Replacement Project experienced delays following the removal of WMATA 7000-series fleet, which contributed to a rail-car shortage, WMATA officials said in a press release. WMATA officials decided to move 32 trains from the Shady Grove Rail Yard, which has been closed during the project, to stem the shortage.

Materials issues with the project’s glass fiber reinforced concrete (GFRC) panels have also delayed the project. While rail service is temporarily stopped, bus service will continue at Shady Grove, Rockville and Twinbrook stations throughout the remainder of the project.

Although the GFRC panels that are already installed are fine, other panels that were shipped to the project site were damaged in transit. WMATA said it is working with the manufacturer to replace the panels. Signage regarding the project timeline will be updated accordingly, agency officials said. A confirmed opening date has not yet been determined.