Metrorail service on the Red Line will be disrupted in late November and early December as the transit operator rebuilds an interlocking system on tracks between the Silver Spring and Fort Totten stations.
Metro announced Thursday that the work will take place Nov. 25 to Dec. 10. During that time, trains will not operate between Silver Spring and Fort Totten. The Takoma station will be closed.
Free shuttle buses will take riders between the Silver Spring and Fort Totten stations during the two-week period. Trains will continue to operate between Glenmont and Silver Spring, as well as from Shady Grove to Fort Totten. However, Metro warned that train service might be less frequent in the affected area during the work period.
On the weekend of Dec. 2 and 3, Metro will extend the work to Glenmont to install radio communication cables. That weekend, the Glenmont, Wheaton, Forest Glen and Silver Spring stations also will be closed. Metro is asking riders who use these stations to use the Metrobus Y or Q lines then.
Metro has advised riders to consider taking the MARC train from Silver Spring to Union Station if headed downtown during the work period.
Crews will rebuild the interlocking system, upgrade signals, replace rail ties and install more than 800 feet of new rail on a four-mile track segment near the Takoma station. The interlocking system enables trains to cross from one track to the other.
Metro scheduled the work during and after the Thanksgiving holiday when ridership is typically lighter, Metro said.
Additional work includes installing new power cables, mitigating leaks and doing preventative maintenance.