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Metro will suspend Red Line train service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights from July 6 through Sept. 6 for major construction, closing rail access at Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center and Bethesda.
Free local and express shuttle buses will replace trains throughout the shutdown. Normal Red Line service is scheduled to resume Sept. 7.
The centerpiece of the work is a second mezzanine at Bethesda station that will connect Metro with the Maryland Transit Administration’s Purple Line. The 16.2-mile light-rail line is expected to open in late 2027, linking Montgomery and Prince George’s counties with Metro transfer points at Bethesda, Silver Spring, College Park and New Carrollton.
Bethesda’s new entrance will provide another way into the station and shorten the walk for some nearby riders.
Crews will also repair elevated tracks between Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center. At Grosvenor-Strathmore, Metro will rehabilitate the platform and install new lighting, tiles and platform edging.
Shuttle and travel options
Shuttle buses are expected to arrive every five to eight minutes during Metrorail operating hours.
Express buses will travel directly between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights, with an estimated trip time of 26 minutes. Local buses will stop at North Bethesda, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda and Friendship Heights. Metro estimates travel between each local stop will take about 10 minutes.
Eight lane-miles of dedicated bus lanes on two major sections of Rockville Pike, also known as MD 355, are planned to speed up the shuttles. Metro is coordinating with Maryland and Montgomery County transportation officials to establish the bus-only lanes.
Riders may also consider MARC commuter trains between Rockville and Union Station. Additional support measures are still being developed and are expected to be announced before work begins.
Metro scheduled the construction for the summer, when ridership is typically lower, to reduce the disruption. The project was first announced in February 2024.