BALTIMORE, MD (April 24, 2023) – The Maryland Department of Transportation Maryland Transit Administration will close all stations on the Metro Subway system beginning at 6 p.m. Friday, May 5, and will reopen them at 5 a.m. Monday, May 8. The weekend closure will enable crews to complete key work for a new communications system that will provide a safer, more reliable subway for years to come. A bus bridge will operate between all Metro Subway stations every 30 minutes during regular service hours.

“The installation of our new communications-based train control system will provide riders with the state-of-the-art rail communications system our customers deserve,” said Maryland Transit Administrator Holly Arnold. “As always, improved safety and reliability take top priority in every decision we make to enhance the transit rider’s experience.”

The work is being scheduled over a weekend with fewer local events to minimize disruption to riders. The full closure will avert the need for multiple instances of single tracking.

The new train communications system will provide riders with an enhanced transit experience by allowing more accurate control of train movement on the Metro Subway system. To prepare for its installation, crews must conduct comprehensive surveys of the train tunnels. These surveys will provide detailed positioning information for all signals, switches and interlockings.

To take full advantage of the temporary closure, the Maryland Transit Administration also will test new hardware that controls train movements in and out of the rail yard. The work is part of a larger Metro Subway system upgrade that will eventually include new rail cars.

The Maryland Transit Administration is one of the largest multi-modal transit systems in the United States, and operates local and commuter buses, Light Rail, Metro Subway, MARC Train service and a comprehensive Mobility paratransit system. The goal of the Maryland Transit Administration is to provide safe, efficient and reliable transit across Maryland with world-class customer service. To learn more, visit mta.maryland.gov, check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/mtamaryland and follow us on Twitter @mtamaryland.

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jerimiah Moerke                               
Office: 410-767-8367                         
Cell: 667-392-3625
jmoerke@mdot.maryland.gov

Paul Shepard
Office: 410-767-3935
Cell: 443-622-4181
pshepard@mdot.maryland.gov    

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