Next Safety Surge Brings Delays Back to Silver Line

Metro is about to undertake Safety Surge No. 5, and that will affect Silver Line riders until the end of the month.

The Safety Surge — part of Metro’s 10-month Safe Track project to make much-needed safety improvements in a short time span — has involved the shutdown, single tracking or other changes that impact riders on various lines at various times.

Here is what starts this week:

• From July 20 until July 31, Orange and Silver line trains will continuously single track between East Falls Church and Ballston.
• On weekdays, Orange Line trains between Vienna and Ballston will operate every 18 minutes.
• Additional Orange Line trains will operate between Ballston and New Carrollton only
• Silver Line trains will operate every 18 minutes
• At 10:00 p.m. all trains will operate every 20 minutes

Trains from Vienna to Ballston and Wiehle-Reston East to Ballston are likely to be extremely crowded, especially during rush-hour periods, says Metro.

Customers at Ballston should consider using the additional train service that originates at Ballston and will board on the opposite platform from through-train service. This may lengthen departure time, but will give riders the best opportunity to find space, says Metro.

And again, Metro riders who have the ability to do so should consider alternate travel options and avoid traveling during rush hour if possible, Metro says.

Carpooling, slugging, biking and the use of Fairfax Connector express bus service to Arlington, with connections to Washington D.C., is strongly encouraged.

Thinking of biking to work? Consult these maps.

Orange Line Connections I Map (PDF)

Silver Line Connections I Map (PDF)

Surge No. 5 Key Express Bus Connections

• Herndon & Reston > Pentagon > Washington D.C.
• Vienna Metrorail Station > Pentagon
• East Falls Church > Rosslyn > Washington D.C.

There are more than 4,000 parking spaces available at various Park-and-Ride facilities across Fairfax County that are open to carpoolers and sluggers, and provide convenient express or regular bus service to Arlington and Washington, D.C. Most Park-and-Ride facilities also offer bike lockers and rooms, and all Fairfax Connector buses feature bike racks for easy transfer from trails to transit. For details on these facilities and a list of bus connections and schedules, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/safetrack.