Metro suspends Red Line service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights | The Locally Times
A two-month construction project will replace train service with shuttle buses through September 6, 2026.
Metro riders in Montgomery County face a significant transit disruption as a major construction project has officially suspended Red Line service between the North Bethesda and Friendship Heights stations. The suspension, which began on July 6, 2026, is scheduled to continue through September 6, 2026, to accommodate infrastructure improvements and track maintenance. ## Service Adjustments During the two-month construction window, the Red Line will operate in two disconnected segments. Trains will run between Shady Grove and North Bethesda, and separately between Friendship Heights and Glenmont. This split creates a service gap through the heart of the corridor, forcing commuters to rely on alternative transit arrangements provided by the transit agency. To bridge the gap, Metro is operating free, ADA-accessible shuttle buses between the affected stations. These shuttles are scheduled to run every 5 to 8 minutes during all Metro operating hours. Local shuttles will stop at North Bethesda, Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, Bethesda, and Friendship Heights, while express shuttles will provide direct service between the North Bethesda and Friendship Heights terminals. ## Alternative Transit Options To mitigate the impact on daily commuters, Metro and Montgomery County are offering several alternative travel incentives. These include free parking at the North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations and half-price MARC train fares for riders boarding at the Rockville and Garrett Park stations. Additionally, Montgomery County residents can access a free 30-day membership for Capital Bikeshare. Existing transit routes, including Metrobus and Montgomery County Ride On services, remain available for those seeking to bypass the construction zone. The county is also operating a temporary Glenmont Express Shuttle to assist with regional connectivity during the shutdown. ## Project Scope The construction project is focused on critical infrastructure upgrades necessary for the region's long-term transit capacity. Work includes essential improvements to support the future Purple Line connection at the Bethesda Station, as well as rehabilitation work at the Grosvenor-Strathmore Station. Crews are also performing maintenance on the elevated tracks located near Rockville Pike. Commuters are advised to incorporate extra travel time into their daily schedules, as shuttle bus operations may not match the speed or efficiency of regular rail service. The transit agency recommends that riders sign up for Metro Alerts or visit the official website for real-time service updates and detailed shuttle schedules. ## Key Questions **How long will the Red Line service suspension last?** The suspension of service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights is scheduled to last from July 6, 2026, through September 6, 2026. **What are my options for getting around the construction zone?** Metro is providing free, ADA-accessible shuttle buses every 5 to 8 minutes, and offering discounted MARC fares, free parking at specific stations, and free 30-day Capital Bikeshare memberships for Montgomery County residents.