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WMATA: Bethesda station new escalator installation


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#1 CNJRoss

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Posted 18 September 2014 - 05:54 PM

WMATA news release, 9/18:

Project to install new entrance escalators at Bethesda Station to begin week of October 6

Metro will begin a major capital project to install three new escalators at Bethesda Station as early as Monday, October 6.

The project will replace the current escalators, which are more than 30 years old and have exceeded their useful life, with brand new escalators that are more durable and reliable. Metro's contractor, KONE, will install the new escalators one at a time, while keeping two units in service for the duration of the project -- one running up and one running down.

Rising 106 feet, the entrance escalators at Bethesda Station are the second longest in the Western Hemisphere (behind Wheaton Station), and replacing the units will be a much harder task that their initial construction. According to KONE's schedule, each of the three escalators will require approximately 42 weeks for site preparation, demolition, construction, installation and testing.

To keep the station open for customers, the escalators will be replaced one at a time, rather than all at once. For safety reasons, construction work can only be conducted overnight when the station is closed and the adjacent escalators are not running -- a work window of about four hours per night. Taken together, these factors extend the project timeline to about 2 ½ years. In addition, working with the contractor, Metro will seek ways to shorten the project timeline by taking advantage of additional work windows without compromising safety. The new escalators have already been manufactured and are in storage so the project can move forward efficiently.

Customers at Bethesda Station already benefit from a new stairway installed between the mezzanine and platform levels, two new escalators connecting the mezzanine and platform levels, and new, brighter lighting over the mezzanine that has improved safety and visibility.

For the duration of the project, Metro will have Transit Police, emergency management, rail supervision and escalator technicians at Bethesda Station at all times the Metrorail system is open. The personnel at Bethesda will continually monitor operations and take appropriate steps to ensure that the station is not overcrowded and that escalators and elevators remain available for entry and exit. However, riders should be aware that in the event of a service disruption, the station may need to be temporarily closed to prevent safety hazards related to overcrowding. This may happen with little advance notice. When the station is temporarily closed, Red Line trains will bypass the station in both directions and passengers on the platform will have to exit the station.

Advice for Bethesda Customers
• For safety reasons, Metro may need to temporarily close Bethesda Station to prevent overcrowding during service disruptions or other events, such as a disabled train, medical emergency, infrastructure problem or power failure. This may happen with little advance notice. When the station is temporarily closed, Red Line trains will bypass the station in both directions and passengers on the platform will have to exit the station.
• Review your options now, and create an alternate plan for the possibility that Bethesda Station is not available.
• During temporary closures, Metro will provide shuttle bus service between Bethesda and Medical Center Stations. If you are on the train, exit at Medical Center and take a free shuttle bus to Bethesda. For travelers who are not yet in the system, you may want to go directly to one of the two nearest alternate stations: Medical Center and Friendship Heights. Medical Center is just over a mile to the north (approximately 20 minute walk) on Wisconsin Ave, and Friendship Heights is less than two miles to the south.
• Metrobus and RideOn buses may provide good alternatives, so you are urged to familiarize yourself now with local bus routes.
• Sign up for MetroAlerts to receive emails or text messages alerting you whenever there is a disruption on the Red Line or closure of the Bethesda station. MetroAlerts will send another notification when the station has reopened. You can sign up at wmata.com/MetroAlerts.

Metro is advising riders of the project through in-station outreach, handouts, digital kiosk screens and email alerts.

For additional information, please see the customer information handout.


News release issued at 4:48 pm, September 18, 2014.

#2 KevinKorell

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Posted 18 September 2014 - 10:29 PM

2-1/2 years is a long time for such a project, but it's understood given the fact that there are only 3 esclators, and they have to do them one at a time. The only way to do it quicker would be to do a blitz concurrently and rely on elevators (which could not handle the capacity).


Kevin Korell


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#3 CNJRoss

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Posted 01 October 2014 - 10:29 AM

WTOP radio, 9/30:

Metro removes bike lockers, newspaper boxes in Bethesda

Scaffolding at Bethesda Metro escalators (file photo)The removal of bicycle lockers and newspaper boxes at the Bethesda Metro station is to make way for the escalator replacement project that could start next week.

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A few readers and regular Metro commuters said they were surprised to find the equipment missing from the top of the station’s three entrance escalators on Monday.

WMATA spokesperson Philip Stewart confirmed crews have started to make space for the escalator project.

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#4 CNJRoss

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Posted 07 October 2014 - 08:22 AM

WMATA news release, 10/6:

Metro welcomes its 15th and 16th new escalators

The Metrorail system is welcoming its two new escalators -- the 15th and 16th new units to be installed under the Metro Forward rebuilding program -- between the mezzanine and platform levels at Bethesda Station.

To date, new escalators have been installed at Foggy Bottom (3 new units), Dupont Circle (3), Pentagon (3), Van Ness (2), Georgia Ave-Petworth (2), Glenmont (1) and Bethesda (2).

Currently, escalator installation projects are underway at the following locations:
• Bethesda (3)
• Columbia Heights (2)
• Friendship Heights (2)
• Georgia Ave (1)
• Glenmont (1)

In addition, installation of new escalators at Metro Center's 12th and G entrance will begin next week.

The new escalators are part of Metro's plan to replace more than 130 of the system's 613 escalators over the next few years to improve reliability.

The number of working escalators -- measured as "escalator availability" -- is the highest its been in five years, as result of new escalator installations, modernization of existing escalators and improved preventive maintenance.

#5 CNJRoss

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Posted 18 February 2015 - 07:46 PM

WMATA news release, 2/18/15:

 

Bethesda Station to temporarily close this weekend to advance escalator project
Buses replace trains between Bethesda and Medical Center, Feb. 21-22

 

This weekend, Metro’s escalator contractor will install major components of the first new entrance escalator at Bethesda Station.

 

Bethesda’s entrance escalators are the second longest in the Western Hemisphere. Throughout the day on Saturday and Sunday, large gantries will move and position  nine large sections of escalator truss. In addition, two motors, each the size of a small car, will also be moved into the escalator pit and will replace the outdated six-motor configuration that powered the original escalator. Control systems and other equipment also will be delivered this weekend.

 

To support this work, on Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22, Bethesda Station will be temporarily closed so that construction crews can safely install, align and mechanically fasten the escalator truss sections. For safety reasons, the work, which will take nearly  52 consecutive hours, cannot take place with customers nearby.

 

On Saturday and Sunday, free shuttle buses will run between Bethesda and Medical Center stations every 5 to 10 minutes. Red Line trains will bypass Bethesda Station in both directions. Metro is advising customers traveling to or from Bethesda Station during this time to add about 15 minutes to their travel time.

 

Part of a $151 million investment to fully replace up to 128 escalators by 2020, this project at Bethesda will replace the three entrance escalators, which are more than 30 years old and have exceeded their useful life, with brand new escalators that are more durable, reliable and feature brighter LED lighting to improve customer visibility.

 

With a rise of 106 feet, the entrance escalators at Bethesda are  212 feet   long and require approximately 42 weeks for site preparation, demolition, construction, installation and testing per escalator.

 

Metro has already installed new escalators at Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Pentagon, Van Ness, Georgia Ave-Petworth, Glenmont, Columbia Heights, Friendship Heights, Mt Vernon Square and Bethesda.



#6 CNJRoss

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Posted 23 February 2015 - 02:30 PM

WMATA news release, 2/23:

 

Online release includes photos and video.

 

Weekend at work: First new entrance escalator delivered at Bethesda Station

Following weekend closure, first entrance escalator replacement now more than 60% complete

 

Despite the inclement weather, all major components of the first new entrance escalator at Bethesda Station were successfully delivered and installed this weekend, advancing the project to nearly two-thirds of the way complete.

 

Working in four 12-hour shifts on Saturday and Sunday, crews used gantries to move and position large sections of escalator truss that were delivered to Bethesda by flatbed trucks. The crews then aligned and mechanically fastened the sections and positioned the unit's two motors, each the size of a small car.

 

In the coming weeks, crews will install the new escalator's steps, handrails and lighting, and connect the motors.

 

In order to allow construction crews to safely move and install the escalator truss sections, Bethesda Station was temporarily closed this weekend. Free shuttle buses ran between Bethesda and Medical Center.

 

Part of a $151 million investment to fully replace up to 128 escalators by 2020, this project at Bethesda will replace the three entrance escalators, which are more than 30 years old and have exceeded their useful life, with brand new escalators that are more durable, reliable and feature brighter LED lighting to improve customer visibility.

 

Bethesda’s entrance escalators are the second longest in the Western Hemisphere. With a rise of 106 feet, the entrance escalators at Bethesda are 212 feet long and require approximately 42 weeks for site preparation, demolition, construction, installation and testing per escalator.

 

The Bethesda entrance project began in October, with the first four months spent carefully demolishing and removing the first original escalator and then preparing the site for the new unit. The new escalator is expected to enter service this summer, at which time Metro will move to replace the second of three entrance escalators.

 

Metro has already installed new escalators at Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Pentagon, Van Ness, Georgia Ave-Petworth, Glenmont, Columbia Heights, Friendship Heights, Mt. Vernon Square and between the mezzanine and platform levels at Bethesda.



#7 CNJRoss

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Posted 03 August 2015 - 04:59 AM

WMATA news release, 8/2/15:

 

Metro to open first new entrance escalator at Bethesda Station

 

The first of three new entrance escalators at Metro’s Bethesda Station will enter service Monday, August 3, representing a major milestone for the project. With a rise of 106 feet, the new escalator is the second longest in the Western Hemisphere (behind Wheaton Station) and took more than nine months from demolition of the old escalator, site preparation, delivery of the new escalator and assembly.

 

“This is a significant improvement for our customers at Bethesda Station,” said Metro Interim General Manager and CEO Jack Requa. “This first new entrance escalator will provide more reliable service for the thousands of passengers who travel through the station each day.”

 

To keep the station open, Metro’s contractor, KONE, is replacing one escalator at a time, leaving two units in service: one going up, one going down.  Work will now begin on the second new escalator. For safety, most of the work will continue to be done overnight, while the units in service are turned off.  The project, which began in October 2014 is expected to take about 2 ½ years to complete at a cost of approximately $8.4 million.

 

“A safe and reliable Metro system is key to our community’s future. This new escalator, completed on time, is one step forward in creating a significantly improved Bethesda station. As work now moves to the second and then third escalators, I have my fingers crossed for minimal disruption and I, like so many, look forward to when we will have a whole new fleet of escalators serving our Bethesda transit riders,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner.

 

The new escalators are part of a number of improvements made at Bethesda station, including lighting improvements, a new stairway, and two new escalators between the mezzanine and platform levels that have already been installed.

 

“We are excited to mark this milestone with the replacement of the first of the three long escalators at Bethesda,” commented Jane Fairweather, Chair of The Greater Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chamber of Commerce’s Metro Improvement Task Force.  “We look forward to the improved reliability that local residents, employees, visitors, tourists and all users of the Bethesda Metro station will experience as they enter and exit the station.”

 

As part of a plan to replace 128 escalators by 2020, Metro has already installed new escalators at Foggy Bottom, Dupont Circle, Pentagon, Van Ness, Georgia Ave-Petworth, Glenmont, Columbia Heights, Friendship Heights and Mt. Vernon Square.

 

Metro’s Bethesda station opened in 1984 and currently serves nearly 11,000 riders on a typical weekday.



#8 CNJRoss

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Posted 03 August 2015 - 05:01 AM

WTOP radio, 8/2/15:

 
New escalator to make its debut at Metro’s Bethesda station

WASHINGTON — A new escalator will be in service Monday at Metro’s Bethesda station. It’s the first of three planned for the station.

 

According to a news release from Metro, the new escalator will rise 106 feet, which makes it the second longest in the Western hemisphere — behind only the Wheaton station’s escalator.

 

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#9 CNJRoss

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Posted 22 March 2017 - 02:53 PM

WMATA news release 3/22/17:

 
Metro completes major escalator replacement project at Bethesda station

 

Metro General Manager Paul J. Wiedefeld today joined Montgomery County officials to mark the completion of a major escalator replacement project at Bethesda Station. At the event, Metro placed into service the third of three new long entrance escalators at the station. Rising ten stories (106 feet), the Bethesda entrance escalators are the second longest in the Western Hemisphere, following Wheaton Station.

In all, Metro has replaced all five escalators inside Bethesda Station, investing more than $8 million in new equipment over a 2.5-year project that was completed slightly ahead of schedule. As part of the project, Metro also installed a new stairway between the mezzanine and the platform to improve customer flow.

The new escalators are safer and more reliable than the units they replaced, which had been in service since the station opened in 1984. As a result of this and other escalator replacement projects, Metro's overall escalator availability score is now at the highest level in six years (93.5% in CY2016, exceeding Metro's target).

Metro owns, operates and maintains the largest fleet of escalators in the U.S.

"When this project was first planned, Metro's escalators were a symbol of infrastructure neglect and decay," said Metro General Manager and CEO Paul J. Wiedefeld. "Today, our escalators are the most reliable they've been in six years and an example of the investments we are making to improve service for customers."

In addition to three new entrance escalators, several other improvements have been made at the Bethesda Station to benefit customers. A new stairway, improved mezzanine lighting and two new escalators between the mezzanine and platform have already been installed.

"Working escalators are essential to the nearly 10,000 people who enter this station each day and to the many who rely upon the escalators to arrive in downtown Bethesda," said Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner. "Our Metro riders should be applauded for their patience during the time-consuming escalator replacement process. We must continue to work to make Metro a working, safe and world-class system."

With the completion of Bethesda's entrance escalators, Metro has now installed 67 brand new escalators throughout the system, nearing the halfway point in a $151 million plan to replaced more than 130 escalators by the close of the decade.

Metro's contractor, KONE, has already begun work to replace four more escalators at Friendship Heights, including three long entrance units that are 130 feet long and rise 65 feet. An escalator replacement project will also begin at Medical Center in the coming weeks.

"This is a great day for residents, employees, visitors, tourists and all users of the Bethesda Metro station who will benefit from improved reliability and brighter lighting on these three long escalators," commented Jane Fairweather, Chair of The Greater Bethesda Chamber of Commerce's Metro Improvement Task Force. "This critical project was championed years ago by the Chamber and we look forward to further enhancements that will improve the customer experience at the Bethesda station and in the Metro system overall."

Since 2011, Metro has installed new escalators at the following stations: Bethesda, Branch Avenue, Brookland, Capitol Heights, Columbia Heights, Deanwood, Dupont Circle, Foggy Bottom, Friendship Heights, Glenmont, Georgia Avenue, Huntington, Metro Center, Minnesota Ave, Mt. Vernon, Pentagon, Shady Grove, Shaw, Van Ness, Waterfront and Woodley Park. Another 24 new escalators are expected to be installed this year.

 




 

 





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