Major DC metro stations to close for days leading up to inauguration

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority will close more than a dozen stations around the National Mall and U.S. Capitol Building in the days before and after Joe Biden’s inauguration, the system announced Thursday. 

Beginning Friday, Jan. 15, Metro will close 13 stations inside a perimeter designated for security, with 11 stations closing on Friday and two additional stations on Saturday. 

Until Thursday, Jan. 21, trains will pass through those stations without stoping. 

“We are working closely with our regional and federal partners to keep the public safe during this National Special Security Event and to discourage travel within the secure zone,” Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld said in a statement. “While we are supporting law enforcement plans to enhance security, we are also keeping essential services in place for our residents who need to get to work, to medical appointments, and to grocery stores.”

The transit authority additionally plans to detour more than two dozen bus routes that typically pass through downtown Washington, D.C., operating at normal service times during the week, except on Inauguration Day, Jan. 20, when buses will run on a Saturday schedule.  

Train stations that will close include: Farragut North, Judiciary Square, Union Station, Archives, Arlington Cemetery, Farragut West, McPherson Square, Federal Center SW, Capitol South, Smithsonian and Federal Triangle. 

Here is #WMATA‘s official inauguration map that goes into effect tomorrow through Thursday pic.twitter.com/4e9r1nimR6

— Jordan Pascale️ #WeMakeWAMU (@JWPascale) January 14, 2021

The system warned additional station closures and detours “may be necessary on a temporary basis during this period for security reasons.” 

Metro has seen a sharp decrease in ridership and revenue last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

The temporary changes in service come as local leaders in Washington, D.C., urge people to not attend next week’s festivities and instead find a way to participate virtually.  

Airbnb announced this week it was canceling all reservations around the Capitol as away to discourage people from attending. 

Some news outlets reported Thursday that the National Park Service is considering closing the National Mall completely on inauguration, but a spokesperson told The Hill it has yet to make a final decision on such a closure.