WASHINGTON, D.C. — Metrorail Red Line service between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights has been suspended through September 6, 2026. This closure affects the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations.

During the service suspension, free shuttle buses are operating between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights. Express shuttle buses run directly between these two stations, while local shuttle buses serve each of the three closed stations. Red Line trains will continue to operate in two separate segments: between Shady Grove and North Bethesda, and between Friendship Heights and Glenmont.

The closures facilitate construction of a new mezzanine at the Bethesda station, which will connect to the future Purple Line. Rehabilitation and track work are also being conducted at other stations within the affected section. To assist commuters, free parking is available at North Bethesda and Grosvenor-Strathmore stations.

New bus-only lanes have been painted along Wisconsin Avenue and Rockville Pike to accommodate shuttle bus traffic. These lanes are enforced Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Leroy Jones, Metro's Chief Operating Officer, advised riders to anticipate longer travel times. "Metro riders should plan for trips to take an extra 20-25 minutes," Jones said. "Always opportunity to do some things slightly different, communicate some things that we are working on — getting some additional signage. Making sure that we have people placed in the right position at the right time."

Alternative transportation options are available. Through September 4, 2026, MARC train fares are half-price from Rockville and Garrett Park stations to Union Station and Silver Spring during morning and evening hours. Several Metrobus routes also serve the area, including route M70 on East West Highway between Bethesda and Silver Spring, and route M12 on University Boulevard between Twinbrook and Wheaton. Routes M42 and M44 operate on Randolph Road between North Bethesda and Glenmont, and North Bethesda and Hyattsville Crossing, respectively. Additionally, a temporary Ride On Glenmont Express Shuttle runs from the Milestone Park & Ride Lot in Germantown to Shady Grove station and then to Glenmont station. Ride On Route 40 operates between Rockville and Wheaton, and Route 37 operates between Grosvenor and Wheaton. Capital Bikeshare is offering Montgomery County residents a free 30-day membership.

Some riders have adjusted to the changes. Maurice, a Metro rider, said the process was convenient. "No, it was very convenient. They got people here that instruct you where you're going; they have proper signs when you get off the Metro," Maurice said. He added that he was aware of the service disruption. "I was aware of it, but it's working out pretty good." Another rider, Tigran, offered a different perspective. "Yeah it's a little brutal. I'm probably going to feel it after the first week or two, so, yeah, so we'll see."