Metro Uses Shuttle Buses and Temporary Bus Lanes During Red Line Construction

Metro is operating shuttle buses and temporary bus lanes during its Red Line construction project, which continues through Sept. 6 while three stations undergo major upgrades.

Metro has begun a two-month Red Line construction project that is replacing rail service with shuttle buses between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights while crews complete infrastructure improvements at three stations.

The shutdown, which began July 6 and continues through Sept. 6, affects the Grosvenor-Strathmore, Medical Center, and Bethesda stations. During the closure, Metro is operating free express and local shuttle buses to maintain service for passengers traveling through the corridor.

To support the increased bus traffic, the Maryland State Highway Administration has established approximately 7.5 miles of temporary bus lanes along Rockville Pike and Wisconsin Avenue.

The dedicated lanes operate Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Solid white lane markings identify bus-only sections, while dotted lane markings indicate where motorists may enter the lane to make right turns.

Metro’s shuttle operation includes express buses running directly between North Bethesda and Friendship Heights, along with local shuttle buses serving the closed stations and additional stops along the Route 355 corridor.

The construction project includes several major improvements across the Red Line. At Bethesda Station, crews are building a new mezzanine that will provide a future connection to the Purple Line. Additional work includes platform rehabilitation at Grosvenor-Strathmore Station and infrastructure replacement near both the Grosvenor-Strathmore and Medical Center stations.

Projects of this scale require agencies to temporarily replace rail service with bus operations while maintaining passenger capacity and service reliability. Dedicated bus lanes are one tool transit agencies use to reduce delays and help shuttle buses remain on schedule during planned construction.

Metro expects the work to be completed and full Red Line rail service restored in early September.

The ProDriverPoint editorial team delivers practical insights, industry news, and business resources for professional chauffeurs, limousine operators, bus and motorcoach professionals, rideshare drivers, taxi operators, NEMT providers, and transportation industry leaders. Our coverage focuses on the people, businesses, and developments shaping today’s passenger and commercial transportation industries.

Last Updated: July 8, 2026

Source: WTOP News