In a setback for modernity and the less-mobile, WMATA is going to replace the oft-broken plaza escalator at the Bethesda Metro Center with another flight of stairs. The transit agency cites "code requirements" of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers that require outdoor escalators to have canopies installed above them. Rather than install a canopy, WMATA is just going to remove the escalator and replace it with another staircase.
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| Artist's rendition of the new staircase, courtesy of WMATA |
During the project, the plaza entrance will be closed to the public. Pedestrian detours will be in place, and access to the station's bus bays will be via Edgemoor Lane. The elevator located at the west side of Wisconsin Avenue and Montgomery Lane will remain open. Installation of the staircase is expected to be completed by sometime this summer, WMATA says.
It seems odd to do this now when Brookfield has already received sketch and preliminary plan approval to relocate and rebuild the stairs, with two escalators, covered by a new glass canopy, as part of their Metro Center 4 project. If the escalator is broken, why not just close it permanently and (artfully) block it off for a few years.
ReplyDeleteBrookfield recently was granted a three year extension of their approvals, before they need to submit their site plan appoval documents. It looks like they are in no hurry to get started on this very complicated high-rise and plaza redesign. A new mixed-use 30 story tall multi family residential tower, with retail in the base, and a revised set of privately owned public spaces would be a real boost for the area. With the new Purple Line station, the new south entrance to the Metro and the CCT extension opening in four years, it looks like the epicenter of downtown Bethesda has indeed moved three blocks south on Wisconsin.
"why not just close it permanently and (artfully) block it off for a few years." Brilliant, Einstein! Just create an eyesore that will sit dormant for a "few years" as the world turns. Safety is the first compromise jeopardized by your wise thinking, followed closely by an eyesore of deteriorating concrete and accumulating detritus. Additionally, you have a liability issue looming over multiple parties.
ReplyDeleteWhat they really need to do is fix the water infiltration issue that's occurring over by the Kiss & Ride at Bethesda Metro. I'm shuddering to think at the corrosion of the reinforced concrete that's occurring inside that ceiling area. Not to mention the fact that the area is covered with bird droppings. They need to do something to keep the birds from congregating in that area, because it is filthy.
ReplyDeleteLike I’m getting on an elevator ina metro station late at night
ReplyDeleteSo instead have to carry luggage up stairs
This is so inconvenient to elderly or disabled
The millionaires can’t build a glass canopy?