Here's something you've likely never seen before. An escalator being entirely removed permanently from a Metro station. The removal is part of a project that is replacing it with a staircase. WMATA chose to remove it rather than construct a canopy overhead to protect the oft-out-of-service escalator from the elements. Charles Seeburger is spinning in his grave.
Mobility-challenged? "Deal with it," is WMATA's apparent ableist answer. A view from above, as seen in these photos, only accentuates the length of the staircase that must be climbed at this access point. This is not a move that helps develop a world-class image for our transportation system.
Everything shown in these photos symbolizes what's wrong with Metro. The decay. The malfeasance. The contempt. All of it.
ReplyDeleteThere is an elevator only steps away, in the exterior wall of the Hyatt. Very easy to access. The proposed 4 Bethesda Metro tower project includes a relocated pair of new escalators (one up and one down) and a new stair near this location, which will all be under a large glass canopy. This is obviously a temporary fix to avoid replacing or moving an escalator that will be demolished in a few years.
ReplyDeleteSome of the proposed changes at the bus level near the 2 Bethesda Metro tower lobby and canopy already show revised loading bays that will eventually be used by 4 Bethesda Metro tower in the future. It looks like Brookfield is still serious about a new 30 story high tower for 4 Bethesda Metro, but has recently been granted a three year extension on the application for site plan approval.
I’m sure the new Kid Museum in the former StreetSense space has a very short lease. I have heard they are still looking for a location to build a permanent space.
I still hope they create an iconic landmark at this location. Bethesda needs a great building at its epicenter, an I hope Brookfield and their architects SOM are up to the task.