The conversion of the plaza-to-bus-bays escalator at the Bethesda Metro Center is now nearing completion. Handrails have been installed. WMATA's choice to remove the escalator and replace it with a wider staircase was largely driven by cost savings, as continued use of the escalator would have required installation of a canopy, without which the elements were damaging the often out-of-service escalator. The agency has now set December 31, 2022 as the date of completion for the project.
I hope the install better signage for the elevator. The other day I came across a poor tired soul with a big suitcase looking how to get to street level. Learning
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you have avoided mentioning that this is a TEMPORARY solution, pending replacement of that escalator with an elevator.
ReplyDelete6:41: I have not heard of any plans to install a new elevator here.
ReplyDeleteShame the gateway to the Downtown for many is in such sad shape. Used to be alive with an ice skating rink and restaurants.
ReplyDeleteLooks finished. Wonder what they're waiting for. Maybe they'll open it early after a final check of the subcontractor's work?
ReplyDeleteIf it's temporary, that's another waste of money. If you think a corporation (ooo,nasty) would deal with this problem in this manner and in this time frame, you would be sadly mistaken. Well, Corporation for Public Broadcasting might.
ReplyDelete#inbeforesomeonesayswewillsavetheplanetusingmasstransit
Brookfield has sketch and preliminary plans approved for a 30 story tall building on the site near the former Clark Building. They propose to install two escalators, split by an open stair, covered by a large glass roof, connecting the bus level and street level in a smaller rectangular opening. The existing semi-circular opening, fountain and flagpoles would be removed.
ReplyDeleteSo yes, this escalator removal and stair widening by WMATA is a temporary plan to avoid covering the escalator with a canopy per their current policy.
I don't get it. Do you think folks like walking steps? There's a reason the walk from the Metro to Reagan is undercover and escalator'ish. How is my old dog supposed to get on the Bethesda Metro now? The elevator is broken.
ReplyDeleteGreat when I’m traveling from NYC to Bethesda with my luggage I’ll be thrilled to walk up 80steps
ReplyDeleteHow is this ADA
They need to fix the decrepit Kiss And Ride area where the ceiling is falling down and you can see substantial water infiltration/damage.... not to mention the bird crap everywhere.
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