The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA / Metro) has announced that the bridge enabling pedestrians to connect from the Rockville Metro Station to Downtown Rockville by crossing over Rockville Pike will remain closed for repairs through fall 2021. Due to a safety concern, the pedestrian bridge was closed on June 17.
The bridge allows people accessing Ride On buses, Metrorail, taxis, public parking facilities and MARC to walk on an elevated connection over the lanes of Rockville Pike between the Metrorail Station and Maryland Avenue.
WMATA (which operates Metrorail and Metrobus) has advised that construction on the pedestrian bridge is scheduled to begin about March 1 and will last about seven months after the project begins.
WMATA wants commuters to know that the project may have other impacts, including:
- Accessible parking spaces in the station’s west side Kiss & Ride area will be temporarily relocated to the south section of the lot for the duration of construction. Drivers are advised to follow posted signs to ensure their vehicles are not towed.
- Evening and weekend work may occur, depending on weather and worksite conditions.
- Loud noises and traffic/pedestrian detours may occur throughout construction. Residents are advised to stay clear of the construction zone and follow all posted signs.
Metro has installed signage to notify customers of the structure's closure and urges all pedestrians who normally use the bridge to use the following alternatives:
- Free Shuttle Bus Service is available during Metrorail hours between the Rockville Metrorail Station Bus Bay D (West Bus Loop) and Monroe Street at East Montgomery Avenue. The shuttle service operates every five-to-10 minutes during Metrorail hours.
- Pedestrian Walkways: To cross Rockville Pike at Park Road or Church Street, pedestrians should use marked crosswalks and following pedestrian crossing signals.
