New Stairway to Bethesda Metro (Photos)

A brighter mezzanine and new a new stairway between the mezzanine and platform now greet customers at Bethesda Station, as Metro continues to advance improvements to make it a model station. The new stairs, which opened on Oct. 16, are a permanent improvement to reduce pedestrian congestion during rush hours and provide an additional pathway to move between the mezzanine and platform.

Metro also recently installed and activated new, brighter light strips over the mezzanine to improve safety and visibility, following successful installations of similar fixtures at Gallery Place and Judiciary Square stations. The new light strips, which are suspended from the station ceiling, are more energy efficient and significantly brighter than the “can” lights they replace.

“We continue to be impressed with Metro’s investment in Bethesda Station to make it brighter, safer and more appealing to riders,” said Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner. “I look forward to the next round of improvements — of even greater scope — that will transform the station into a model for the rest of the system.”

The new stairs and lighting projects were completed under budget with a combined value of approximately $700,000. The improvements are funded through the Metro Forward rebuilding program.

Next year, Metro will begin full replacement of the 20-year-old entrance escalators at Bethesda Station. Rising 106 feet, the escalators are the second longest on the Metrorail system and among the longest in the Western Hemisphere.

Photos courtesy WMATA

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