Ice Mountains and Metro Single-Tracking Impact Saturday Commutes

Ice and Rail Maintenance Challenge Area Travelers

Commuters in the Washington D.C. area face a combination of infrastructure maintenance and environmental hurdles this Saturday, February 7, 2026. While the heavy snowfall from the late January 'Winter Storm Fern' has ended, the region continues to grapple with its aftermath. Massive, soot-covered 'ice mountains' remain on many residential and arterial roads, narrowing travel lanes and creating hazardous conditions for both drivers and pedestrians.

Metrorail Service Adjustments

The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has implemented significant track work for the weekend, primarily affecting the Red and Green lines. Travelers should plan for extra time when using the following routes:

• Red Line: Trains are single-tracking between Dupont Circle and Van Ness for essential safety walk repairs and leak mitigation. Trains are operating every 9 minutes between Farragut North and Glenmont, and every 18 minutes between Shady Grove and Glenmont.
• Green Line: Maintenance teams are performing grout pad rehabilitation, resulting in single-tracking between Anacostia and Navy Yard. Frequency has been reduced to every 18 minutes between Branch Avenue and Mt Vernon Square.
• Yellow Line: Trains are running every 8 minutes between Huntington and Greenbelt, serving as a reliable alternative for some cross-city trips.
• Station Notices: The Half Street entrance at the Navy Yard-Ballpark station remains closed for ongoing escalator replacement. Additionally, the back elevator at Mt Vernon Square is out of service for rehabilitation work.

Road Closures and Construction

Motorists should be aware of several high-impact closures across the District and neighboring Alexandria today:

• Alexandria Crane Work: The 200 block of S. Washington Street is closed to northbound traffic between Duke and Prince Streets until 3 p.m. today. Detours are posted via Saint Asaph and S. Columbus Streets.
• I-295 Restoration: Paving and restoration projects are active on I-295 northbound between the Maryland line and Overlook Avenue SW. Drivers should expect intermittent lane shifts and potential merging delays.
• Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway: DC Water continues temporary lane closures for the cleaning and repair of the Potomac Interceptor sewer line. This work is part of an emergency effort following the recent collapse of a sanitary line.
• Street Obstructions: In neighborhoods like Columbia Heights and Capitol Hill, residual ice piles have turned many two-way streets into narrow, one-way gauntlets. DDOT urges drivers to yield to oncoming traffic in these restricted areas.

Regional Alert: Walk for Peace

Travelers on Richmond Highway (U.S. Route 1) should anticipate rolling closures and delays today as the 'Walk for Peace' pilgrimage moves through Prince William County and Alexandria toward the District. Police are escorting the group, and motorists are encouraged to use I-95 as an alternate route to avoid slow-moving crowds and temporary intersection blocks.