Photo by james1428

As the D.C. region hunkers down in preparation for the certain doom that is a “wintry mix and possible snow” this weekend, Metro riders can brace themselves for a different kind of doom: Delays because of service changes.

In news that is surprising to no one that’s ever ridden the Metro, there will be some serious service changes this weekend, due to scheduled track work. The track work will affect five different Metro lines, beginning tonight at 10 p.m. and extending through closing on Sunday.

Here’s what’s going down, via a press release:

• Red Line: Trains every 10 to 20 minutes. Work performed will be improvements to third-rail infrastructure and track conditions between Twinbrook and Grosvenor stations; leak mitigation and track improvements between Forest Glen and Glenmont stations.
• Orange Line: Trains every 20 minutes. Work performed includes reconstruction of the station platforms at Minnesota Ave and Deanwood stations will continue, along with tie renewal, insulator renewal and structural improvements.
• Blue Line: Buses replace trains between Rosslyn and Pentagon. Trains running between Franconia-Springfield and Mt Vernon Sq. very 15 minutes during daytime hours (via Yellow Line bridge). Trains running between Largo Town Center and Rosslyn every 20 minutes. Work performed includes NTSB-recommended track circuit module replacement and improvements to third-rail infrastructure and track conditions.
• Yellow Line: Trains every 15 minutes between Huntington and Fort Totten. Yellow Line trains will operate every 15 minutes throughout the weekend due to the schedule effects of rebuilding work on the Blue and Green lines.
• Green Line: Green Line trains will operate every 15 minutes throughout the weekend. Work performed includes rail renewal and welding to provide a smoother ride.

Bearing that in mind, I suggest taking up D.C.’s Department of Public Works’ William O. Howland, Jr.’s advice and “make this a time for enjoying family, rooting for your favorite football team or catching up on that book you’ve been meaning to read.” Or just got to a bar and drink your frustrations away.