The Half Street SE entrance to the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro station will be closed for an extended period, starting Monday, September 29. This closure is necessary for a major escalator replacement project. Metro officials expect the entrance to reopen in March 2026, just before the start of the 2026 Washington Nationals baseball season.
During this time, commuters and baseball fans will need to use the New Jersey Avenue SE entrance for all access to the station. The station itself will remain fully operational. This work is part of Metro's ongoing program to modernize its escalator systems across the network.
Key Takeaways
- Navy Yard Metro Half Street entrance is closed from September 29 until March 2026.
- Closure is for a large-scale escalator replacement project.
- The New Jersey Avenue entrance will remain open for all access.
- Both mezzanine and west entrance escalators will be replaced simultaneously.
- Project aims to improve efficiency and reduce future maintenance.
Extensive Escalator Replacement Underway
The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is replacing five escalators at the Navy Yard station's west entrance. This includes two mezzanine escalators and three escalators leading directly to the Half Street exit. The project is scheduled to begin immediately after the conclusion of the current Washington Nationals baseball season to minimize disruption.
Metro's escalators are custom-built for each specific location. The replacement process requires specialized heavy equipment and large cranes. These tools are used to remove the old infrastructure and install the new components. This complex work ensures that each escalator fits its unique space within the station.
Project Scope
- Two mezzanine escalators will be replaced.
- Three west entrance escalators will be replaced.
- Total of five escalators are part of this project.
Minimizing Disruption and Improving Service
Metro officials have stated that closing the entire Half Street entrance allows for faster project completion. Replacing all relevant escalators simultaneously reduces the overall timeline compared to phased work. This approach also helps to lessen the strain on any remaining operational equipment during the construction period.
"Navy Yard is one of our busiest stations during baseball season, with escalators moving thousands of fans over a short period of time," said Metro Executive Vice President and Chief Infrastructure Officer Theresa Impastato. "By closing the Half Street entrance and replacing all the escalators at once, we can finish the work faster, minimize strain on the remaining equipment, and offer a better experience for our customers."
The goal is to provide a more reliable and efficient experience for Metro riders once the new escalators are installed. The station sees significant traffic, especially during events at Nationals Park, making robust escalator service essential.
Access During the Closure
While the Half Street entrance is closed, all passengers must use the New Jersey Avenue SE entrance. This entrance will remain open for normal operating hours. The elevator at the New Jersey Avenue SE entrance will also be available for use. However, the west entrance elevator on Half Street SE will be unavailable for the duration of the escalator replacement work.
Commuters and visitors traveling to and from the Navy Yard area are advised to plan their trips in advance. This includes considering alternative routes or allowing extra travel time to reach the New Jersey Avenue entrance. Clear signage will be in place to guide passengers.
Background on Metro's Escalator Program
This project is part of a larger, multi-year initiative by WMATA to replace and modernize escalators across its entire system. As of September, Metro has replaced 122 out of 145 escalators targeted in this extensive program. The effort aims to improve safety, reliability, and customer satisfaction.
Previous and Future Escalator Projects
Metro has already completed significant escalator replacement work at the Navy Yard station. The four escalators at the east entrance, located on New Jersey Avenue SE, were previously replaced. This prior work ensures that the primary alternative entrance remains fully functional during the current closure.
In the current year, several other stations have seen escalator replacements completed. These include the south entrance at Dupont Circle, Vienna, the east entrance at L'Enfant Plaza, Franconia-Springfield, Pentagon, Medical Center, and Crystal City. The consistent progress highlights Metro's commitment to infrastructure improvements.
Recent Escalator Replacements (Current Year)
- Dupont Circle (south entrance)
- Vienna
- L'Enfant Plaza (east entrance)
- Franconia-Springfield
- Pentagon
- Medical Center
- Crystal City
- Navy Yard (east entrance)
Looking ahead to 2025, Metro has scheduled escalator replacement projects for several more key stations. These include Rosslyn, Gallery Place, the west entrance at L'Enfant Plaza, and Foggy Bottom. These ongoing projects are vital for maintaining the operational integrity of the Metro system and serving its millions of riders.
The public is encouraged to stay informed about ongoing Metro projects and potential service impacts. Updates are regularly provided through official Metro channels and local news outlets. Planning ahead is key for a smooth travel experience during these necessary infrastructure upgrades.
